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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. [...]

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to say that sales constitute one of the pillars of our company. Sales are what bring in revenue, and that is what allows us to expand, consolidate, make new investments, etc. Still, despite their importance, people often fall short when they need to motivate a sales team in furniture hardware distribution. For that reason, in this post we will go over some of the less obvious—but very important—points to retain your star employees and ensure the whole team performs at their best. Taking care of your team. Just as important as offering good hardware Beyond a good salary and good working conditions, which every company knows need to be taken care of from the get-go, there are several factors that impact the motivation of your sales team. All of these factors are related to how the team feels about the company. 1. The customer [...]

Business in China is evolving at an incredible pace. The hardware industry is learning that, in China, it IS possible to improve the price of products without giving up the desired quality. This “discovery” puts us in a very advantageous spot in the market. After 23 years in this nation, IBMH understands negotiations and the internal workings of Chinese furniture hardware manufacturers and companies. Without a doubt, this Asian giant is opening up to the world. Its companies are adopting recruiting strategies and starting to do business in the Western style. However, the cultural traditions rooted in Confucianism are still very relevant. In fact, if you are a Westerner, no matter how much you have traveled to this continent, the cultures are so different from each other that it’s quite easy to make a mistake in protocols or simply not understand certain attitudes. Chinese furniture hardware manufacturers and companies: boss-employee [...]

We don’t know if you are looking to include a Millennial in your furniture hardware business or if you already have, but we encourage you to reflect on it and, of course, prepare yourself for it! This subject is addressed in the 2015 movie “The Intern”. Robert De Niro plays a 70-year-old retiree who starts working as an intern at a company managed by a young entrepreneur (Anne Hathaway). Without giving away any spoilers, it’s interesting to see how two people with such a huge age difference and such atypical roles in our society can come to work together. Although it may seem like fiction, this is starting to happen in the industrial sector. The Millennial generation is climbing to diverse positions in companies. And yes, even executive positions! So, it won’t be surprising in a few years to see ourselves surrounded by young bosses who: • Have a digital [...]

At IBMH, daily interactions with Chinese businesspeople have taught us about their culture and values. But if you are planning on starting a commercial relationship in the furniture and door hardware industry, you should know that business isn’t always done in an office. In fact, many business deals are sealed in restaurants. In order to be successful and close a deal with your local partners or providers, you need to understand the protocol you should follow at these business lunches or dinners in China. It is at these business meals that the Chinese manage the concept of mianzi or “face”; in other words, the level of reputation that a person has socially. What to do at a business meal with partners in the furniture and door hardware industry in China Where to sit? Facing these types of business lunches or dinners in China requires a good understanding of protocol, starting [...]

We live in an age where apartments keep getting smaller and smaller, and the cost per square meter keeps getting higher and higher. Because of this, the ability to optimize your space is essential in order to enjoy your home. Today, we introduce space-saver furniture hardware for fold-out beds. Undoubtedly, a trend that is on the rise in global markets. Fold-out beds for everyone   In order for the consumer, whatever their budget, to enjoy their fold-out bed, manufacturers offer different solutions. They create product ranges with variable prices, adjusting the details in each one. For example, by: • Increasing or decreasing the thickness of the back part, or not including this part • Using manual or automatically positioning legs • Creating lightweight or completely compact structures • Making fold-out beds that are more or less prone to wobbling • Pieces with restricted measurements or ones that adapt to any [...]