How to Create a Marketing Plan - Alibaba Entrepreneur

Firms that are successful in marketing invariably start with a marketing plan. Large companies have plans with hundreds of pages; small companies can get by with a half-dozen sheets. Put your marketing plan in a three-ring binder. Refer to it at least quarterly, but better yet monthly. Leave a tab for putting in monthly reports on sales/manufacturing; this will allow you to track performance as you follow the plan.

The plan should cover one year. For small companies, this is often the best way to think about marketing. Things change, people leave, markets evolve, customers come and go. Later on we suggest creating a section of your plan that addresses the medium-term future--two to four years down the road. But the bulk of your plan should focus on the coming year.

You should allow yourself a couple of months to write the plan, even if it's only a few pages long. Developing the plan is the "heavy lifting" of marketing. While executing the plan has its challenges, deciding what to do and how to do it is marketing's greatest challenge. Most marketing plans kick off with the first of the year or with the opening of your fiscal year if it's different.

Who should see your plan? All the players in the company. Firms typically keep their marketing plans very, very private for one of two very different reasons: Either they're too skimpy and management would be embarrassed to have them see the light of day, or they're solid and packed with information . . . which would make them extremely valuable to the competition.

You can't do a marketing plan without getting many people involved. No matter what your size, get feedback from all parts of your company: finance, manufacturing, personnel, supply and so on--in addition to marketing itself. This is especially important because it will take all aspects of your company to make your marketing plan work. Your key people can provide realistic input on what's achievable and how your goals can be reached, and they can share any insights they have on any potential, as-yet-unrealized marketing opportunities, adding another dimension to your plan. If you're essentially a one-person management operation, you'll have to wear all your hats at one time--but at least the meetings will be short!

What's the relationship between your marketing plan and your business plan or vision statement? Your business plan spells out what your business is about--what you do and don't do, and what your ultimate goals are. It encompasses more than marketing; it can include discussions of locations, staffing, financing, strategic alliances and so on. It includes "the vision thing," the resounding words that spell out the glorious purpose of your company in stirring language. Your business plan is the U.S. Constitution of your business: If you want to do something that's outside the business plan, you need to either change your mind or change the plan. Your company's business plan provides the environment in which your marketing plan must flourish. The two documents must be consistent.

Source: http://alibaba.bblog.pl/

Alibaba Makes Ecommerce Software Free for China's SME

Alibaba Group's wholly-owned subsidiary Alisoft will offer free Internet-based management software to all 42 million small- and medium-enterprises (SMEs) in China for at least 3 years. Shopkeeper currently offers an accounting and finance module, and an inventory management and a customer relationship management (CRM) module will become available in May 2009. Shopkeeper is designed as a tool to monitor business operations and financial status in a way that is understandable to business owners who do not have technical financial backgrounds.

Shopkeeper, a Software as a Service (SaaS) offering, also enables users to make online payments via the company's Alipay online payment service, and it offers mobile access.

Subscribers of Shopkeeper may apply for loans under "Ali-Loan," the SME loan-assistance program initiated by Alibaba.com and supported by eight major banks in China. Alisoft will invest up to RMB1 billion over the next three years to cultivate the SME-focused software industry.

Alibaba operates a global online marketplace as well as the Chinese domestic Taobao consumer auction site, which was initially offered as a free service when competing with eBay. The company said recently it wants to enter the U.S. marketplace and has been in talks with companies to explore partnership opportunities.

Source: http://alibaba.bblog.pl/

Alibaba.com bought out European B2B website Aladyns.com

European portal Aladyns.com has agreed to sell a 49% stake it takes in Aladyns.com, an European B2B website in Central Europe, to the leading e-commerce website Alibaba.com, sources were quoted as saying.

Aladyns.com spokesperson said the two sides will ink an agreement in the afternoon of April 01. Nonetheless, some details like exact transaction value will be announced together by then.

After being absorbed by Alibaba.com, Aladyns.com will be combined with the B2B platform Alibaba.com. However, the brand Aladyns.com will gradually fade out of people's sight, and changed to polish brand Biznes-Handel.pl.


Source: http://alibaba.bblog.pl/

Revolutionary eco-textile dye in the making

A team of scientists, led by Dr Richard Blackburn at the University of Leeds, have developed a unique dyeing process that creates colored polymers inside textile fibres via a patented catalytic dyeing process as part of spin-out company DyeCat Ltd.

Spun out of the University of Leeds in 2006, DyeCat was founded by three academics from the University, Dr Richard Blackburn, Dr Patrick McGowan and Professor Chris Rayner. It is the unique combination of skills of the founders that has led to the invention of the DyeCat process.

Fibre2fashion spoke to Dr Richard Blackburn to understand the research undertaken by his team of scientists. He said, “Simple colourless molecules, some derived from natural starting materials, are linked together by a novel catalyst, and the colour develops as the polymer chains grow”.

He continued by saying, “The process has been extremely successful on wool fibres and the wash fastness has been shown to be extremely good, which is logical due to the size and insolubility of the coloured species”.

“The catalysts are very low impact in terms of eco-profile and toxicity when compared to things such as the antimony and tin-based catalysts used in synthetic fibre manufacture, and the process can be carried out cold, which is great news from an energy perspective”, he explained.

He said, “The technology has the potential to drastically reduce the dependence on petroleum as a starting point for dyes, and it should produce colours far more cost effectively, with lower environmental impacts than existing methods of dye manufacture and application”.

“It’s therefore no wonder, investors and major dye companies are showing an interest. Work on cellulosic fibres will commence shortly”, he concluded by saying. The team is working on this research since the last few years and is close to a commercializing the technology.

Dr. Richard Blackburn has experience of dye chemistry, polyester coloration and environmental sustainability issues surrounding dyeing and dyestuffs and is currently a senior lecturer in the Centre for Technical Textiles, School of Design and Head of the Green Chemistry Group.

Source: http://www.fibre2fashion.com/

SWAHILI FASHION WEEK 2009

5th November, 2009 To 7th November, 2009
(Diamond Jubilee Hall, Tanzania )

SWAHILI FASHION WEEK 2009 is going to be held at Diamond Jubilee Hall from November 05 - 07, 2009. Unveil the newest window in to African Fashion as Tanzania marks the launch of its first ever Swahili fashion week. An eclectic mix of Swahili culture ensconced with chic style; Swahili Fashion week is the dawn of a new era. Initiating a dynamic and promising platform for the fashion industry in Tanzania, the Swahili Fashion Week is a coming together of talented designers from across the country under one stand to showcase their unique and truly African creations. This is not only a potential point for existing designers but also an opportune moment for upcoming aspiring designers in the country.

Venue: Diamond Jubilee Hall
Trade Fair City: Dar es Salaam

Source: Fiber2fashion

Rosemount Australian Fashion Week 2009

Rosemount Australian Fashion Week 2009 will be held at CIRCULAR QUAY from Apr 27 - May 01, 2009. RAFW is the Asia Pacific’s stop on the international fashion week circuit joining Paris, Milan, New York and London. RAFW is Australia’s premier fashion industry event, providing a platform for designers to showcase their wholesale collections to the world’s most influential buyers and media. Ready-to-wear fashion and accessory designers from Australia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand, have in the past, showcased their wholesale collections at the event. RAFW is one of Australia’s most powerful fashion brands, which directly communicates with every component of the Australian fashion industry and has enormous interaction with the industry throughout the region. RAFW is seen by many as a one-stop-shop, attracting fashion industry executives, domestic and international buyers from leading department stores and independent boutiques.

