Stay ahead of the rat race

As the rest of the world gears up to celebrate the end of a decade in a couple of days, China prepares for the celebration of their own lunar new year in less than a month’s time. Also known as the Year of the Rat, the Chinese New Year falls on the 25th of January, 2020. The festivities lasts not for days but weeks together, and consequently the entire nation’s work flow comes to a grinding halt in these few weeks. People all over the country take time off from work to enjoy their biggest holiday of the year.

Even as the people enjoy the festivities, the companies and businesses that rely on Chinese manufacturers and industries take a major hit during this period. To have a better idea of how much of an impact it has, consider the following points:

• Since 2009, China has been named the largest exporter of goods.Official estimates suggest Chinese exports amounted to $2.097 trillion in 2017. Since 2013, China has also become the largest trading nation in the world.
• China’s top trading partners include the United States, HongKong, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Germany, India and the Netherlands. The United States of America alone accounts for 19.2% of total Chinese A production delay on such a massive scale will certainly have repercussions on a global level.

Chinese New Year official holiday will begin Friday, January 25 to January 31st, 2020. Typically, Chinese offices and factories close for about three working weeks, allowing workers time to travel back home to spend the holiday with their families.

Businesses have begun to work around the holiday to ensure no shortage of materials or production delays. Planning ahead and strategizing helps in maintaining supply chain and work requirements. At Fulfillmen, we have maintained a consistent work flow with strategic plans that have gotten us through the holiday rush in the previous years and continue to do so. We are undertaking advance booking for services needed during the holidays and arrange supply and labor accordingly. The shipping cost per order remains the same over the holidays but the handling fee per order has been changed to 10 CNY per order. This includes holiday labor arrangement, handling and kitting service and packing materials.

How to be prepared

By taking a few precautionary steps in advance you can avoid any snag in your business operations during the hectic weeks ahead

1.  Save the date

Keep in touch with your Chinese counterparts to know when they will shut down the factories and offices. Having a fixed deadline can help you to order materials in advance and acquire labor to complete immediate requirements. Have contingency plans in case of delay in reopening of factories or changes in closing and reopening dates.

2.  Plan ahead

You need to accurately predict how much materials you need to be supplied and place the orders way ahead of time. Keep in mind that companies have practising this strategy for a long time and it can get very hectic with every passing day. So you must order in advance so as to not get caught up in delays or shortages.

3.  Transport

With the increase in production reaching frenzied heights as the new year approaches, the demand for shipment also rises exponentially.  Added to that custom clearance in China and other parts of the world reaches an all time high in demand over the holidays. Experts in international logistics and transportation and shipping can help you to navigate the hurdles along the way.

4.  Flexible supply chain

It is always good to have a Plan B in case things do not go as planned. A company must have multiple supply chains, shipping services and warehousing units distributed around the world to meet its demands.

5.  Engage your employees

When you have staff who work in China or deal with staff from China, They will face a lull in the workplace during the festival period. You can utilize that time by engaging them in workplace activities, workshops and training.

The new year is a time for new beginnings, looking back at where we came from and wishing for a prosperous future. A few precautionary steps taken at the right time will ensure that your business does not get affected during this joyous occasion and we at Fulfillmen wish you all a happy and prosperous new year ahead!

If you’re interested to use our service during Chinese New Year , please download the Booking form ,fill it and submit to your sales manager incharge or send to [email protected] with your Fulfillmen ID number in subject .