China Clarifications
Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at 10:30PM OK, I just read your comments on Monday’s blog, and I want to clarify a couple of things.
First, we are not thinking about opening up a market in China for selling at this point in time. The regulations in place for direct selling are so different there than most other countries, it’s just not possible for us right now. Maybe someday, but not anytime soon.
Second, I will always choose US-made products whenever feasible. Just last year I opened our new rubber stamp manufacturing facility to produce our core product--not overseas--but in Kanab, Utah. For years, I bucked the notion of going into China for product, but there came a point a few years ago when it became very evident that if we wanted to stay in business, we would have to make that move. That is the reality of doing business in today’s world.
Even today, when we choose manufacturers, we look at more than price. We look at quality, shipping time, order quantities, and other issues. We don’t always go with the lowest bid prices. In addition, there are some products that we can’t even get anywhere but China. And other products made in the United States whose quality is so inferior that we couldn’t in good conscious offer them to our demonstrators and customers.
Our decision to hire staff members in China was based on two main desires. First and foremost, we wanted to ensure that the products we are getting from China met our standards of quality and safety. Steve and Fayer will do onsite inspections—inspecting both the facilities and the products that are manufactured in those facilities. We have not had that ability before. We’ve always inspected products once we’ve received them here, but we have had no control over the environment where the products are being produced before.
Second, currently we are working through third-party vendors who are brokering the manufacture of these products, and we are paying premium prices (which are still much lower than the prices we can find anywhere in the United States, by the way). If we can work directly with the manufacturers, we can negotiate lower prices when possible and better control the quality.
We have hired people we know and trust, and people who have years of experience. We brought them over here so they could understand more completely our culture and our commitment to quality and safety. Steve and Fayer are not consultants; they will not be working for any other companies. They are working exclusively for Stampin’ Up!, and they are completely dedicated to us—and our demonstrators and customers.
I hope that clarifies some issues. I understand the concerns you’re expressing and thank you for your honest feedback and concerns. I am proud and honored to be associated with people who genuinely care about the world around them.
Reader Comments (31)
To be a competitive business these days you sometimes have to source products from other places and to run a business effectively you need quality products at a competitive price and this would means sourcing from china. It is good that you have found Fayer and Steve to do some of your legwork for you and us.
I have seen many times demonstrators from all over complaining about pricing yet they dont want things produced in other countries - You cant have it both ways.
I feel too now that Stampin Up is an international Company with many providing for different markets its only logical that not all products will be made or sourced in USA. I also know that when there is a problem with a product and it doesnt meet your high quality standard then the product is removed from sale until such time it does meet your standard and this to me shows you not only care about what you sell but you also care about what the customer receives and I cant see you relaxing your standards which is something I am proud to use as a selling point to my customers and I know other companies do not have this high regard of their customers or products.
Again, I thank you for your genuine honesty and prompt reply to the concerns of many
Thanks so much for clarifying those issues for us!
I really enjoy being associated with SU - it is a company that truly cares for customers and demonstrators!
Congratulations on your 20 year anniversary Shelli! The company has come a long way! All the very best for the next 20!
Lisa Martin - Down Under :)
Thank you so much for taking the time to clarify some of our concerns. Me not being the business woman you are cannot truly understand the process you have to go through. By you answering our concerns has clarified this for us.
SU is truly a great company to work for. I have NEVER had a problem with the quality of any item I sell to my customer and know that I can stand by our products..!!!!
You are truly an amazing woman and to take the time to answer our concern solidifies my view of you.
Hoping to speak with you at the Virginia Beach Regionals.
Terry Molineux
((()))reen
Thanks for the clarifications. As a demo, who happens to be Chinese by the way, I'm glad that we're taking pro-active steps around quality control and trying to find the issues earlier in the manufacturing cycle. This latest news to me means "words in action", meaning that the SU philosophy is we not only say we demand quality products and offer superior service, but that you are demonstrating steps to ensure that, for both customers AND demos alike. Thanks!
Long live SU!!!!!!! Congratulations on reaching this great milestone - no great surprise really. I am very proud to be associated with the most impeccable company I have ever dealt with!!!!!
You truly do amaze. I've known companies where to openly question the decisions of the leadership was a sure fire way to get demoted, fired, or made miserable enough to quit.
You are one class act! I am proud to be associated with a company such as Stampin Up!
I think some people are forgetting that we live in a global economy, and Stampin' Up! is not just an American Company any more. Australia, New Zealand, England, France, Germany and Canada all have an interest in what happens with Stampin' Up!.
While I think it's hugely admirable to want to buy US made products (many people here in Australia, want to buy Australian made as well, we now even have logo's on our foods identifying what is ausssie ownwed and made) it's not always feasible or desirable to do so.
Although I've haven't met you (yet!) Shelli, I wholeheartedly trust in you and know that you would never do anything that wasn't right for Stampin' Up and it's demonstrators as well as customers.
I'm all for cheaper pricing if you can maintain the fabulous quality that people the world over, know SU! is famous for. I would love, love, love to pay a little less than double the US price for my stamp sets.
I was so sad to read all those negative comments and people threatening not to but SU! I am 100% behind whatever decission you make, im sure it will be for the best! I hope the negative comments didnt get you down. You have one VERY happy Aussie demo here :)
You shouldn't even have to justify yourself or your actions.
Knowing you (I feel) on a little bit more of a personal level, having been with Stampin' Up! for all these many years, I know you always try and do the right thing, no matter what the situation.
You are as genuine as they come!
Congratulations on your 20th year anniversary! You've come a long way baby!
Love you,
LINDA
I look at this bond with China like a form of "quality control" and applaude SU for taking this step. We need that.
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