Welcome back to Rad Sourcing.
Today, we are discussing how to overcome the communication barriers that arise when working with overseas manufacturers, including time zone mismatches and language barriers. Working with these manufacturers offers incredible opportunities for scaling your product line and reducing production costs. However, communicating and building long-lasting relationships takes a little more effort.
At Rad Sourcing, we’ve helped dozens of clients bridge these gaps. Here’s our guide to ensuring smooth, productive communication with your overseas manufacturing partners.
Be Clear, Concise, and Visual
Avoid jargon and overly complex language. Most manufacturers speak functional English, so clear and concise communication is key.
The Best practices include:
- Using bullet points instead of long paragraphs.
- Adding labeled diagrams or tech packs.
- Translating critical documents (if possible).
Use Standardized Templates For:
- Tech packs
- Purchase orders
- Product specifications
- Quality assurance checklists
This reduces confusion and helps manufacturers deliver consistent results.
Confirm Everything in Writing
Always recap verbal conversations via email or messaging platforms (like WeChat, WhatsApp, or Slack). Written confirmations reduce the chance of misinterpretation and create a paper trail.
Here is an Example:
“Hi [Factory Contact], just to confirm, we are proceeding with 500 units of the black canvas tote with gold hardware, delivery by August 15.”
Respect Cultural Norms and Holidays
Understanding your manufacturing partner’s local customs, workweek, and major holidays (like Chinese New Year or Golden Week) builds respect and minimizes production disruptions.
Be Time-Zone Aware
When working with overseas partners, overlapping working hours may be limited. Batch your questions and prioritize high-urgency items. Tools like World Time Buddy can help with scheduling.
Use Visual and Video Communication
Sometimes a quick Loom video or annotated image can resolve a product question better than a paragraph of text. Don’t underestimate the power of showing instead of telling.
Final Thoughts
Effective communication isn’t just about reducing errors—it’s about building partnerships that last. Whether you’re launching your first product or scaling up, mastering overseas communication will save you time, money, and stress. This skill will also help you attain better pricing, higher priority in production queues, and a factory’s willingness to collaborate on improvements.
At Rad Sourcing, we help you navigate this process every step of the way, from factory outreach and vetting to quality control and production. If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of global sourcing, contact us at radsourcing.com.