Venue: CIRCULAR QUAY
Project Director: Catherine Rodwell (Communications Manager)
Marketing Manager: Lucia Labbate (Event Director)
Trade Fair City: Sydney
Current Exhibitor: ANTONIA PARIS, CHRISTOPHER ESBER, HONEY HARTLEY, KARLA SPETIC, KIRRILY JOHNSTON, NICOLA FINETTI, NICOLA FINETTI AXESSORY, NYLON FLOCKS, PIZZUTO, SARA PHILLIPS.
Current Sponsorors: DHL, MasterCard, The Westin, Yellowglen, Cybershot, Skyy Vodka, Redken.

Source: fiber2fashion

Chikankari: The White Magic

The moment you come across the term chikankari, the mind starts building images of white fabric filled with white embroidery. The designs itself are like flights of fantasy, ranging from small delicate portions to elaborate affairs. It has that irresistible magical affect in itself that one just can not resist the urge to own a piece. Every wardrobe especially in India has at least one chikankari garment and it is also one of the most sought after products or gift items by the immense number of tourists that visit India. But do we actually know what chikankari is? What pains are involved in the production of one single small item? Who are the people behind such beautiful pieces of art? (Chikankari is so breathtakingly beautiful that it can be justifiably compared with art)

Surprisingly we just walk into the renowned retail stores, walk through the various aisles, pick the one that we like, pay and flaunt it in front of our friends. We are least bothered about its origin, its development or its finishing. In order to enlighten ourselves for this purpose, let us move our base to a small village in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India.

eople might wonder why a village and not Lucknow? After all among other things, Lucknow is famous for Chikankari. But unfortunately, we cannot just give the credit of chikankari to Lucknow itself. Although chikankari was first introduced in Lucknow, but in today's times this embroidery is being done in various clusters (villages) in and around Lucknow. In these clusters Chikankari products and fabrics get developed in the hands of mostly women from all age groups. We can find even kids aged 10 in this trade as well as older women of late 50s or till the time they have a good eyesight.

The development of the product starts with selection of the design. Traditionally these designs were the typical paisley motifs and floral bunches, supported by leafy creepers, mostly of Mughal origin. The modern consumer's demand has even brought modifications to these. As the merchandise is changing from saris and salwar kurtas to tops, shirt and tunics, the designs are also becoming more contemporary. A paisley would still remain a paisley but with a modern touch. So the present day designs or motifs have a fashionable touch of some other value addition like sequins, mirror work, zardozi etc, just to be at par with the fashionable crowd.

The chosen design is then engraved on to a wooden block. (Mostly sheesham wood is used.) The problem with wooden blocks is that with time the edges become blunt, so the design which is printed on the fabric becomes very thick, creating a problem for the final washing and finishing of the design as well as hampering the intricacy. Off late blocks are being made with a wooden base with the design on a metallic surface. The same motif can be given a 3D look or a flat look by means of the stitch type being used. The selection of the motifs is governed by the:

• Kind of product
• Kind of Fabric
• Color story involved
• Amount of density required.

The layout of the design again depends on the printer who is doing the block printing. We do have designers who give a brief about the kind of work they are looking for, but mostly the printer handles things his way. The only fact that they think important is the costing of the product. So an expensive garment would have an intricate layout of design with very less negative space while a lesser costly garment would have sparingly placed motifs. The basic material used for transferring the design is indigo (Neel) and diluted glue. Incase the indigo color is not visible on the fabric then silver color is used.

The embroidery stitches used here are so elaborate that there are specialists for different groups of stitches. In one single product the jaali (net work) will be done by one person, the phanda (a 3D bulbous dot, similar to the French knot), done by another person and the bhakhiya (shadow work involving herringbone stitches) done by yet another person. So more the amount of stitches more is the labor involved and naturally more is the costing. The other common stitches used are taipchi, murri, ghas - Patti, keel kangan etc.

The final stage in the entire process is the washing and the finishing. Before the normal wash the fabrics or garments are soaked in certain diluted acids followed by a soak in bleach and soda. All this is done to fasten the colors and to make the white look whiter. Starching the garments is done to give them a stiff look ill the time they reach the retail stores. It is said that the final look of the garment depends on how well the garment has been washed and ironed.

The colors involved in the chikankari garments and products (apart from the traditional white) have also started imitating the fashion scenes and some way of color forecasting is definitely done, because each season the stores do have the "IN" colors. So the consumer will have all options from a minty green to a sunny yellow to a fuchsia and a turquoise. The same goes for the fabrics also. Cotton was there and will always be a part of the traditional chikankari craft. But for the maintenance free consumer of today there are options like chiffon, georgette, net. Some have also started experimenting with denims and wool. Who says Chikan is for Spring-Summer, it can be very much for the Autumn Winter collections as well.

As far as the origin of this craft is concerned, there are various stories. Some say that it is a Persian craft, some give the credit to Noorjahan, and some say that it was a saint who taught the craft to the villagers so that they can earn their living. There is no tale which has authentic facts to support its truth. Whoever started this craft, had definitely given boon to the artisans as well as a fashionable delight to the rest of the world.

The chikankari craft is developing in leaps and bounds today, because the demand and awareness has increased manifold. But with its development the development of the artisans (mostly women folk) is also important. Innovation, experimentation and active involvement of good business practices can be a key to this.

Source: fiber2fashion

Pepe Jeans London unveils the Street Collection

Pepe Jeans London, unveils the Spring 2009 collection across the nation. Keeping in mind the summer season the collection `Street’ is very casual and day wear for men and women.

The Street Collection for Men is created for the summery, sweltering hot days. Colours like sour greens, yellow sorbets, raspberry, milkshake pink, lilac complete the day wear look. Complimenting these colours are the range of ginghams and fine checks which form the basis of a classic London look.

Vintage Union Jacks emblazoned across t-shirts and nostalgic photographs of summer days gone by showcase the British life graphics. Colour palette of raspberry, sour greens, yellow sorbets and ice shades compliment the military tones of the trousers.

Street Women, for both the young, creative girl and the more sophisticated, fashion conscious woman. The inspiration for the younger part of the collection is influences which fall between London and Tokyo, graphic art and my-space. T-shirts, sweats and knitwear in various weights are combined with creative graphic placements.

Pixilated hearts, new interpretations of classic folk embroidery and poppies, both hand stitched and printed, adorn this group. Utilitarian tones of black, white, grey, khaki greens and beige are complimented by summer bright tones of banana, apple, bubblegum pink, turquoise and strawberry. Soft pastel shades of lemon, milkshake pink and lilac complete a summer colour palette.

Pepe Jeans London has a wide range of wallets, belt, caps, socks, bags, etc on display. Drop by to pick up the latest trends and style and flaunt them as you strut your way through summer.

source: fiber2fashion

Puma launches its SS09 Swimwear Collection

Immerse yourself in Puma’s wide variety of fashion forward swimwear and swimsuits. For 2009, we present a wide palette of colors, textures and prints in our women’s swimsuits as well as our men’s swimwear.

Treat yourself to the wide offerings of stunning selection of shorts, two piece bikinis, tankinis, single piece swimsuits for women of every body type. With Puma’s range you can mix and match swim tops and bottoms in a variety of designs, including halter tops, bikini tops, shorts, hot pants & more.

Also find a stylish selection of swimwear cover ups designed to coordinate with a variety of swimwear sets, all in an assortment of sizes. your favorite women's swimwear with a wrap mini skirt, sarong, shirt or shorts that will take you from beach to bar in style.

