China has become one of the world's leading manufacturers of everything from plastics and caravan parts and equipment to solar panels and electronics. Due to China's competitive prices and high-quality standards, more and more foreign companies are sourcing products from China.
If you are a new buyer and have a plan to purchase from China recently, you can have a look at my below 7 tips that can help you avoid many problems and mistakes.
1. Do a research
There are so many products in China, such as plastics, electronics, silicone, textiles, etc. First of all, you need to figure out which category your local market is suitable for and which industry your company wants to operate in. By product, you can search for the geographic location of the supplier that manufactures the product. For example, silicone products, generally in Guangzhou Dongguan; Plastic products, generally in Zhejiang Taizhou and Cixi...
2. Use a sourcing agent
Professional sourcing agent, he can help you handle the domestic business, from the inquiry, placing an order to delivery.
Select an experienced sourcing agent, who not only has a domestic office but also a well-staffed office in China. They know the local language and dialect and are well-versed in business practices. With several years of working experience, they also have many suppliers and factories resource. Can help you to negotiate with factories.
3. Check the supplier’s credentials
It is important to check the credentials of any supplier you do business with. Make sure that they are licensed and registered with the relevant authorities. You should also check to see if they have any relevant certifications. Whether to comply with the state regulations of production and management.
4. Be very clear about what you want
If the product needs to be customized, you need to send your design drawing clearly to your supplier, such as size, color, fabric, etc.
If conditions permit, you can also send the sample to China, and ask the supplier to make 1:1 customization according to the standard of the sample, and then send it to you for confirmation.
For color, if possible, you can tell the Pantone number to your supplier.
For materials, for example, stainless steel, there have 304ss, 201ss, and 420ss, you must inform the supplier of your requirements, and the corresponding cost is different.
5. Be sure to take a sample and confirm the quality before making an order
Despite providing detailed instructions, suppliers provide detailed photos, but you still receive a product that may not meet your needs. To avoid this, insist on samples before placing an order.
In this case, your sourcing agent can also help you to send samples to your office to let you confirm. If the sample needs to be adjusted, the sourcing agent can also help you to communicate with the suppliers in time.
6. Understand the quality controls
It is important to have a quality control process in place to ensure that the products you receive are of the highest quality. This should include inspections and testing of the products before they are shipped to you.
During mass production, you can send your sourcing agent to the factory to supervise the production. After the mass production is completed, you can also look for local inspection agencies to help inspect the goods, then provide an inspection report to you.
7. Price is not the only factor
It will be a big mistake if you blindly pursue the low price without paying attention to the quality of the product. Some manufacturers to get your orders, may cut corners, then provide you with very terrible quality.
You get what you pay for. The pricing of the product needs to be in line with the market. Quality is the key to getting more customers.
