I hear what “no problem” really means.
A supplier who says “no problem” may be telling you what you want to hear. I know when to ask again, in Mandarin, and get a clearer answer.
MEET YOUR SOURCING PARTNER
Two business cultures. One clear conversation.
I’m Kate Liang, founder of Kate Sources. I help international buyers understand their supplier options in China and turn expectations into requirements both sides can act on.
EXPERIENCE BUILT ON COMMUNICATION
Kate LiangFounder · Kate Sources
EN / 中文MEET YOUR SOURCING PARTNER
Raised in China. Built my career in the West. Now working for buyers in both.
I grew up in China and spent more than ten years living, studying and working in North America. I studied at the University of British Columbia and built my career in international business. I’m a native speaker of Mandarin and English, with experience navigating the business cultures behind both languages.
I bring 10+ years of commercial and client management experience across North America and China/APAC. Most recently, as a key account manager at a Vancouver agency that helps Western brands sell in China, I managed an $18M+ commercial client portfolio spanning global food, beauty and supplement brands. I presented regularly to executives in North America and Asia, adapting the message for each audience.
That work taught me where deals between the two sides can go wrong: in what each side assumes and never says out loud. Kate Sources puts that experience on the buyer’s side. Working across Guangzhou and Vancouver, I help you evaluate suppliers, communicate your requirements and coordinate the next steps in China.
Native Mandarin and English · BA, University of British Columbia · $18M+ client portfolio managed · Executive presentations across North America and Asia
10+ yearsInternational business & commercial experience
Guangzhou + VancouverChina sourcing. International perspective.
WHY WORK WITH ME
Most sourcing problems aren’t about the product.
They’re about being understood.
Western buyers and Chinese suppliers often agree on paper and mean different things. I’ve worked across both business cultures, so I can help identify the gap before it costs you money.
I turn your specifications into clear factory requirements.
Sizes, finishes, packaging and deadlines that seem obvious to you can be read as suggestions. I make them clear, in writing and in Chinese.
I negotiate firmly without anyone losing face.
Pushing too hard can lose a good supplier. I work toward fair terms while keeping the relationship strong for the next order.
I explain China back to you, in plain English.
When a supplier hesitates, delays or changes a price, I investigate why and explain your options.
You make the decisions. I make sure both sides understand them.