PUMA’S new SS09 swimwear collection has eye catching and unparalleled selection of swimwear in variety of styles which are sure to turn heads. From sexy animal prints, to naughty polka dots, to flirty floral prints in all your favorite summer colors like the blacks, beetroot purples, gold, red, aqua blue and the poison greens, PUMA swimwear collection have pieces that would make haute style statement. If bikini is not your thing, get hold of tankinis which will promise sensuousness like never seen before. Choose from the collection according to your body type.

For the perfect Hour Glass figure – To show of those sexy scintillating curves adorn your self with the PUMA Triangle Bikini which has a Brazilian cut, or try the Golden halter neck bikini – Ermine & polka dotted Azalea. They also come in graphic prints in black & beetroot purple.

For the Apple Structure – Puma offers Graphic Tankini in black & beetroot purple. This helps to cover the bust region and accentuates the legs.

For the Pear or the Spoon Structure – The Cuppy B, is perfect for this body type as it come in two piece but with shorts which brings out the best in you.

For a fuller or straight body type – Try the Azalea, the one piece swimsuit. Azalea comes in sheer & polka dots. Now go into the open in confidence and style.

The casual Men’s Swimwear collection from PUMA features smart distinctive men's swimwear and beachwear with the emphasis on attracting attention at the pool or beach this summer. PUMA stock the trunks, shorts, board shorts and long board shorts in colors such as navy, white, black, and red plus co-coordinating T-shirts, tanks and vests.

Source: fiber2fashion

FM to slash VAT and corporate tax on textile & garment sector

At a cabinet meeting convened by the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Mr Nguyen Dung, said that, since the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) had grown by only 3.1 percent, the lowest in many years, he would ask the National Assembly to revise the GDP growth rate to 5 percent and increase the scheduled budget over-spending to around 8 percent for 2009.

At a cabinet meeting held in October 2008, the government had decided to maintain GDP growth rate at 6.5 percent in 2009 and control over-spending to 4.3 percent compared to 4.8 percent in 2008, through cutting down expenditure.

A proposal to cut down Value Added Tax (VAT) was also put forth by the Finance Minister. He has suggested that VAT be reduced on yarn, fabric, garments, construction materials and automobile industries.

He also advised cutting down and exempting corporate income tax for small and medium enterprises and exempting personal income tax for low-income earners and announced that he would slash corporate income tax within nine months for enterprises that have capital of less than VND10 billion or less than 300 workers.

Amongst other measures to be taken up by the government; reducing the corporate income tax rate by 30 percent for textile and garment sectors, footwear and mechanical engineering enterprises, or extending the deadline for financial duties for importing enterprises.

Source: fiber2fashion

Australia looks to FTA to open China to investment

BEIJING, March 31 (Reuters) - Access to direct investments in China has become a bigger priority for Australia as it negotiates a Free Trade Agreement, Trade Minister Simon Crean told reporters on Tuesday.

Popular sentiment in Australia has cooled towards China, its largest trading partner in goods and services, after a series of state-owned Chinese firms purchased stakes in Australian mining companies.

The biggest of those deals, Aluminum Corp. of China's $19.5 billion purchase into Rio Tinto, is still under review, while Minmetals has resubmitted its bid for miner Oz Minerals Ltd. after the government blocked its initial bid on national security grounds.

"The investment issue isn't just a one-way street from China to Australia," Crean said.

"We need to understand that the new form of trade is heavily built around investment in situ, not just transporting goods.

Australia's biggest minerals exporters have tended to have sales offices but very limited direct investment in China, which limits foreign investment in mining to deposits that are deemed too remote or too difficult for Chinese firms to develop.

"Given the importance of investment as a significant new paradigm in the relationship between our two countries, quite apart from the case-by-case considerations, it is important to look at a new framework for investment within the FTA," Crean said.

Australia sells hundreds of millions of tonnes a year of minerals to China. It is also seeking more market access for its agricultural exports, as well as financial, legal and other services, through the free trade agreement that has already been through 13 rounds of negotiations.

Crean's trip to Beijing, his fourth during the administration of Mandarin-speaking Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, included meetings with counterparts in the China Banking Regulatory Commission, the ministries of Commerce, Agriculture and Justice, and the powerful National Development and Reform Commission.

Rudd himself has been fighting criticisms about his pro-China stance, with Australia's conservative Opposition Leader Malcom Turnbull accusing him of having become a "roving ambassador for the People's Republic of China".

Two-way trade between China and Australia totalled A$58 billion ($40 billion) in 2008, rivalling Japan as Canberra's largest exporter.

Crean assured Chinese Minister of Commerce Chen Deming that the investment review for the Chinalco deal with Rio Tinto would not be tied to the conclusion of a free trade agreement. (

Source: Alibaba

India's premier travel and tourism exhibition announces its 2009 schedule

(Forimmediaterelease.net) India International Travel Mart is pleased to announce its 2009 schedule at the discerning markets of Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad&Cochin:

* Bangalore: July 18-20, 2009
* Chennai: July 24-26, 2009
* Mumbai: September 11-13, 2009
* Pune: November 27-29, 2009
* Hyderabad: December 4-6, 2009
* Cochin: February 19-22, 2010

With this year's edition of IITM, Travel Media Networks completes 10 years of creating business opportunities for the hospitality, travel, and tourism industry from India and abroad. India International Travel Mart, established in 1998, is India's premier travel and tourism exhibition.

This year’s edition of India International Travel Mart will attract more than 400 participants from over 20 countries and 25 Indian states, with the visitor profile being on a B2B and B2C format.

EXCLUSIVE INTERNATIONAL SECTION:

Taking cognizance of the fact that the Indian traveler has emerged as one of the fastest-growing markets for international destinations in the Asia Pacific region, this year shall, as tourism studies and trends indicate, be the year that shall see more than 10 million dollars in spending by tourists embanking on overseas travel. With the advent of low-cost international airfares and holiday packages that are available on monthly installments payable over a period of time, international travel is no longer a luxury.

India is fast becoming one of the most interesting and productive countries for the travel trade industry both for leisure and business travel. A combination of factors is responsible for the growth and demand of travel trends from India:

* Expansion of industries such as IT, banking, and the fact that many large European and American companies are outsourcing to the major metros of India.

* Increasing exposure through modern technology.

* Introduction of new foreign locations in the largest film industry in the world.

* Generous foreign exchange allowances both for business and leisure traffic.

PAST PARTICIPANTS:

Some of the national tourist offices that participated in the 2008 editions of IITM included India Tourism, Tourism Ireland, Switzerland Tourism, Dubai Tourism, Egypt Tourism, Iran Tourism, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tourism Malaysia, Singapore Tourism Board, and Indonesia Tourism, etc. Some of the International players who were represented at the IITM events included Cosmos&Globus, Star Cruises, Europe Incoming&Taj Tours – UK, Iscra – Italy, Sri Lankan, Ace Incentives – Greece, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Athens Marriott, and Kuoni Holidays among others. IITM also hosted and displayed more than twenty Indian state tourism departments, making it one of the most sought-out events to enhance the visibility of domestic destinations.

India International Travel Mart provides an ideal marketing opportunity and excellent backdrop to enhance the participant's brand-equity in the eyes of the discerning traveler – trade and end consumers alike.

The exhibitor profile includes national tourism organizations and state tourism promotion boards, destination management organizations, airlines, charters, railways, passenger transporters, car rentals, shipping, cruise liners, travel agents and tour operators, holiday packages and holiday financiers, technology providers, hotel reservation networks, hotels and resorts, wildlife resorts, health spas and Ayurvedic centers, timeshare resorts, eco clubs and adventure sports, and educational institutions in the field of hospitality and tourism studies.

