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Re: [spiers] How any Poles to build a Light?


In a message dated 6/1/04 4:19:32 PM, psnyder@alumni.caltech.edu writes:

<<
John-
I would appreciate some guidance on taking the next step, which is
engaging the manufacturers to determine who builds my product.

I have confirmed my product idea is good and doesn't exist. I have been
working with my designer for one year (he is very busy with other
projects!) and we have evolved the design specification to the point of
being ready to engage a vendor so that they may prepare a prototype.
The vast majority of this type of product (consumer lamp) is
manufactured in China. I have preliminary response from several Chinese
suppliers that are more than willing, even enthusiastic, to discuss the
product with me (surprise!).

***Careful here... you may be talking apples and oranges... yes, the NTDB may
show the vast majority of lamps come from China, but does it show that the
vast majority of YOUR KIND comes from china... how to tell, mo' research...
review more closely the HTS #'s involved, but the people at the USITC as to what
they know about chinese vs polish light imports, bug the polish commercial
attaches for reports on polish exports of such lights... iin short, measure
twice, cut once.***

My designer, very experienced, is quite apprehensive about working with
China. He has had prior work with them that turned out unsatisfactory
and the experience was difficult. He has had good experience with a
particular supplier in Poland who he believes is low cost certainly
compared to European suppliers, possibly competitive with Chinese. The
designer lives in Sweden, and I believe the proximity appeals to him
(although I am not planning to fly him to Poland anytime soon!).

***Porbabaly all true, but you are worrying about cost...certainly we want
the best in the world, and the cost is not so important in that scenario. It is
also possible to start with the poles and then when it is right, ship samples
of the polish item around to get competitive bids, and see for yourself.***

The innovation in this lamp is partly due to the light source (LEDs)
and partly due to the control electronics and the effects both give.
Apparently, very few lamp manufacturers have any experience
designing/building this complexity of product. My designer believes the
Polish company has both. Few Chinese companies, do.

***The communists could rarely get anything right, and what they got right
was usually made by the relatively free poles and yugoslavs... your designer is
expert in this field, I see no downside to yielding to his experience here...
just keep researchig, which is your job anyway...***

To assess a vendor and get a quote, it is necessary to present our
design. To minimize possibility of ip "sharing" BEFORE we select a
vendor, we will present a spec which represents all the materials,
processes, and electronics but does not represent the intended product.

***We, of course, who believe IP (intellectual property) is a cxomplete waste
of time, money.. is a fraud... and immoral to boot, are relatively few here
in usa, so I think this is an unnecessary complication. Suppliers overseas
rather expect these delays with usa custoemrs, so I see no particular downside
here either.***

Even so, my designer is highly suggesting I avoid Chinese suppliers,
even tho I have mentioned all of the reasons that you have so well
taught me. My designer is highly respected in his industry, and I do
want him to support the vendor decision. So should I put the bid out to
the Polish company that he favors and to the Chinese companies? What
would you think if I did not engage the Chinese at all - if I got a
price from the Poles and if it looked like my market could support the
resulting sales price, then go with them?>>

***Here is where the art comes into play, and it seems like the right plan,
with only the caveat that you keep researching, always. Go with Poland to
start... I'd say...

John

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