Welcoming New Employees

Meet Fayer Lee and Steve Chan, our new Stampin’ Up! employees—in China! Is that cool, or what? (Steve’s new wife is also in the picture.)

We’ve been working on this for several months, ever since four of us from the home office spent more than a week in China, visiting a huge manufacturing exhibit, contacting vendors, and exploring the possibilities. We met some fantastic people (including Steve and Fayer), made some great contacts, and came back very excited about the possibilities.

Steve and Fayer visited us at the home office, receiving training and getting to know everyone better. I had lunch with them, which is when we snapped this picture. Their main job at this point is to help us find the best pricing--and quality--for the products we offer that are made in China. So, I guess I need to start learning to speak Chinese now. . . . 

Comments

[Dawn Olchefske]

Wow - that is cool! I look forward to hearing more about the new venture.

[Bev]

According to Michael Phelps, Rosetta Stone is the best program to help one learn Chinese!! Good luck!

[Bobbie Lawrence]

Hi Shelli,
Now don't they make you feel so tall?! My mum is chinese and she's only 5 ft. tall. I'm the 2nd shortest in the family, but I always feel so tall next to her! hehe

Chinese isn't too hard to learn to speak, but writing is a WHOLE different ball game.

Zai jen!

Thanks for sharing!

Bobbie *Ü*

[Lisa Regenold]

Wow! That is super cool! I love SU! and it's global vision. It just shows that creativity has no boundaries, and I love that our company continues to prove that. I check your blog and the website everyday just because I'm always wondering what new and exciting thing SU! (and YOU) are doing! Keep up the great work!

[Maureen Stivala]

Yeah, Baby!! SU! is a worldwide epidemic, and its the best thing you could catch!! LOL Spread the love!!! woo hoo!!

how very cool....

((()))reen

[Sharon Bridwell]

As always I love how Stampin' Up! (and you) continue to try and find the best way to do business for the best price. Welcome Fayer and Steve! Oh and Shelli, I really think they need to "expreience" convention next year! LOL!
Sharon

[Evelyn]

You are a true inspiration to anyone wanting to start their own business. Did you ever think that your Stampin' Up! business, started in your home, would end up being a world-wide venture?! How amazing is that.

[Lydia Fiedler]

WOW - that is incredible!!!! What great news!

[Irene]

So sad, yet another company going to China for product.

[Shelly]

I'm sorry to see SU moving into China for production...worries! But, I'm sure you will check and double check for safety for us and the employees.

[kandi]

how very exciting! thanks for shaing the news.

[Sad in the Midwest]

This posting truly saddens my heart, in light of the current economic status of our country.

[Angie]

I HATE to see that SU! is going to China for products!! With all that has happened with products from China I would think SU! could find them in another country - like here in the US. I know they may cost a little more but what's more important - the safety of our customers and their children, our economy or saving a little money? This is a sad day for us IMHO!

[Joy Willinger]

I am sad to see the SU is turning to China, especially with their unsafe products that we have seen recently.
I would love to see SU turn to the American market.

[Jade Boteler]

that's fantastic, I love that SU is going to more and more countries. Maybe with their help we in the us can have more asian inspired stamps. I erally love the chinese culture and look forward to hearing more about SU branching out into China!!

[Audra]

I love this company and of course Shelli's blog. It does worry me, too, that we have to go to China to get products. With my experience in manufacturing, the upfront costs seem to be able to save a company money while in the long run costs of transportation, inspections/customs, defects, time delays, quality issues, etc. end up costing a lot more than the initial seemed savings.

It is sad that we can't keep or find a spot in the US to make products, especially in this economy of unemployment and recession. We could get a factory going right here in Wisconsin for you! :)

[Judi Parker]

I must have read it differently. I saw it as a new market opening up for SU products in China, not buying product from China to produce SU merchandise. I must admit I would be very unhappy to learn that we are outsourcing production to China or importing Chinese goods for production here.

[UKDemo]

Let's hope that SU can set up the Chinese warehouse better than the European one... it sucks! New catalogue out, and not able to cope with the demand... communication is VERY poor, stock running out... many demos threatening to quit. Let us know what's happening.... PLEASE!

[Colleen]

Gosh, I have always thought of SU as a patriotic American company. I don't mind paying more for a US produced product. Country of origin is a primary consideration in my purchases. I hope the SU catalog will indicate which products are made in China so that customers may make an informed decision prior to purchase. If not,I am afraid I will now have to inspect each item in my shipment and return those that are manufactured in China or else just stop purchasing SU products altogether. I am very disappointed in SU.

[Terry Molineux - Lindenhurst, NY]

I too am saddened. I have been out of work since 6/07 and I would love to have a job...yet minorities or other countries are getting what is so much needed here in the states...

Sorry I am not for this venture....

Terry Molineux

[Shelly]

rather be quick to judge...Shelli can you explain what you mean by 'possibilities'? do you mean the products that are already being produced in China vs. new products or is this a new market?(it would seem unlikely SU! could price compete in an Asian market like this)

What % of SU! exclusive and SU! represented products are currently made in China? (ex. i think the Sizzix products are from China so both the SU! exclusive dies and the SU! represented dies would be included) and likely the EK Success items are also from China (punches, empressor, etc.) and what about Fiskars and Tonic?...

[Pam]

Shelli,

Love your blog.....can't believe the emotional comments in response to your latest post. I'm not sure what to think.
But, to change the subject......do you have any information as to where the white folding tray tables were purchased that were used at the Founder's Circle retreat for the candy? I would love to try to find one.
Thank you,
Pam

[gabriella]

I am sad to see the possibility of more SU products coming from China. I try to shop made in America as much as possible, which is why I do not purchase SU ribbon and hardware. I would love to purchase more products made in America, because I feel that it is safer and patriotic

[Lisa Martin - Stampin' Up! in Australia]

Hi Shelli

I love reading your posts.

Initially I was excited to read that SU are going to China - then when reading thru all the comments, I think perhaps you need to clarify a few things.

Take care!

Lisa :)

[Louise]

I think that's great if you're opening up another chapter in another country BUT I too am dissapointed that SU! would be manufactured in China - I would rather pay a bit more and support products made in the USA or Canada. Support North America!!!!!!!!