VISITOR PROFILE:

* Visitors from the travel-trade industry
* Business travelers and key corporate decision-makers
* Discerning holiday makers

Rohit Hangal Director, India International Travel Mart Handphone: +91-98440-92150 Email: rohit@iitmindia.com

Source: http://www.forimmediaterelease.net/

"A Successful Beginning on Alibaba.Com"

Our company was established in 2001. We started off as a supplier of Promotional Gifts to only 2 customers. Due to the quality of our products, we were appointed as an exclusive supplier in China by our 2 customers and we began to attract more new customers. After 7 years in the business, we are more experienced and are constantly developing new products. We are improving by the year.

However, with limited customers, our development is limited too. I wanted to introduce our products to new markets. My friend introduced me to Alibaba.com, an online B2B marketplace that I wasn't aware of.

We became a Gold Supplier by the end of May 2008. In the past 9 months, we have attracted over 15 new customers, and gained orders worth US$250,000.

3 customers that we met on Alibaba.com placed repeat orders with us as soon as they received our 1st shipment. We also have one huge order that's worth US$100,000. Such good results were achieved because of the services we offer (excellent communication, good quality control and strict shipment supervision) and also what we learnt from Alibaba.com (monthly training courses and friendly trade advice).

Our Gold Supplier Membership should end in May 2009, but we have already renewed the contract in advance. We believe we will get more and develop faster on Alibaba.com! We have had a successful beginning on Alibaba, and we believe that we can build more business relationships with more clients and expand our export business further. Our new goal is to double the achievements of last year.

Source: http://news.alibaba.com/

"We Attract Orders Worth More Than US$200,000 Per Contract"

Our company's foreign trade business started 2 years ago. As a private enterprise, we were in need of a high-quality sales platform to promote our products to overseas buyers. Alibaba.com became our first choice. As a great B2B website, Alibaba.com not only brings many of the world's buyers together, but also assists small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in finding buyers online.

Our company's sales performance grew in leaps and bounds. We have a group of repeat customers that are managed by an experienced team of Sales staff. Of course, all these were achieved with help and support of Alibaba.com.

When we first started on Alibaba.com, we were clueless about how incorporate the Internet into our business. Luckily Alibaba.com's Customer Service representatives were there to guide us on how to use their tools and services effectively. Thanks to them, we managed to attract a lot of foreign buyers. This good start enabled us to trade confidently.

As our experience in international trade is limited, we participated in numerous trade activities such as "Rise of customer training" organized by Alibaba.com to further our learning. The content of the training system is not only extensive but systematic as well. Our learning topics include: how to display products; how to apply the blue ocean marketing theory; how to identify customers; how to reply inquiries; how to follow up on inquiries and more.

Through the training provided by Alibaba.com, our sales team has improved. At the same time, we purchased 2 keywords from Alibaba.com's Keyword Ranking service to enhance our competitiveness. We also managed to get CE, ROH and FCC certification for our goods. Our company has also passed the SGS certification.

In spite of the international financial crisis in the second half of 2008, we still managed to obtain orders. Our company has successfully cooperated with customers from Ukraine and Italy, and has attracted orders of more than US$200,000 per contract.

We're looking forward to cooperating with Alibaba.com to achieve greater successes in 2009!

Source: http://news.alibaba.com/

Training Centre to conduct diploma course at garment unit

Recently an agreement was inked to conduct diploma training courses of the Textile Training & Services Centre (TT&SC) at the Textured Jersey Garment factory, on the occasion of which was present the Additional Secretary in the Textile Ministry, Mr Herath.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Herath said, “Those who underwent training at the Training centre have found gainful employment in several garment units and we will take all steps to upgrade the centre, which will play a pivotal role in the development of the sector”.

Mr Goonathilake, Managing Director of the Textured Jersey Company said that this agreement would open the doors for many other such joint ventures between the TT&SC and other garment units, which would ultimately help in the development of the sector.

Source: Fiber2fashion

"We are international thanks to Alibaba.com!"

Heshan Jiaman Sanitary Ware Co. Ltd. is a manufacturer specializing in faucets, washing basins, bathroom mirrors and glass tops. In the beginning, our company had only a few domestic customers. However, we wanted to extend our business and sell our products in overseas markets. This became possible when we became Alibaba.com Gold Suppliers in 2005. Since then, our international business has developed fast.

Alibaba.com has helped us to increase our business and obtain new partners. We have now established a long-term relationship with customers from more than 20 countries worldwide such as Germany, Poland, Holland, America, Slovakia, Italy, Iran, France, Spain, Indonesia and Egypt.

After joining Alibaba.com, our turnover has increased at 20% every year and we have more than 50 new clients every year. We got an average of 80 serious inquiries every month from our TrustPass Membership and we are able to keep in contact with our new customers easily using Alibaba.com’s instant Messenger TradeManager. Clients can also contact us using our Contact Details by telephone and fax. Business was good as a TrustPass Member, but we knew there was plenty of room for us to grow.

After becoming a Gold Supplier, it did wonders for our reputation. Not only has Alibaba.com helped us by getting us more business, they have also helped us become a better supplier as well. My staff and I regularly attend the training sessions held by Alibaba.com, which teach everything from basic topics such as international trade etiquette to more complicated subjects such as how to make our company stand out from our competitors.

I have learned from Alibaba.com, my company now offers more and better services to our customers and I can minimize sourcing costs and maximize profits. If it wasn’t for Alibaba.com, a small to medium-sized company like ours would never have been able to expand into the international market so fast and with such stability. Thanks Alibaba.com!

Source: Alibaba

Naomi Campbell hits Mai Mumbai Fashion in sari

Lakme Fashion Week, pioneers in the premium fashion and trade event in India for ten years, once again presented one of the most unique fashion events in the history of the industry in the country – ‘Mai Mumbai’ Fashion for Relief Charity Show at Lakme Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2009. The event was held to raise awareness and funds for Citizens for Justice and Peace, in a show of solidarity against the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

It was an evening that the fashion fraternity in India will never forget!

32 top Indian and International designers from around the world presented their creations on India’s renowned celebrities at the ‘Mai Mumbai’ Fashion for Relief show at Lakme Fashion Week, presented by Vikram Chatwal Hotels.

The sensational Indian designer line up had Anamika Khanna, Anand Kabra, Anuj Sharma, Anupama Dayal, Arjun Khanna, JJ Vallaya, Lecoanet Hemant, Malani Ramani, Manish Malhotra, Nachiket Barve, Nandita Mahtani, Narendra Kumar, Nikasha Tawadey, Raghavendra Rathore, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Rakesh Agarwal, Rina Dhaka, Rohit Bal, Ritu Kumar, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Sanchita Ajjampur, Savio Jon, Varun Bahl, Vikram Phadnis and Wendell Rodricks.

The international creators were Anna Sui, Badgley Mischka, Carolina Herrera, Dennis Basso, Diane von Furstenberg, Dolce & Gabbana, Donna Karan, Isaac Mizrahi, Louis Vuitton, shoes by Manolo Blahnik, Matthew Williamson, Naeem Khan, Nanette Lepore, Oscar de la Renta, Roberto Cavalli, Ungaro, Vera Wang, Versace, Valetin Yudashkin, YSL and Zac Posen.

The super stars that graced the catwalk to thunderous applause from the audience were the well known names of India who were dressed to perfection by the designers. Bollywood stars including Deepika Pudukone, Farhan Akhtar, Kunal Kapoor, Rahul Bose and Mallaika Arora walked the ramp. From the world of fashion, India’s very own supermodel Ujjwala Raut, and the country’s first supermodel Madhu Sapre took to the runaway, joined by Fashions first couple, Arjun Rampal and Mehr Jessia.

