For international buyers, managing payments to Vietnamese suppliers involves navigating both financial logistics and local regulations. Two of the most common payment methods—Telegraphic Transfer (T/T) and Letter of Credit (L/C)—offer different balances of risk and cost. Furthermore, complying with Vietnam’s "Red Invoice" rule is non-negotiable for … [Read more...] about Navigating Payment in Vietnam: Your Guide to T/T vs. L/C and the “Red Invoice”
Sourcing Guides
The “Tet” Shutdown: How to Survive Vietnam’s 3-Week Manufacturing Blackout
If you are new to sourcing in Vietnam, you are about to hit a brick wall called "Tet" (Lunar New Year). Unlike the Western "Christmas break" where people answer emails, Tet is a total shutdown. Factories close. Customs slows down. Trucks stop running. If you don't plan for this, you will have zero inventory for February. 1. The Timeline (What Actually Happens) Tet is not … [Read more...] about The “Tet” Shutdown: How to Survive Vietnam’s 3-Week Manufacturing Blackout
Manufacturing Cost Breakdown 2025: Vietnam vs. China (Real Data)
Every week, I get the same email from US and EU buyers: "I know Vietnam is cheaper than China, but by exactly how much? Is it 10% or 50%?" The answer determines whether you should pack your bags for Hanoi or stay in Shenzhen. As a Hanoi-based consultant and engineer, I don't rely on rumors. I look at the hard data from industrial zones in Bac Ninh (Vietnam) and compare them … [Read more...] about Manufacturing Cost Breakdown 2025: Vietnam vs. China (Real Data)