US Companies Struggle with Chinese Skin Care Makers

The import & export business is a major factor in relations between many countries. It's easy for me to see this, especially around my hometown of Miami, the so-called capital of South America. Foreign trade is heavy, and the port of Miami is home to many foreign companies who bring in goods from outside the USA. This is also a common occurence in skin care products. Many of them are sourced in China these days. Margins can grow to be quite hefty when buying in bulk from somewhere like China. Here is a summary of my conversation with one large player in the skin care business based in Miami.

Richard, a spokesman for Elite Serum, a popular eye serum I have reviewed in the past, was crucial in the writing of this article. Having taken an idea from concept to production in less than three months, he had first hand knowledge of the situation and how to successfully bring things to market and ready to sell to the masses.

Richard's company initially sourced products in China, citing quick production, low cost per unit, and perks such as free packaging and artwork design. Of course, with so many eager companies looking to make products on a global scale, China is an often sought destination for manufacturing. However, in Richards case, things did not work out for the best. "It was a learning experience. I learned that the Chinese really have no respect for time management. They gave my company 5 different expected arrival dates for my product. They did not hold promises, and they blamed customs each time even though the products never left port on their side."

Richard then explained how the learning experience was one of the best things that happened in his companies young existence. "We found a real, legitimate laboratory in Miami that has an amazing record with the FDA and State Healthy Board. Yes, our margins decreased greatly, but the safety was always a concern for us using China. It is a trust issue with them, and I simply don't trust them. Don't get me started."

While it is obvious the benefits of using a product made in the USA, many companies fighting for the almighty dollar continue to send money overseas to less-than-legitimate operations, with no knowledge of their sanitation situation or track record in their home country. It is a risk many companies are willing to take. However, from recent news we have learned that even our neighbors to the north, Canada, has less-than-adequate health codes. They recently recalled hydroxycut, a weight loss diet pill that was sold at large in the USA and linked to health issues and one recent death. It's sad that the FDA had to step in to finally protect us people from buying such inferior products.

"At the end of the day, its your health. Do you think the people of China care what happens to you after they send the shipment out of their port?" Richard concluded.

I couldn't agree more. Be very careful when buying anything from abroad.

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