Also modeling were Socialite Feroz Gujral, Jeweller Queenie Dhody and Best Selling Author Gregory David Roberts. MC for the show, heartthrob to a million girls, Rahul Khanna, also rocked on the ramp along with the one and only Ramp Queen Naomi Campbell as the shopper of the “Mai Mumbai” show. The Mai Mumbai show was directed by the acclaimed Show Director – Anu Ahuja.

The stunning creations presented on the ramp were a variety of styles and ensembles that made a dazzling impact. See attached list of Designer creations.

At the end of the show the beautiful creations will be auctioned on eBay India and the proceeds will be donated to Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP).

The fantastic fashion event ended in a generous contribution from Hotelier Vikram Chatwal. He joined the platform for this worthy cause with the three organizing giants – Fashion For Relief, Lakme and IMG Fashion at Lakme Fashion Week. The generous contribution was handed over to Teesta Setalvad from Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) an organization founded by a group of Mumbai citizens like Alyque Padamsee, Javed Akhtar, Rahul Bose and more who among other initiatives have been working to provide relief and rehabilitation to victims of mass crimes including terrorism.

Source: Alibaba

Dell sees China PC shipments up 28% in FY09

Mar. 27, 2009 (China Knowledge) - Dell Inc, the world's second-largest computer maker, posted a growth of 28% in its shipments in China for the fiscal year ending Jan. 30 2009, the China Daily reported on Thursday, citing Michael Dell, founder and chief executive of Dell, as saying.

Dell said that the growth rate in China is four times as that of the overall industry. The company realized sales revenue of more than US$3 billion in the country, accounting for 5% of its global sales revenue.

The company purchased products worth US$23 billion from China in 2008, said Dell, adding that the number will increase 26% to US$29 billion this year as part of its efforts to reduce cost amid the global financial crisis.

However, U.S. research firm IDC reported that PC shipments in China are likely to rise by 3% in 2009, a record low, because of the global economic recession. It also said that the shipment growth rate would jump to 16% in 2010 when the market demand rebounds.

Source: Alibaba

Ulster Carpets reduces carbon footprint by 9%

Businesses from across Northern Ireland will meet in Belfast to discuss how they can tackle climate change and take steps to achieve the Carbon Trust Standard certification, an international award for businesses that have measured, managed and reduced their carbon footprint year-on-year.

Launched in July 2008, the Carbon Trust Standard was developed by the Carbon Trust in response to growing consumer mistrust of organisations’ green claims and also confusion among business about what they can do to improve energy efficiency. Unlike other award schemes, it requires organisations to take action themselves to cut their carbon footprint, rather than paying others to reduce via carbon offsetting. This clearly demonstrates to consumers which organisations are genuinely taking action to cut carbon and making a difference.

Today’s event will also see Ulster Carpets – Northern Ireland’s largest woven carpet manufacturer – revealed as the first NI business to achieve the Carbon Trust Standard. The organisation, which has worked with the Carbon Trust since 2001, upgraded its lighting systems, installed heat recovery plants and developed energy efficient in-house weaving equipment in order to receive the certification. To date, Ulster Carpets has reduced its carbon footprint by nine per cent over the last three years, saving more than 650 tonnes of carbon.

Speaking at the event, Harry Morrison, General Manager of the Carbon Trust Standard said: “The Carbon Trust Standard is the best way for organisations to demonstrate to customers, stakeholders and staff that they are serious about taking action on climate change. Businesses in Northern Ireland have a critical role to plan in helping the UK hit its emissions targets, and it’s great to see organisations like Ulster Carpets demonstrating a genuine commitment to tacking their carbon emissions.”

George Ussher, Technical Services and Environmental Manager from Ulster Carpets said: “For many years, we have made a serious business commitment to measure and reduce our carbon emissions. This has allowed us to achieve greater energy efficiency and we will continue to investigate ways which will further enhance our carbon reduction program.”

Olive Hill, Invest NI’s Director of Technology and Process Development, said: “The Carbon Trust Standard is an excellent way for businesses to demonstrate they are operating in an environmentally responsible manner. These green credentials are a strong marketing tool and can help local companies, like Ulster Carpets, compete in international markets. Invest NI, in partnership with the Carbon Trust, is committed to supporting businesses in Northern Ireland to cut their operating costs whilst improving their environmental performance. The Carbon Trust Standard is a recognised indicator of this and I would encourage other companies here to engage with the Carbon Trust and work towards achieving certification.”

The Carbon Trusthas calculated that wasted energy this year from not implementing energy saving measures could cost business in Northern Ireland around £52 million - equivalent to more than 478 thousand tonnes of CO2. Not only will achieving the Carbon Trust Standard save some of this wastage, it will also deliver direct financial benefits for organisations affected by the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) – the Government’s new carbon trading scheme.

In April 2010, organisations with an annual electricity spend in excess of £500,000 will be legally obliged to participate in the scheme, which makes businesses financially accountable for their operational carbon emissions over a certain threshold. Depending on which approach is more cost-effective, companies can invest in more carbon-efficient technology, implement carbon-saving measures, or purchase allowances to cover emissions which go over their threshold.

The Carbon Trust Standard is one of only two ‘early action metrics’ that are recognised by the Government and those organisations which hold the Carbon Trust Standard will receive a higher ranking in the CTC league table, achieving a greater recycle payment.


Carbon Trust Standard:
The Carbon Trust Standard shows which businesses and organisations are taking real action on climate change and have reduced the own carbon emissions. It is awarded to a whole or part of an organisation that is reducing its emissions year on year.

Carbon Label:
In March 2007 the Carbon Trust launched the Carbon Reduction Label which reveals the carbon footprint of the products and services we use and demonstrates a commitment from companies to reduce the carbon footprint of their products. Carbon Reduction Labels allow us greater comparability around the things we buy and use in order to see those that have the lowest impact on climate change.

Together the Carbon Trust Standard and the Carbon Reduction Label let people see which organisations are truly reducing their own emissions and begin to understand the carbon footprint of individual products. We encourage organisations to do both – to achieve the Carbon Trust Standard by reducing the emissions they directly control and to tackle emissions they create indirectly through their supply chain by putting the Carbon Reduction Label on their products.

The Carbon Trust:
The Carbon Trust is an independent company set up by government in response to the threat of climate change, to accelerate the move to a low carbon economy by working with organisations to reduce carbon emissions and develop commercial low carbon technologies. The Carbon Trust works with UK business and the public sector through its work in five complementary areas: insights, solutions, innovations, enterprises and investments. Together these help to explain, deliver, develop, create and finance low carbon enterprise.

Source: fiber2fashion

American Discovery plays Santa to textile unit

American Discovery Textile has played Santa Claus to the workers of the now defunct American Recreation Products, two months before Christmas and helped them retain their jobs in the ongoing tough economic and employment environment.

American Discovery Textiles is the brainchild of a former banker, Christine Sanders, who has now with the close cooperation of the former workers taken the job count from 15 to 50. This company is located in Glasgow, from which Christine hails.

The company manufactures high quality products at moderate costs like sleeping bags, blankets, and other outdoor items for a wide variety of buyers, including the military and its location helps it gain a competitive edge.

Source: fibre2fashion

Much hyped leather estate that never took off

A composite leather estate, to which all the tanneries located in the Hazaribagh area would be relocated, had been planned a few years ago with all the amenities which included pollution control equipment, adhering to environmental safety laws. But the much hyped estate has got entangled in bureaucratic hurdles.

The leather estate which was conceived in 2003, was in the first place, planned with the specific purpose of shifting the 149 odd, leather manufacturing units located in Hazaribagh and which were spewing poisonous chemicals in to the system without being treated and in the process raising the hackles of the environmentalists.

