Australians doing business in china
Interview with Tom Daniels Co-Founder of OneLink
MORE Australian businesses ARE TAPPING INTO China's world-leading manufacturing capabilities
China's economic transformation and technological advancements over the past two decades have established it as a global manufacturing powerhouse.
As China excels in producing high-quality goods, particularly in the technology sector, labor-intensive low-cost manufacturing has shifted to other parts of Asia. This shift presents Australian companies with more options for sourcing and production across the Asia region.
To help us understand what’s happening in China, we reached out to speak to Tom Daniels, Co-Founder of OneLink, a leading sourcing and custom manufacturing partner, bridging the gap between Australian businesses and Chinese manufacturing.
Tom's journey to China
Tom's fascination with China began when he started studying Mandarin. As Tom describes it, learning Mandarin “piqued my interest in the language, food and culture.”
After a year of studying, Tom booked a trip to China. He travelled solo by train from north to south China, immersing himself in the local culture.
“The trip ignited my passion for China. As soon as I got home, I started looking for ways to build a business that could get me back living there” says Daniels.
Creating OneLink
Tom co-founded OneLink, a sourcing and custom manufacturing partner for Australian businesses wanting to manufacture in China and other parts of Asia. The business has grown rapidly each year since its inception.
OneLink focuses on removing the common risks associated with manufacturing in China and other Asian countries. “With a team of English-speaking professionals on the ground, OneLink brings a deep understanding of Chinese business practices, language, and culture, while maintaining Australian quality standards” says Daniels.
Tom’s business is just one example of an open door for Australian companies to easily source products from China or manufacture custom items, now without the hassle of travelling to China and navigating the complexities of doing business there.
OneLink's comprehensive services include: Sourcing, price negotiations, custom manufacturing, quality control, freight and logistics.
Tom’s advice for Australians considering visiting or doing business in China:
We asked Tom for his advice to Australians on the fence about travelling to China or doing business there. Tom's advice is straightforward: "Just go! Experience it for yourself. See China with your own eyes for what it is, not what you've been told"
Tom believes that most assumptions about China are outdated, given its rapid changes. China is a safe and enjoyable destination for travellers of all ages and genders. The people are friendly and English is widespread in major cities.
Common mistakes in Chinese manufacturing
There are frequent errors made by businesses attempting to manufacture on their own. As Tom explains, “they might not understand that with their product and design specifications, there are hundreds of different factories that could produce it. They could go with the first one they find, but it may not be suitable”.
Another common misconception is that many think it's a race to the bottom on price and quality. “Just because you can manufacture at your target price, doesn't mean the quality will match” says Daniels. With proper guidance, world-class quality products can be manufactured at competitive prices.
Photo: Associated Press
China's manufacturing leadership
China's current position as a global leader in manufacturing and supply chains will continue in the future. As Tom notes, the quality and efficiency are unparalleled.
“It’s time for Australian businesses to take another look at China. Many people's perceptions of China are stuck in the early 2000s, failing to recognise the country's remarkable progress. A lot of our customers are blown away by China when they spend a few days with us over there. All their misconceptions are wiped away," Tom concludes.
OneLink is helping Australian businesses navigate the complexities of Chinese manufacturing, unlocking tremendous opportunities for growth and collaboration in this dynamic market. Thank you Tom for sharing your insights!
To learn more about doing business in China, or to connect with the Tom and the OneLink team, fill out the form below to get in touch: