How To Import From China

Before you start to wholesale from China, you need to figure out below issues. 1. Who are the right wholesale suppliers? Many people think real manufacturers in China will give a lower price than middleman when purchasing from China. But, things are not like that. All of the manufacturers in China have MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) requirement that Chinese suppliers will not produce products for you if the quantity on your purchase order cannot reach their lowest quantity requirement. And most of Chinese suppliers set different price for different quantity level. For example, MOQ 100 PCS, the unit price is 10 USD, however, MOQ 500, the unit price is 9 USD. For most of small business owners, they always hire a Chinese agent as their purchasing partner in China. For the people who cannot visit China in person but know how to import goods from China, they would rather source products through a buying office or purchasing partner in China which…

Even though China has a reputation as a country that manufactures everything, it is often surprisingly hard to find a factory in China. Here, our experienced China sourcing agents discuss some common reasons why finding a reliable, suitable Chinese factory can be so challenging. 1. Language and Cultural Barriers It is one of the more obvious reasons, but it bears mentioning: There are huge language and cultural barriers that separate western businesses from Chinese manufacturers. While English proficiency is rapidly growing in China, there are still many small and mid-sized factories that have no employees who can speak fluent English. Beyond this, you also have to deal with other, more difficult to define, cultural barriers. 2. Many Chinese Factories Do Not Market Themselves Well In the grand scheme of things, China as a global manufacturer power is still a relatively new phenomenon. Many Chinese manufacturing companies are still in their early…

Do you want to get your products made in China? If so, there are many Chinese manufacturing firms that offer services that are well suited for your needs. However, finding the right manufacturer in China can be an extremely difficult process. Indeed, we have heard horror stories of Western business people who have had products made in China on their own, only to end up very disappointed with the subpar results. Before you commit to a Chinese manufacturer, you need to know what to look for to find the right partner for your business. (1) Industry Experience: When working with a Chinese manufacturer, it is best to work with a firm that has extensive experience working within your industry. Regardless of your products, from clothing to tools, it is imperative that you seek a firm with relevant industry experience. (2) Experience with Similar Products: Additionally, you should also work with a company…

When importers decide to source from China, they must invest in developing good relationships with potential and existing Chinese suppliers. Three aspects are essential to implement a good supplier management strategy in China: (1) Know your suppliers inside out.  Identifying and knowing your suppliers is important for building an enduring relationship. There are no shortcuts in this kind of relationship building. Visit suppliers and see their technical capabilities and capacity with your own eyes. This includes their machinery and equipment, their process technologies, the number and qualifications of their employees, and the like. A bid is no guarantee of a supplier’s willingness and ability to meet your volume and quality requirements or future competitiveness. (2) Develop strong relationships with fewer suppliers. Identify a few suppliers that are willing to commit to a long-term relationship and to jointly creating a competitive advantage. To avoid fragmentation of the supply base, stop bidding out each…

Sourcing From China is more and more popular for online sellers, however, it’s daunting many new importers. Below are 5 basic steps I have learned from my 20-year experience in sourcing industry: 1. Conducts an initial research This is the first stage where you decide what your primary activities are, what are the needs of your clients and who your competitors are. These steps help you to determine your business goals and your position in the market. You and your sourcing partner need to design a business plan to determine the performance measurement system and primary work strategy. 2. Evaluate supplier and market Your sourcing partner, which offers global sourcing service helps you to make a supplier selection benchmark. When you have the list of criteria, you can make further changes in the sourcing strategy and determine the final cost. Given the fact that you already have information regarding clients and prospective markets,…

For China sourcing, it’s crucial to receive what you order, according to specification and on the time agreed upon. In order to get quality goods from Chinese suppliers, you will need to consider below 3 main areas: 1)   Select the right supplier; 2)   Manage quality control system; 3)   Put in place the right inspection plan. 1. Select the right supplier I like to summarize the importance of supplier selection in three sentences. You will NEVER get quality from a supplier that is not properly equipped to make it. Suppliers need to have the right equipment, skills and experience. You will OCCASIONALLY get quality from a supplier with the right equipment and skills but with poor processes in places. You will get INCREASING quality from a good supplier with equipment, skills and processes and which is also willing to cooperate with you for continuous improvements. 2. Manage quality control system  When an inspector rejects a…

Whether you need hardgoods, electronics, machinery or home appliances, virtually anything can be found in the world’s leading producer, China which presently acts as the “world’s factory”.  However, for the newcomers, it can be a difficult task. In order to buy products from china, there are five basic steps to follow. Following these basic step-by-step procedures will not only save your money but will also save your time. 1. Identify your rights. Various countries have different regulatory policies. These regulations could be meant to reduce imports of certain products into the country. Sometimes they may serve to fight against smuggling and such activities. Heavy tax policies induced by the government on the customs may also affect how you are going to import the product to your country. It is, therefore, vital to check whether you have the legal rights to import certain goods with not only ease but also without incurring…

Sourcing your products from China becomes a key challenge, as China can be difficult to navigate, especially for new importers. Mistakes in the early stages of importing can drastically impact the future potential of your business. The best way to mitigate the risks of improper procurement is working with a sourcing agent. What are the options for procurement, and why is a sourcing agent your strongest opportunity for growth? There are four major options for procurement: direct purchasing, commissioned agent, trader, and sourcing agent. 1. Direct Purchasing Purchasing direct from a manufacturer means that you handle all interactions with the supplier yourself. You find the supplier, choose the products, negotiate price, draw up contracts, handle claims and disagreements, perform quality inspections, build relationships, request samples, and more. A number of new sellers mistakenly think this is the best avenue because they can maintain full control of their supply and aren’t charged…