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We know that Chinese companies, including those in the hardware industry, are becoming increasingly westernized. However, the fact is that they are still very firmly rooted in tradition. The way of managing business in China, how commercial relationships are established, the behavior of the business owners… All of it is peppered with ideas and rituals of religious origin. At IBMH, we have worked with Chinese companies for more than two decades. We can help you understand the huge influence of spirituality and religion on business in China. Where does the influence of spirituality and religion on business in China come from? Chinese tradition is grounded in a multi-spiritual philosophy in which Confucianism and Taoism play a particularly important role. Religious and moral doctrines have become philosophies of life that feed one another and determine the rules of business. Confucianism and business in China Although the philosophy of Confucius is more [...]

The slow-close air piston is a device with compressed air designed to be installed in horizontally opening doors. The compressed air allows the cabinet door to open, and most of all, to close slowly and smoothly. This “slow-close” adds a touch of elegance to the furnishing in which it is installed, and effectively helps prevent any injury to the user’s hands while closing the door. Varieties of slow-close air piston Before starting, you should know that the piston’s load capacity is low to medium. For this reason, in order to choose the correct air piston, you must first know the weight of the cabinet door. You can find pistons with a wide range of forces, from approximately 50 Newtons to 180 Newtons. However, pistons with higher capacities can be obtained upon request. Quality and installation of the slow-close air piston Obviously, quality is important in any type of hardware, but [...]

Without a doubt, nonslip materials are a minimally complex product, and that may be the reason why they are such interesting items. The low cost of their raw materials, design, production and storage, and their incorporation in final products for consumers (closets, drawers, shelves, rugs, etc.) improve their standing immensely. It’s these types of details that make the difference. Furthermore, nonslip materials can be found in many textures, thicknesses, colors, patterns and finishes. Because of this, there are no limits on design and creativity, meaning there are no limits on the appearance and utility of these materials. Nonslip materials serve many purposes At home: • When placed inside drawers, shelfs and bookcases, they reduce noise and protect against scratches. • They provide extra security underneath rugs. • Can be used inside showers and bathtubs to prevent slipping and falling. • They complement certain walking aids. • If you place a [...]

Telecommuting is a growing reality. Whether by necessity or because of the fundamental structure of the company, more and more employees are doing their work from outside the office. Thanks to new technology, a new work model is being promoted which rests on the productivity of remote work. Because of this, many are seeing that telecommuting for furniture hardware companies could benefit them. Why take a chance on telecommuting for furniture hardware companies? We’ve analyzed the advantages of this work model and studied how to deal with its drawbacks in order to assess the implementation of telecommuting for furniture hardware companies. Benefits of telecommuting • According to the report “Working anytime, anywhere: The effects on the world of work” from the International Labor Organization, telecommuting increases a company’s productivity. This is possible because the worker spends less time commuting from their home to the workplace. • Telecommuting allows the company [...]

If you belong to the industrial sector, and in particular, if you are among the furniture hardware distributors who will attend Interzum Guangzhou 2018: we have something important to tell you that will help you on your trip. A bit of history and context                                  Before getting started, we’d like to give a brief overview of this major international fair for machinery, furniture manufacturing and interior design. This year marks the 41st edition and will include numerous national and international brands, promising huge business opportunities for all attendees. According to last year’s numbers, the number of visitors increased by more than 25%. It’s clear that the global market is growing, along with interest in the production of furniture that is innovative, efficient and attractive. Interzum Guangzhou 2018 is a good barometer to assess our industry and to propose new and more ambitious objectives for our businesses. We all know that a [...]

A country’s culture and traditions influence everything, even business. There is a key concept that needs to be understood before beginning any transaction in China: guanxi. In fact, not knowing what this is can cause a business deal with a Chinese company to fail. In order to control all the variables that affect negotiations, you have to work and live in this country… or, simply have IBMH on your team. Did you know that IBMH’s guanxi is a great ally for your hardware imports from China? What is guanxi? There is no literal translation for the word ‘guanxi’. It encompasses different social implications that go beyond the definition of ‘relationship’. Guanxi is the network of contacts that is built over the course of a lifetime. They are the people you can turn to when you need a favor, but also the people to do favors for. People with good guanxi know [...]

It’s the details which often convince the final customer how this simple and handy lighting accessory will be a success wherever they place it. We are referring to this LED light with sensor for hinges. Kitchen cabinets or bedroom closets are excellent places to install this accessory. Types of LED light with sensor for hinges These small lights for closets and drawers can come in several forms: Button sensor The LED is attached to the hinge using a screw. When the door is closed, this presses on the hinge sensor and turns off the light. In this way, it stays off as long as the door is shut. Light and movement sensor You can also find LED lights for hinges with sensors that will turn on when they sense light or movement. Complete affordability with the LED light with sensor for hinges This accessory is inexpensive and easy to install. [...]