Frequently Asked Questions

Plitt International Solutions offers "In-Hand" pricing. What does that mean?

Prices quoted by Plitt International Solutions are inclusive of the cost of goods, all shipping (domestic and international), all customs fees, etc. Our desire is to eliminate as much pain as possible associated with international trade. To do that, we have eliminated the unending stream of bills typically connected with importing a product. We also think that having true costs allows our clients to more easily measure the potential benefits of sourcing products from Asian firms.

How do I know if sourcing from China, East, or Southeast Asia is right for our Company?

Without an in depth analysis and some initial steps taken in the sourcing process, it may be hard to tell if you are on the right track. Profitably buying from China requires a combination of:

Sufficient quantity of goods purchased
Sufficient value of goods
Landed costs being acceptable
Finding the correct factory(s) to produce your product

In sourcing from China, the most important question for your company to answer is: Will we be more profitable if we source from China? Secondly, are we willing to adjust the way we do business in order for China to be an option? Many US firms willing to modify their processes will reap large benefits from international trade. Those that fail to make that change will be forced to find other means of competitive advantage.

What products make sense to source from China, East, or Southeast Asia?
Typically products associated with high labor costs and/or are of large quantity make the best products to source. Low run or one-off items do not lend themselves well to Chinese manufacturing. Products where short lead times are required are usually not well suited for international sourcing. The exception to that rule would be items that can be shipped via airfreight while maintaining sufficient profitability.

Is outsourcing particular products from China, East, or Southeast Asia likely to be a continuing trend?

We think the current shift from Western manufacturing to Eastern manufacturing will continue for some time. Benefits to manufacturing off-shore include lower taxation, lower labor costs, and a large labor pool. Labor intensive manufactured goods account for a large portion of US imports.

What is the typical make up of Plitt International client base?

Manufacturing
Manufacturing companies of all sizes and product categories approach Plitt International Solutions for help in international sourcing and more specifically, our expertise with China. Our customers are located throughout the United States as well as internationally. We work with all levels of personnel at manufacturing firms. Initial contacts are commonly made at the corporate management level (President, CEO, CFO, COO, General Manager). Project details are carried out or provided by middle management (Purchasing managers, Production managers, Project engineers). International purchases through Plitt typically start at $10,000 per year per part number.
Common threads of manufacturing firms we serve:

Firm is looking to lower costs
Little or no direct international sourcing experience
An unpleasant international sourcing experience
Firm is feeling heavy competitive pressure from domestic competition
Firm is open to new ways of thinking
Desirous of gaining expertise in international trade
Have staff open to international sourcing
Streamlining of sourcing is a priority
Manufacturer often has a high level of anxiety regarding international trade

Retail
Plitt has worked with retail establishments of small and midsize, and of varying product categories. Retailers can be located anywhere in the United States. Location seems to be of little concern to retail clients. Buying behavior is typically scheduled, but with ever changing product styles and of varying quantities. One time orders are common. We work with all levels of personnel in retail, with midlevel personnel making the primary buying decisions. Initial contacts, as in manufacturing, are almost always made at the corporate management level (President, CEO, CFO, COO, General Manager). Project details are carried out or provided by middle management (Purchasing managers). International purchases through Plitt start at $5,000 per year per product type. Common threads of retailers we serve:

Little or no direct international sourcing experience
Firm is feeling heavy competitive pressure from domestic competition
Firm is open to new ways of thinking
Desirous of expertise in international trade
Have staff open to international sourcing
Privately held company
Firm is looking to lower costs
Streamlining of sourcing is a priority

Wholesale
Wholesalers of small and midsize and of varying product categories (snowboarding boots, precision forgings, engine accessories, baby garments, etc.) have been a successful and growing business segment for Plitt. Wholesalers can be located anywhere in the United States. Location seems to be of little concern to these clients. Buying behavior is typically scheduled, with seasonal product runs, but of varying quantities. One time, annual, orders are common. We work with all levels of personnel in wholesale, with high level personnel making the primary buying decisions. Again, initial contacts are made at the corporate management level (President, CEO, CFO, COO, General Manager). Project details are carried out or provided by middle management (Purchasing managers, Designers, Project engineers). International purchases through Plitt typically start at $25,000 per year. Common threads of wholesalers we serve:

Little or no direct international sourcing experience
Firm is feeling heavy competitive pressure from domestic competition
Firm is open to new ways of thinking
Desirous of expertise in international trade
Have staff open to international sourcing
Privately held company
Firm is looking to lower costs
Streamlining of sourcing is a priority

Not-for-Profit
Large not-for-profit organizations have been excellent clients for Plitt International Solutions. Often large promotional campaigns are conducted and Plitt is asked to be the resource for the promotional items. Not-for-profits can be located anywhere in the United States. Buying behavior is sometimes scheduled, but more often than not, coincides with a marketing push. Seasonal product runs are not uncommon and quantities vary with funding levels. One time, annual orders are common. A high level of flexibility is needed and Plitt International is able to fit that need. We work with all levels of personnel. Lower level personnel gather product details, and final buying decisions are often made by committee. Initial contacts are made at all levels of the organization. International purchases through Plitt commonly start at $20,000 per year. Common threads of nonprofit organizations we serve:

No international sourcing experience
Organization is looking for high perceived value in items sourced
Firm is open to new ways of thinking
Desirous of expertise in international trade
Have staff open to international sourcing
Low cost is the driving attribute

Entrepreneurial Ventures
Entrepreneurial ventures and business start-ups are the most fun to work with and develop into very loyal clients. Plitt International Solutions has sourced fishing lures, crafts, electronics, office furniture, metal fabricated items, luggage, and machined parts for these firms. These firms can be manufacturing, retail, or wholesale. Plitt International Solution's sourcing ability is highly valued and we have profound impact on the success of these clients. Firms can be located anywhere in the United States or in Europe. Buying behavior is typically unscheduled and with varying quantities. We typically work with the business owner or founder. Common threads of entrepreneurial firms we serve:

Little or no international sourcing experience
Firm is open to new ways of thinking
Desirous of local expertise in international trade
Are not engaged in machine manufacturing
Expect to see a representative of PI during the project start-up
Expectant of participation in strategic planning of the sourced product
Have staff open to international sourcing
Privately held company
Firm is looking to lower costs

Plitt International Outsouring Questions

Have any questions?

What is it that Plitt International does that no other company can provide?

While all our strengths can be imitated, it is unlikely that a majority of our strengths can be duplicated by any one company. For example, the combined experience of international shipping, banking, and negotiations with Chinese suppliers sets us apart. Additionally, our knowledge of the Chinese culture, language, and time spent in country provides our clients with unparalleled service and results.

What products does Plitt International specialize In?

The list is constantly growing. We have been fortunate in sourcing projects from a wide range of industries. We have clients in manufacturing, wholesale, and retail. To see a complete list of products that we specialize in please click here. At Plitt International Solutions we are always looking for new products to specialize in, so feel free to contact us if you are looking to manufacturer a product at a lower cost.

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