faqs
Answers to your questions
If I send my product to a China manufacturer will it get copied and be sold elsewhere?
The most important thing is choosing the right manufacturer. Where a design is particularly sensitive it's important to get the factory to sign a non-disclosure agreement before any drawings or concepts are revealed. Sorcit has built up a strong network of manufacturers that we can trust. We also only work with manufacturers once they are fully audited and there is a strong management ethos in place.
How can I be sure the quality of product will be OK when it arrives in my warehouse?
You need to be careful with any manufacturer whether they are located in Europe, America or the Far East. First, choose the right manufacturer: they need a strong management with good quality control measures in place. If you use Sorcit, our Chinese QC team are in the factory during the production and final packing stages to check this for you.
How long does it take to develop, manufacture and deliver a product from start to finish?
This depends on the product but, as a guide, it will take 2-3 weeks for each sample development stage (unless special tooling is required which can take 30-45 days). Once approved and an order is placed with the factory, it will take another 45-60 days and then up to 30 days shipment.
When do I need to pay for the product order?
Typically our payment terms mirror the manufacturers', which is 30% deposit on order confirmation and the balance upon shipment of goods from the manufacturer. If you need extended terms, we can do this by increasing the cost slightly (depending upon the length of the terms).
What does the product cost include?
That depends on how far you want us to send it:
- FOB - Delivered to the manufacturer's shipping port
- CIF - Shipped to your receiving port (including marine insurance).
- DDP - Direct to your warehouse, including all customs charges, duty, and insurances.
How does Sorcit make its profit?
We build this into the price we quote you.
What currency do I use to pay for the goods?
That depends on how you want to buy the product. If it is FOB or CIF, you will pay us in US Dollars. If you want us to manage the complete process, including delivery to your warehouse, we will invoice in pounds sterling (including VAT).
Do I have to arrange the shipping and transport?
Only if you want to. For FOB you arrange the shipping and transport, etc.
For CIF, we arrange the shipping and marine insurance and you take over responsibility once the goods arrive at the docks. For DDP we manage everything to your warehouse, except unloading the actual container.
Can Sorcit help with the concept development and specification of the product?
Yes, in most cases - though this of course depends on the product. We charge an agreed fee before any work is started.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
Many people think that in order to deal with China you need to order thousands of products or even container loads. This isn't necessarily the case. It all depends on the product and complexity of the design. We have very strong connections with a number of manufacturers where they are willing to work with us during the early stages of a company's development, with the aim of gradually increasing quantities as the product becomes established in the marketplace.
Got a question that isn't here? Just contact us as we'll get back to you as soon as possible with help and advice.