FAQ
Questions to clarify before a cross-border tea advisory project.
These answers explain the two advisory paths, the one-client-side rule, evidence standards and professional boundaries. Each project scope is confirmed in writing.
Mandate and independence
Do you advise both buyers and Chinese tea companies?
Yes, but on separate engagements. I help global buyers research Chinese supply chains and help Chinese tea companies research international markets and entry paths.
Can you work for both sides of the same case?
No. For the same sourcing, negotiation or market-entry case, I accept instructions from one client side only. The conflict boundary is confirmed in writing before work begins.
What happens if a conflict appears later?
The work pauses while the relationship and project scope are reviewed. If the conflict cannot be resolved without compromising independence, I will not continue the conflicting mandate.
Starting a project
Who pays for the advisory service?
The client that retains me pays the agreed project fee, consulting fee or other written arrangement. The payer, calculation basis and any relevant commercial relationship are disclosed before work begins.
What does a global buyer need to provide?
Product application, target market, expected specification, quantity, timing, certification needs and the purchasing decision the research must support.
What does a Chinese tea company need to provide?
Company role, product and specification, current evidence, markets under consideration, export experience, internal constraints and the market-entry decision the research must support.
Suppliers and samples
Can you arrange samples?
I can coordinate sample requests and supplier communication. The buyer should define the application, evaluation method and acceptance criteria before comparing samples.
What does supplier verification include?
The agreed scope may cover company identity, production role, factory and product scope, certificates, specifications, COAs, export readiness and selected commercial information.
Does a sample approval guarantee future batches?
No. Batch consistency requires agreed specifications, testing, change controls, contract terms and continuing quality oversight.
Compliance and risk
Can you guarantee that a product is compliant?
No. Supplier research and coordination do not replace laboratory testing, legal advice, regulatory review, customs advice or the buyer’s own quality and import responsibilities.
Do you handle contracts and payments?
Commercial contracts and payments remain between the properly identified contracting parties unless a separate written arrangement states otherwise.
Can every claim made by a supplier be verified?
Not always. Findings distinguish confirmed evidence, supplier statements, unresolved questions and matters requiring qualified third-party review.