Our History
Our company was founded in May 2001 as a web based sourcing platform called e-trade2china. Soon we recognized that we wanted to help our clients develop close relationships – especially where language, culture, and time differences are present. This prompted our move away from a simple website to a service-focused model that delivers a more personal approach.
We rapidly recognized that our clients particularly valued our network of close relationships with factories. Where language, culture, and time differences are present creating potential barriers to easy concise communication. This prompted our move away from a simple website to a service-focused model based in seven countries to deliver a more personal, innovative and agile service.
Since 2001 with a single minded focus on delivering great service, we have grown our company to over 250 staff in offices across seven countries. Serving publicly listed companies and start-ups.
Over the years
With a focus on service, we have grown to a company of approximately 200 staff in offices across the region and further afield, servicing publicly listed companies right through to start-ups.
As a web based sourcing platform to allow clients the opportunity to leverage an emerging supply base away from the traditional Pearl River Delta manufacturing base.
ET2C International moves away from simply a web based interaction with our clients to a solution-focused model.
Expansion to new markets, including representation in Sweden, Germany and an office in the USA.
ET2C expands to a new sourcing market in Southeast Asia.
ET2C expands to its third sourcing market.
Quality control (QC) and order tracking applications launched.
A toolkit of essential widgets and features that will supercharge your workflow.
Turkey office opens in Izmir. Looking for other offices in new markets.
New Sourcing Market Initiative launched to add 2 more countries to enhance our supplier base.
ET2C expands into new bigger offices in New Delhi
ET2C expands into new bigger offices in Shenzen China
25 Years of Making Sourcing Simple: Celebrating our journey from a pioneering digital platform in 2001 to a global sourcing leader today. As we look to the next quarter-century, we remain committed to driving sustainable value, digital transparency, and unparalleled expertise for our partners worldwide.
FAQ
Frequency Asked Question
ET2C was founded in May 2001 in Shanghai, China, originally as a web-based sourcing platform called e-trade2china.
ET2C began as a web-based platform named e-trade2china before moving to a more service-focused model.
ET2C moved to a service-led approach to help clients build closer supplier relationships; particularly where language, cultural, and time-zone differences can create friction.
Time zones slow down approvals, updates, and issue resolution. Better processes and local support help keep decisions moving and prevent small issues becoming production problems.
ET2C expanded into Vietnam (2008) and India (2011), adding additional sourcing market coverage.
They can lead to misinterpreted specifications, inconsistent quality expectations, and delays. A relationship-focused approach reduces errors by improving clarity and alignment.
The ET2C Ecosystem was established in 2018 as a toolkit of widgets and features designed to supercharge workflow.
ET2C opened its Turkey office in Izmir in 2020.
Quality control (QC) and order tracking tools help teams monitor production progress, reduce preventable issues, and keep timelines visible—supporting more reliable delivery outcomes.