But the demands and conditions put forth by the tanneries has put a spanner in the plan. The tanneries are demanding 7-8 percent of the shifting expenses from the government in form of soft loans and grants with half the amount meant as grants. They also want the estate to be equated at par with the export zones to take advantage of the sops.

According to experts the government was to build a common effluent treatment plant (CEPT) by 2010, but, till date no steps seem to have been initiated in that direction and add by saying that relocation of the tanneries to the new location would not serve its purpose if the CEPT is not operational, since these factories would end up polluting the new estate.

Source: Fiber2fashion

Gujarat to be investor’s paradise with new textile policy

The Government of Gujarat has recently introduced the industrial policy of 2009. From amongst the many sectoral policies introduced by the state, the textile policy has received very close attention from the state government.

Gujarat has always been in the forefront of industrial development in the state. In recently revealed figures, Gujarat has come out toppers across all states of India with a growth rate of 13 percent against a national growth of 9 percent in 2007-08.

Vibrant Gujarat 2009, which brought together business leaders, investors, corporations, thought leaders, policy and opinion makers on one platform concluded with 8,500 MOU’s being signed for a mid boggling investment of US $241 billion.

The textile industry in Gujarat has its unique position as a self-reliant industry and is omnipresent across the whole value chain, from the production of raw materials to fabric and garment and is a major contributor to the economic growth of Gujarat.

Gujarat is a leading textile state in the country. The state contributes over 33 percent of mill-made fabric and 25 percent of power-loom fabric in the country and also accounts for about 21 percent of total employment in the industrial sector of the state.

Considering the huge potential in this sector, both in terms of investment and employment generation, Government of Gujarat intends to promote entire textile value chain from farm to fibre to fabric to fashion and foreign trade.

Keeping in this mind, under the new industrial policy for 2009, the state has come out with very favourable policy for investors to invest in the textile and garment industry in Gujarat, which also has the lowest labour strife’s in the country.

Source: http://www.fibre2fashion.com/

Astronaut conducting trials on odour free undergarments

A functional undergarment, designed by Japan Women University to be used by a astronaut in space is under test trials according to the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency. The astronaut, Koichi Wakata is scheduled to live on the International Space Station.

The undergarment called J-Ware is being tested for properties of being stink-free even if worn for a period of seven days, or a week. Among many properties it can absorb water, kill bacteria, is flame retardant, static free, insulate the body and dry quickly.

The astronauts will also not have to worry about lugging extra undergarments to space and if the trials come through successfully, the undergarment has huge commercial ramifications. Consumers may be able to wear lingerie for a week, without having to worry about the smell.

source: fiber2fashion

Indian textiles exports to start growing after June

Overseas sales of Indian textile, leather, gems and jewellery are picking up but overall exports may start growing only after June, Trade Secretary Gopal Pillai said on Thursday.

"I expect, in April, May and June, exports to stabilise. Thereafter there would be a recovery," he told reporters.

He expects India's annual exports will be $170 billion in the year to March, sharply lower than an earlier target of $200 billion, after the dismal performance in December and March quarters.

Exports were estimated at $144.3 billion until January.

Exports have been declining since October as the global economic slowdown trimmed demand from major markets.

A trade ministry official had earlier expected further falls in February and March.

Since December, the government and central bank have announced a series of measures including cuts in lending rates and interest subsidies for loss-making exporters in order to prevent massive job cuts.

Pillai said exports of textiles, leather and gems and jewellery, which contribute heavily in India's total export basket, were showing signs of a pick up.

"Textile is now stabilizing. Most textile people are now saying...they are now getting orders...They are hopeful that once supplies (start) again fresh orders will come. So, lack of orders is slowly going away," he said.

An official of the Textile Ministry told Reuters in Mumbai he expected textile exports at $22-23 billion in 2009/10 fiscal year, almost the same as that estimated for FY09.

Earlier, an industry body said India's gems and jewellery exports fell 4.6 percent to $17.79 billion during April 2008 to February 2009, from a year earlier, but Pillai said exports were picking up.

Source: Alibaba

Copper blended with textiles for youthful looks

The applications of copper go back by a few thousand years. In India, people drink water stored overnight in copper vessels, since it is supposed to remove all the impurities and make the digestive system to function properly.

Egyptians in ancient days, used to transport water through copper pipelines to benefit from the same properties that has benefitted the Indians. Ship builders have used copper to shield the hulls from water algae, again since centuries.

This and many other applications across many countries and since thousands of years, tempted Cupron, an Israel based company to put the varied properties of copper to good use for the benefit of mankind by means of textile products.

Cupron Inc. has created a cost effective platform technology that utilizes the qualities of copper and binds copper to textile fibers, allowing for the production of woven, knitted and non-woven fabrics containing copper-impregnated fibres.

These fibres contain antimicrobial protection against microrganisms such as bacteria and fungi that attack Cupron fibers. Similarly, copper may be integrated into latex and other polymeric products at the time of manufacturing.

Independent testing laboratories have demonstrated Cupron's efficacy in deactivating a wide variety of microorganisms. Cupron's proprietary copper oxide compound is natural and long lasting and is biocompatible for non-intrusive medical devices.

Cupron's manufacturing technology permanently binds its proprietary copper compound to textile fibres and non-woven fabrics. Cupron yarn can be used to weave fabrics and Cupron powder is added at the slurry stage for paper or polymer products.

The protection afforded by such products will last as long as the products themselves, regardless of multiple washing or abrasion. Only a small percentage of Cupron fibre needs to be included in applications to be effective.

Among the functional and protective textile products are healthcare textiles like beddings, curtains, gowns, uniforms, towels, masks, catheters, gloves and gauze that will provide protection against microbial attack.

Clothing, which significantly reduce bacteria induced odor, socks that are protected from fungus, and underwear that is protected against degradation by common fungus and bacteria among many other properties.

Among the consumer products introduced by the company is a pillowcase, which claims to help reduce wrinkles and crows feet (in about four weeks), just by sleeping on a pillow covered in this pillowcase.

The fabric of the pillowcase is soft copper colored and feels almost as silky by giving a luxurious feeling and is created with Cupron's manufacturing technology to permanently bind its proprietary copper compound to the fibre.

Cupron has patented the technology that unleashes the power of natural copper oxide, which gently nourishes the skin, making it appear younger and healthier-looking apart from other products which keep you feeling fresh and clean!

Source: Fiber2fashion

Trade Events Revenue May Decline 17% in ’09

The trade show business may be declining in 2009, but perhaps not as much as b2b print ad revenue. The Trade Show Exhibitors Association’s survey for 2009 finds that budgets for exhibiting at shows will drop from an average of $459,100 in 2008 to $381,000 in 2009, or down 17%. The two areas suffering the most will be executive private events, which may plummet 30%, and tech-oriented shows. In the tech sector, for instance, the average exhibitor investment in shows is set to drop from $615,400 last year to $332,000 this year, off 46%.

This survey of nearly 300 TSEA members found that the average firm would be involved in fewer shows, from 30 last year to 25 this year.

In our discussions with b2b publishers, it appears that trade show organizers are trying to deal with the diminished market in events by focusing on more targeted opportunities and regional shows. Various publishers tell us that tightly targeted shows continue to attract sponsor and attendee interest, while broader trade gatherings are suffering the biggest hits, especially in sponsor support. As travel budgets contract, publishers are looking to localize events so they can better target people within 50 and 100 mile radii. Publishers with whom we speak continue to be bullish on the long-range prospects for the events business, however. While print is weathering (or not) a double whammy of recession and digital transition, publishers seem to have faith that the face-to-face model for events has long-term resilience.

