Both factories are in ShaoXing, the city my hotel is in, which I learn is the textile capital of China. So I am staying in the perfect spot. At the first factory we are lead to an office space and are greeted by what appears to be 2 youngsters. Turns out that they are agents for the factory, probably because they have english. At best, they may have recently graduated from the University. They offer us hot tea and some sweet gummy treat. I say I like it. It's good but I want to be polite so I take another. They then give me a brand new full container of it. So nice! There are poly fleece fabric samples hanging orderly all around us.
They tell us that they can make this product. They ask to keep the yellow blanket and they bring in there pattern maker who traces the parts like the ears and the petals on top. I give them an electronic file to use for the pattern as well.
After we chat a while and trouble-shoot construction questions and concerns, we exchange business cards in the culturally polite way. You extend yours with two hands palms up, they recieve it in the same fashion. Then you accept theirs and it is respectful to examine it before you stuff it somewhere.
Judy and I give polite goodbyes and head towards the other factory. Apparently it is difficult to find so Ms. Kong, the factory owner, is waiting on the side of the road for us to follow her for the last portion of the trek. We go over bumpy dirt alley-ways and eventually come to her office. It has marble everywhere. It's clean and orderly but not lavish.
Judy knows the drill by now so she is running through the explanation of my product, fabrics, designs and timeline. Ms. Kong cannot speak any english. She is maybe 36? She smiles a lot and they laugh a bit. At a certain point, Judy says in a hushed voice that she is very impressed with Ms. Kong. She says that Ms. Kong is very professional. Ok here comes the bonus. Ms. Kong has done hooded fleece blankets before! She heads out of the office to grab the example. It looks to be a blanket that wraps around an adult who might be holding a baby in an infant carrier on the front. Clever concept! The product is sewn really well. I am getting excited.
Ms. Kong heads to her desk and pulls out a calculator. Because of Ms. Kong's experience, she can give a quote right there and then. Judy is again impressed. Ms. Kong's factory also makes their own poly fleece so ANY color is possible, and can be produced fast. Awesome!
Ms. Kong, like the other factories, agrees to make a sample to show her quality. She takes the blue blanket. I give her an electronic file for the pattern and we are off again.
Judy and I head back to my hotel and I offer her a quick dinner at the hotel buffet. She is super hungry so it's the fastest solution to dinner.
Another great productive day under my belt. I am now thinking that maybe Ms. Kong's factory is the ticket. She has the experience and Judy liked her. Because I don't speak the language, I am not able to pick up on these personality things as well. I am super lucky to have been introduced to Judy. Super lucky. I hope to repay her by helping her with her business or paying her something.
Now I need to wait for all samples to be completed to compare quality! I am thinking that I will need to extend my trip. I'm debating whether or not to approve 2008 prototypes from home. I eventually decide to stay because it is the fastest way but I have to fester over the decision for a while. My Great Aunt Alice is having her 100yr birthday party June 1st. I will miss this. I have missed Mother's Day and could potentially miss Father's Day. This prototype sign-off is critical though. If I want to have inventory for the September 1st tradeshow in Las Vegas, I have to stay here and finish onsite.
Time for bed
XXOO
Sheila
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