[JabrZer0]

As far as my (admittedly limited) experience goes, I'd say you're right. I'm currently learning about the intricacies of manufacturing in China through a trial-by-fire of manufacturing some components for our company's first product overseas. We've been told time and time again by advisors, investors, and friends in the industry that it's less money but a whole lot more work.

On the surface, you have to manage extra things like shipping and imports. Under the hood, quality control and partner selection are MUCH more in-depth and difficult processes. If you're not working with someone who already has relationships built, and/or if you're not willing to be very hands-on with the process, from what I've been told you're unlikely to get high-quality, low-cost parts.

I can definitely imagine someone who is used to dealing with manufacturing in the US having a lot of issues adjusting to the way business is done in China if they didn't know what they were getting themselves into.