Source: http://www.minonline.com/

India: The famous manufacture & exporter of leather crafts

Man is an animal requires body coverings to protect him from the environmental hazards. For protection we wear cloths but each one of us knows very well that in Stone Age ancient man used to cover himself with the skins of animals he killed. This is the first leather product was being used in the world. And this made leather craft as one the first manufactured material of the world. This is the natural commodity valued very high around the world. Hence there is limited availability of leather crafts and these products are expensive too. However these products are always in big demand.

Leather accessories have become an essential part of our everyday life. Initially leather was used only for clothing purposes and for making footwear. But after that saddles and armors were also being prepared from leather. As the time passed it was being used for making many other things innovatively and creatively. It is being preferred for manufacturing many accessories & objects due to its sturdy and flexible features. Today we can see the wide range of leather goods, objects and variety of accessories in the market manufactured from leather. Even being used in making variety of things, the main application of leather is in the footwear industry. Anything made and manufactured from leather possess very classy, sophisticated and tasteful look. Leather bags, Briefcases, Wallets, Tooled belts, Purses & accessories, Handbags, Luggage, leather craft, Albums, Address books and travel accessories are the some of the leather crafts being used extensively by many of us.

As man is interested in innovation and variety, there are many new and exclusive varieties of products in leather also. The latest varieties in leather products include: Hand finished embossed leather belts, vegetable tanned kangaroo skin wallets, purses, coin purses & card holders, glasses cases, key-ring holders etc. The original Leather Saddle Stool and calico carry bags, Crocodile and shark skin belts and wallets.

India is one of the countries, very famous for the leather crafts. Leather industry has become one of the largest industries in India. In the current date, India exports many leather goods such as shoes, bags, wallets, belts, jackets, staffed toys etc. throughout the world in a large quantity.

Along with style, fashion, standard leather crafts have traditional aspects too. Many regions of India encompass different traditions of leather crafts:

West Bengal is famous for the decorative leather crafts being made there. These decorative leather crafts are generally decorated with traditional motifs and geometrical patterns. Shantiniketani pattern is the famous pattern of leather crafts of Bengal.

Rajasthan is also recognized for its locally tanned leather crafts. Along with this Rajasthani decorative footwear is also famous worldwide. These are beautifully decorated with silk or metal embroidery, sequins and decorative beads. In Rajasthan Bikaner and Jaisalmer are the places where you can get decorative saddles for camels and horses.

Kolhapur, one the cities in Maharashtra state is famous for its traditional footwear called Kohlapuri chappals around the world. It’s the kind of footwear can be seen widely in large variety all over India.Madhya Pradesh is popular for its attractive red embroidered leather crafts. Gwalior, Indore are the cities most famous for production of leather crafts. Source: MFI

Get more than 2,000 inquiries in 20 months

Shenzhen Kadymay Technology Co.,Ltd. is a professional enterprises in R&D, production and sales of security&protection products. During twenty months' co-operation with alibaba, we have got more than 2,000 inquiries from 152 different countries and regions. Now we have 140 clients, 26 old clients and innumerable potential clients. These are our gain via cultivating on alibaba platform.

We are care about every piece of the inquiry from international buyer, and we read every word in the whole email from A to Z to find out needs and requirements hidden in buyer's cockles of the heart and try to heart-to-heart communicate with buyer when reply.

Our tenet is: "Integrity, Manner, Cooperation, Partner". The precondition of shipping for all the products is confirming good quality. And also we provide perfect after-sales service and strong tech. Support.

Surely, we are happy to get rich harvest, and there is still a long way to go. We believe that together with friendly buyer, our efforts and alibaba team's footprints all over the world, the economical co-operation between Suppliers and Buyers from all countries in the world will be more and more tight and integrated.

Source: Alibaba

'Knock your socks off' with Camouflage Clothing

Originally designed for the soldiers to blend into the background, camouflage clothing is now becoming a modern fashion phenomenon.

From city to jungle, a camouflage top is a perfect way to fit in with any environment. Wearing camouflage apparel during a fashion photo session is preferable, as the colors are much neutral and the clothing will fit many fashion modeling situations. A spaghetti strap red camouflage or a green halter top in the same, embellished with metallic sequins will blend perfectly into the surroundings, and also make an ultimate fashion statement. This clothing is an ideal choice for outdoor treks, camping and other activities.

Secret of the Camouflage Masters:


Rudiments of camouflage come from animals. The origin of this fabric dates back to very ancient ages, when certain cephalopods living in the depths of oceans used the colored pigments in their body to change their body shades and patterns to match with their background, so that they go un-noticed by their enemies. Later this optic trick was used for military uniforms, where the camouflage pattern concealed people as well as artillery.

With the span of time, this clothing evolved into a fashion trend. Though not suitable as a corporate wear, fashion designers have come up with several products in camo clothing and accessories. With the change in trend this pattern also underwent a metamorphosis in color and applications. Not only in the conventional green, but this infamous pattern is also seen in other solid shades like red, blue and pink, and pastels of sky blue and cream. Apart from clothing, an array of fashionable accessories such as caps, belts, shoes and handbags are also available in camouflage patterns. These accessories can bring the best even in the simplest costume.

Camouflage makes a Fashion Statement:

Camouflage bra tops and belts match perfectly with army tint jeans. It has become a part of the urban clothing style. Available in comfortable cotton, or jersey, they are sewed in modern cuts with a deep V or round necklines. The apparel looks more appealing with the addition of similar accessories like caps, boots, and knapsacks. Belts with camouflage patterns, pants with this fabric, and camo shirts studded with rhinestones are seen in the racks of vintage and retail stores. Camo clothing for women is available in various styles specially designed with the feminine form in mind. A creamy pleated blouse and matching trouser tailored with a camouflage material will give an 'upscale' look. Camo tees in spaghetti straps, raglan or long sleeves come both in solid hues and pastels; highlighting femininity.

Camouflage clothing can also be described as an extension of the trend of wearing animal print clothing; leopard, snake, and zebra prints. The pattern owes a part of its fame to the military clothing. Due to their distinct pattern and color combination, the garment has become a mainstay. Growing beyond their original purpose, camouflage is now a fashion icon in the modern world.

Source: fiber2fashion

Alibaba brings us more Chances

SHENZHEN YZX ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.is a big manufacturer specializing in producing mp3/4/5 player and USB flash drive. All of our products are sold to foreign market. We have ever used many B2B business platforms and attended many Electronic Fairs; meanwhile, we are the member of Alibaba. After 3 years’ experience, we feel that Alibaba help us to benefit a lot. It's easy to operate. Moreover, the quantities of inquires are much more than other B2B platform, also with high rate of replies from customers. Now, Alibaba is our main platform for foreign business. Even if the Alibaba platform is so good, it's still need the operator to make full use of it. Currently, the competition of the market is so drastic, so we need to spend more time to attract potential buyers in posting products. Besides, we must deal with all the inquiries seriously and promptly, since every inquiry means a potential customer.

We never thought that an unprofessional buyer was not a real buyer. Let's talk about one of my customers from Lebanon. I received his inquiry from Alibaba, after receiving my quotation; he even didn't know what the flash price is and what the body price is. After 2 weeks by my patient explaining, he almost knew the market situation and composes of mp3 player including its solution and flash brand. At last, we gained his order with a total value of USD100, 000.

Considering the time difference, we need try our best to seize the chance when customer is working; we always keep our MSN and TradeManager online so that our customers can contact us at any time. One of our customers from Italy who had ever placed an order worth of USD 120,000 to us, said to me that she liked to do business with us, and the important reason is that she can contact us at any time. Until now, she still keep good business relationship with us.

