AboutMichael A. Zakkour Expertise I can answer questions about manufacturing and sourcing products in China, including design, engineering, quality control, factory auditing, packaging, shipping and customs clearance.
I can also answer questions about Chinese culture, cross-cultural training and understanding, China business culture and etiquette.
I can also answer questions about developing branding and marketing and sales plans for your off the shelf or OEM products.
Experience President of China BrightStar, LLC a Sino-American manufacturing, sourcing and consulting company. Offices and factories in Beijing, Guangzhou, Ningbo and New York.
Organizations China Institute
Asia Scoiety
Publications National magazines and newspapers.
Education/Credentials B.A. in Communications
B.A. in Marketing
Seton Hall University, South Orange New Jersey
Awards and Honors Guest lecturer at Wharton School of Business at UPENN, Broad School of Business at Michigan State University, New York University's Stern School of Business
Past/Present Clients JC Penney, Philip Morris, Wal-Mart and a host of small, mid size and Fortune 1000 companies.
Question If I am a sales rep for a garment manufacturing company, do you have any suggestions of what some good samples might be to bring to a buyer? Our company makes everything to the customer's request. Should I just bring in our samples of what is being made now? knits in cotton and mostly polyester?
Answer Hello Jackie.
I suggest you bring as many, if not all, samples of the fabrics the manufacturer currently uses in making their garments. The more choice they have the better off you will be.
Bring as many finished products as possible.
It's important also to bring fresh, new ideas to the buyer. They see a great many samples over the course of the year, and most of it will be similar. They are always desperate for something unique.
Remember they have to create a line of products that will do two things:
-Differentiate themselves from the competition and give them exclusivity on a product
-Create a product line that fits their image, price points and look and feel
Its vital that you do as much research as possible on the store as possible. Go to the store and spend a few hours looking at their clothing lines and the overall product offerings.
Tailor your pitch to what you SEE not what you think.
