May 2016 TIA Meeting

The June 2016 meeting was an open meeting. Member John Cleaves outlined his strategy for making, improving, and marketing his table top conveyor.

Many members discover that the real challenge comes into play after having an idea and putting strategies in motion. There are so many unknowns that the saying  "inventing is like riding a rollercoaster in the dark" is a pretty accurate description!

Several of our members attended the China Importing 101 Seminar in Chattanooga on June 2nd. Those members learned about the risks and benefits from sourcing through Alibaba. A safer approach is to utilize the knowledge and contacts of Jenny Li, consultant with AsiaSource Co or Elizabeth Rowland, Executive Director of TN-China Network. Working through a person or company that has actual contacts in China is a safer route since so many contacts through Alibaba are not legitimate companies.  Members also learned about customs and shipping from China, which is crucial information if you are having products manufactured in China and subject to many regulations most have not considered. If you need additional information about sourcing, customs or shipping from China, please see Carl Papa.