We also believe a prompt response always works when trying to gain the buyers' trust and interest. Therefore, we reply all our inquiries in time. Alibaba is also a good platform to share market information with customers form different countries, through which we can know what products are popular and what items meet the market in the different countries.

In a word, Alibaba is a good platform for B2B business. If we make full use of it, we can get more inquiry and it will bring more chance for our business.

Source: Alibaba

We could receive at least 30 inquiries a week

Shenzhen Inteljet Digital Technology Co.,Ltd is a professional manufacturer specializing in R&D、manufacture and marketing of printing consumables. Compatible/remanufactured ink cartridge and toner cartridge are our main products which could be compatible with many famous brand printers such as HP, Canon, Epson, Samsung and so on. Inteljet have numerous agents and dealers in many cities and provinces in China.

Following successful development of inteljet products in China, we start to view wider overseas market. From the year of 2004, we start to exploit overseas market by some B2B platform or fair. But finally alibaba make us receive highly effect since cooperate with them.

In the year of 2005, we spend more than 100 thousand RMB to a B2B platform for overseas market and attend fair, but they all don’t be success as we expected. Later our General Manager Mr.Chen wanted to try Alibaba after search it online. We signed up as a Gold Supplier and began our adventure again. Since joining alibaba, we manage background elaborately; the more new products updated to our website and renovate related data everyday, the more inquiries we started to receive. At present we could receive at least 30 inquiries a week and make successful business with more than ten clients from USA, Europe and Mideast. Every sale makes more improvement. In 2008, though stroke by economic crisis, but our sale still exceed last year. Alibaba not only help us increase our revenue, they also help us learn more experience and skills for trading through professional training and forum.

For secondary and small enterprise, comparing high expense exhibition, exporting through alibaba.com we not only save cost, but also long-standing, fargoing and simple operation.

Though economic crisis still continue, we are confident to us and alibaba. We will supply buyer high quality products and still attract more business partners here. We could overcome difficulties and create a splendid and bright future.

Source: Alibaba

Essay on Cooperating with Alibaba after 20 Months

Shenzhen Kadymay Technology Co.,Ltd. is a professional enterprises in R&D, production and sales of security&protection products. During twenty months' co-operation with alibaba, we have got more than 2,000 inquiries from 152 different countries and regions. Now we have 140 clients, 26 old clients and innumerable potential clients. These are our gain via cultivating on alibaba platform.

We are care about every piece of the inquiry from international buyer, and we read every word in the whole email from A to Z to find out needs and requirements hidden in buyer's cockles of the heart and try to heart-to-heart communicate with buyer when reply.

Our tenet is: "Integrity, Manner, Cooperation, Partner". The precondition of shipping for all the products is confirming good quality. And also we provide perfect after-sales service and strong tech. Support.

Surely, we are happy to get rich harvest, and there is still a long way to go. We believe that together with friendly buyer, our efforts and alibaba team's footprints all over the world, the economical co-operation between Suppliers and Buyers from all countries in the world will be more and more tight and integrated.

Source: Alibaba

Useful tool to open your oversea markets

Baisheng lighting company can't develop and grow up without Alibaba B2B website. Working here for two years, I have realized B2B website placed a very important role of opening up foreign markets.

Baisheng lighting company is a very professional manufacturer which specialized in design, research, manufacturing and sales of high power LED lights. From 2006, we began to do business with oversea customers. We have independent R&D high power LED grow lights with CE, patent for UFO 90W, and our other high power indoor lighting products, our technology is a leading player in this field. But it is still very difficult to open up overseas markets. So we want to promote our products on internet.

Then we found the Alibaba is the ideal B2B website. Through this platform to promote our products, the foreign clients and the big buyers can easily find our products on internet. Then we got many inquiries from clients, at the beginning, there are only several clients placed the orders, then dozens and hundreds of customers purchase our products. Now, we have thousands of old and new customers. They continue to place orders with us, thus our sales turnover is increasing again and again, from 10 thousand USD to Hundreds of thousands of US dollars. Our high power LED grow lights and home lighting, LED T8 tube light, Led grid lamp, Led spot lights are very popular in the oversea markets.

So we constantly increase the network Ads input, at the first month of 2009, our sales turnover doubled compared with last year. This year's goal is to achieve 1 million US dollars turnover. With such a good B2B network Alilaba's support, Baisheng Lighting Company's tomorrow will get better and better. Our high power LED lighting products will light up every corner of the world!

Source: Alibaba

Alibaba, let us become a strong economic crisis

Set up in Shenzhen City, COCO furniture Co. ltd is a enterprise which specializes in modern classic furniture like the Italy design furniture eggs chair, Noguchi table, Nelson bench, marshmallow sofa poul kjaerholm chaise longes, bibendium chair eileen gray, brno chair mies van der rohe, florence knoll chair, noguchi sofa, Le corbusier chaise longue, barcelona chair and stool, Barcelona day bed and table, Italy leather sofa, Seat sofa, Corner sofa, Chair, Bench, and Ottoman.

We chose Alibaba B2B webpage as a gold supplier three years ago. Our company is verified and authenticated by a third party from E.U. company, which gives us more reason for buyers to trust and choose us over our competitors

Since we have been a Gold Supplier, we've been doing good business with clients from the UK, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, U.S.A, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Australia, and Chile. Alibaba.com has brought us good business opportunities to promote our quality products. Now we have developed more than 30 long-term oversea buyers.

Coco Furniture has a qualified and modernized all-round management team. With imported foreign high-technology and management, our product quality is always playing a leading role in both domestic and foreign markets. The trend-leading Coco series is ready to come to you.

The world economy is slowing down in these two years. However, our company is still busy because of our quality products and competitive price and service, we are very confident in our products. As long as our buyers can find us on Alibaba.com, we will be together with our buyers to pass 'economic winter'. When economic spring arrives, COCO furniture have no doubt that it will be stronger and stronger, ready to expand new markets again.

Source: Alibaba

Alibaba make us more confident to B2B platform

Shenzhen Inteljet Digital Technology Co.,Ltd is a professional manufacturer specializing in R&D、manufacture and marketing of printing consumables. Compatible/remanufactured ink cartridge and toner cartridge are our main products which could be compatible with many famous brand printers such as HP, Canon, Epson, Samsung and so on. Inteljet have numerous agents and dealers in many cities and provinces in China.

Following successful development of inteljet products in China, we start to view wider overseas market. From the year of 2004, we start to exploit overseas market by some B2B platform or fair. But finally alibaba make us receive highly effect since cooperate with them.

In the year of 2005, we spend more than 100 thousand RMB to a B2B platform for overseas market and attend fair, but they all don’t be success as we expected. Later our General Manager Mr.Chen wanted to try Alibaba after search it online. We signed up as a Gold Supplier and began our adventure again. Since joining alibaba, we manage background elaborately; the more new products updated to our website and renovate related data everyday, the more inquiries we started to receive. At present we could receive at least 30 inquiries a week and make successful business with more than ten clients from USA, Europe and Mideast. Every sale makes more improvement. In 2008, though stroke by economic crisis, but our sale still exceed last year. Alibaba not only help us increase our revenue, they also help us learn more experience and skills for trading through professional training and forum.

For secondary and small enterprise, comparing high expense exhibition, exporting through alibaba.com we not only save cost, but also long-standing, fargoing and simple operation.

Though economic crisis still continue, we are confident to us and alibaba. We will supply buyer high quality products and still attract more business partners here. We could overcome difficulties and create a splendid and bright future.

Source: Alibaba