International purchases, and specifically in countries like China, in the face of the Covid-19 crisis require exhaustive knowledge of the legal import requirements, as well as the legislation in force in each territory.
How many times have you heard these days about the importance of the value of small things? We remember those details, a hug, a handshake, a pat on the back, a beer with friends, a simple walk in the park,… those big little things we don’t pay attention to. And at the same time, how many hoaxes and false news reach you at every moment? How many miraculous solutions against the coronavirus or easy solution to any problem have come to you lately?
Well, the same thing happens in the professional world, in the world of companies and organizations, with inaccurate news, fraudulent products or simply suppliers, if not fictitious, without the ability to give the appropriate response at critical moments.
Ethics and Respect
Certainly the pandemic that we are experiencing is also showing the importance of two key elements in the world and our relationships and, in particular, in business and the links between companies. I am referring to ethics and respect, necessary in any personal or professional relationship, as well as rigor and truthfulness, fundamental pillars on which dialogue between countries and organizations must pivot.
This ethics and rigor, to which I referred earlier, are conspicuous by their absence on too many occasions, but it is in these days of crisis, when the lack of these elements appears with more virulence when it comes to acquiring goods, with a specific offer, but with an exponentially growing demand. And it is precisely now, when, contrary to the solidarity and dedication that we observe in different professional sectors, the lack of ethics and responsible behavior on the part of suppliers and distributors is also evident.
Have a purchasing partner
International purchases, and specifically in countries like China, require exhaustive knowledge of the legal import requirements, as well as the laws in force in each territory. Therefore, whether the acquisition is made from manufacturers at source or through distributors, it is crucial to know how to detect those ‘false’ organizations that can compromise both the delivery and the quality of the products purchased. Supplier approval processes, as well as their pre-selection processes, are especially relevant in any situation, but they become crucial in episodes of health, social and economic crises like the ones we are currently experiencing. In the case of countries such as China, India or Korea, and in Asia in general, it is highly recommended to have a purchasing partner who can advise with distributors and who has links in the field as well as legal knowledge on commercial transactions in the country.
If the quality of the organizations with whom we establish purchasing relationships is crucial, the quality of the requirements of what is to be acquired is no less important, as well as the guarantees of delivery, times, technical and functional specifications, payment conditions, … China, like other global suppliers, is also undergoing the ups and downs of a recent health crisis, while the trade fight with the United States and lower economic growth in 2019 have put pressure on the markets not seen in a long time. This implies that purchasing processes with the Asian giant imply greater control of guarantees and precautions in commercial transactions, not to mention the need to ensure that suppliers and manufacturers have the export and manufacturing licenses required by law. specific to the country, and especially to cover the legal requirements of the destination areas of the goods, in our case, Spain or any other country of the European Union.
Good risk management
Do you know how many deliveries of material are made partially, with defects, or have never even been delivered, after having made an advance payment? We have already commented on other occasions the importance of good risk management and specifically the existence of a formal contract as the starting point of any transaction, and especially, in the circumstances of competition and competition in which we find ourselves in the markets. . It is essential to have the necessary legal coverage, which guarantees us, either the reimbursement of what has already been paid, or the replacement of the merchandise in case of defects, errors or malfunctions.
Just a few weeks ago, just days after the cancellation of the 2020 Mobile World Congress, we published from Mirihi an article about the VUCA environment in which we have lived for years and the risks of globalization, both inseparable factors, and which the Covid-19 crisis has brought to extremes, certainly unknown. The paradigm of Cost, Quality and Service together with Flexibility, Innovation and Risk Coverage will change, and has already changed, with risk management prevailing over the other elements, and more, guaranteeing that they continue to be carried out with the best quality standards.
Along with all of the above, we must place a special focus on the need for business ethics to prevail in all our business and professional relationships. It is now when those organizations, companies, companies, institutions, … public and private, we must take care of our behavior, personal and professional, making a banner of honesty and respect, transparency and rigor.
