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

[Sue McGettigan]

That is fun Shelli, thanks for sharing! My brother learned Chinese at University (in Australia) and spent 18+ years living in China, he has just relocated to Switzerland. My son is carrying on the tradition and learning Chinese at high school (here in the USA). It must be so wonderful for you to meet people around the world who love Stampin' Up!

[Linda]

I understand the many emotions and concerns some of you might have regarding importing product from China. I might have had the same concerns too, before I was involved in something similar at the company I work for. We also recently have been signing contracts in China.

The matter of the fact is, while demonstrators might pay a bit more (or a LOT more) for US made product, our customers will not. Being that SU! has to pay it's demonstrator (me and you!), they have to charge a bit more--I'm sure you've notice price differences with similar product in local craft stores.

Also, I know you want to support your local economy, but have you considered all the product that local companies export to foreign countries as well? How much business would Coca-Cola lose if it only sold its products in US markets? If they did that, how many people in the US would lose their jobs?

Also, think about the people in China--most of them in more dire financial situations than we can even imagine. If all the US companies pulled their business out of China, how many of those hardworking Chinese families would be affected?

More than you or I can count.

What I'm really trying to say is this: We live in a global economy. With internet and other technologies that are constantly shrinking the communication barriers between countries, we have to remember that this is a business. All things being equal, why wouldn't Stampin' Up! import product from China if it was a better price, the same quality, and ultimately allowed more customers to buy it?

I'm all for China. :)

And I have faith in Shelli that she wouldn't pursue this means if she hadn't looked into the Chinese companies and facilities that will soon be providing us with a plethora of new product.

I'm all for new product. And at a spectacular price, I don't see myself passing up the opportunity to buy it. I'm pretty sure my customers would feel the same way. :)

[Kimberley]

I guess I read the post differenty--I read it to mean that the new employees are working to find the best prices on products we already offer, which come from China.

I understand all the "support workers here" comments, but if there is not a top-quality competitive product manufactured in the US for a product line we already sell, then we would be left selling sub-standard merchandise.

Take our punches for example...SU! does not make those, they are made FOR SU! by EK Success. I think a lot of our accessories are made with SU! branding, by already established companies. And as harsh as this may sound, if there is not a top-quality U.S. manufacturer to meet our needs, then it would mean a lowering of standards to accept the American made brand. The reality is this: if U.S. manufacturers are not competitive enough to get the business, other companies and customers go elsewhere, and that's how free market works.

I just don't think it's a good business decision for any company to say, "we are going to go with 100% American made products, no matter what the quality or cost". My belief is that SU! favors American made, and their local economy, and that balanced decisions are made based on ALL the relevant factors, not just blind patriotism or ethnocentric fervor. Just look at the new decorative vinyl we have--that is made in Utah, and I think that shows SU!'s dedication to going with American made, when it makes dollars and sense.

On a side note, I learned Chinese in the Army (years ago), spending a year out at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California. That was an incredible chapter in my life! But, I've never been to China, so...can you take me with you next time you go?? :-D

[Cindy Mann]

Shelli, Hopefully you can answer if you outsourcing to China or just opening up your USA products to another country.

My husband is in manufacturing and it is a sad day with all of the outsourcing that is being done from this country especially when in my own small Iowa community we have had over 500 people laid off in the last month.

Cindy Mann

[Elaine]

What an absolutely beautiful group of people you have pictured today! They are lovely and I bet moving into China has been very very interesting! My friend is a VP at STarbucks who was in China - there are some incredible stories about the differences in culture! Good luck!

[Elaine]

I hope those who have posted about their disappointment with SU going abroad (into China) are not the people shopping at Target or other retail locations for their clothing and other products (from foreign countries). Are their cars, appliances, and other items from strictly American mfrs? I'm sensing some hypocrisy - but I could be wrong.

[Dee]

Another American company bites the dust to go overseas...we need jobs here Shelli!!!...I am so disappointed in SU. Too bad for America. 8^(

[Teresa Brown]

Hi Shelli
This is so cool we no you will only do the best for us all we are all in good hands.
I would like to welcome Steve and Fayer to the Stampin up Family.
I just love your blog dont get time to read it but the time gos so fast when i am on it.
Love and prayers to you all
Happy Stamping Teresa Brown Aus
http://teresastampingontherun.blogspot.com

[Mel - Aussie Demo]

I have no problem with products from china...as long as they come from a factory that treats its employees with the respect we would want for ourselves.

What about all of the other countries where SU are now established? Should we boycott all products not produced in our own countries???

I'm not saying it's a bad thing to be patriotic, but business is business and I'm sure Selli will reveal all in good time.

[Mel - Aussie Demo]

I have no problem with products from china...as long as they come from a factory that treats its employees with the respect we would want for ourselves.

What about all of the other countries where SU are now established? Should we boycott all products not produced in our own countries???

I'm not saying it's a bad thing to be patriotic, but business is business and I'm sure Selli will reveal all in good time.