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China Sourcing: 7 Possible Ways to Source Products from China

April 26, 2021 eCommerce TipsEntrepreneurs

China is one of the world’s biggest manufacturing hubs. Over the years, it has become a great destination for businesses looking to source unique yet affordable products. Importing products from China has many benefits for people who have the experience and understanding of the China sourcing process.

However, it is an entirely different story for the uninitiated looking for a means to exploit some of the benefits of sourcing products from China. A poorly planned and badly executed attempt at importing goods from China can lead to avoidable losses. What with all the fluctuating costs and fees, delays and every other thing that could go wrong with your China sourcing endeavors. There is good news, though.

Sourcing products from China does not have to be a complex and risky affair. All you need is an understanding of how to go about it. Thankfully, this article offers some insights on ways to source products from China. Read on.

Buying from Sourcing Agents/Trading Companies or Sourcing Service Provider

If you have the finances, it might be a great idea to get professionals to do the heavy lifting. Professionals like sourcing agents, trading companies and source service providers have the experience and connections they leverage to meet your importation needs.

It might be pricey, but if you can hire an experienced and reliable sourcing agent/sourcing service provider or trading company, it will be a worthwhile investment.

Sourcing agents are better positioned to handle the product sourcing processes: getting and negotiating the best pricing and terms with the best suppliers and picking the best logistics services. You’d need to handle some parts of the process yourself, though.

A sourcing service provider will take complete control of the process, and you might not need to handle any part of the process. A sourcing service provider will handle supplier identification, price negotiation, supply management, quality control and logistics, and shipment. They save you from a lot of hassles, although their services are pricier than those of the sourcing agents.

Hiring a reputable trading company is another great option if you want to source a small number of products from China. They have the network required to get you’re the product. The downside is that their services are not personalized, so you might have product quality issues.

Contacting Manufacturers Directly

You could buy your products straight from the manufacturers without having to be physically present. It will require a lot of research as you’d need to ascertain, validate, and assess a potential manufacturer. After you have completed these processes, you can then proceed to source the products directly from them. There is also the option of buying products via a B2B sourcing platform. If you can get the right manufacturer and the transaction goes smoothly, you stand to save significant funds. There are risks involved, though: scams and poor quality products.

Attending Trade Shows

Trade shows present great opportunities to meet potential suppliers first-hand. This enables you to forge relationships that could land you better deals and more. You also get to vet and inspect new products that you might want to add to your inventory. There are three types of trade shows that you could attend in China

  • General trade shows
  • Industry-specific fairs
  • Regional marketplaces

Visits To the Factory

Getting to visit a supplier’s factory allows you to see how suitable they are for business. You get to see the state of their facilities, the capabilities of their workers, the type of equipment they use, and the efficiency of their production line. The best part is that you get to meet with the management and negotiate directly with them.

Referrals

Referrals can come in handy when looking to land a reputable and experienced supplier. You can get referrals from online sources like friends and business acquaintances. You could also get referrals from online sources like online forums and social media.

Attending Matchmaking Events

There are matchmaking events that are solely designed for people looking to source products from local Chinese suppliers. Some sourcing platforms and trade shows often power these events, and they are a great avenue to meet the right suppliers for you. You’d need to take the necessary precautions, though.

Customs Import Records

You could also use customs import records to ascertain the right suppliers for your business. The idea is to study the import records of established firms in your industry. A thorough study of their imports would reveal the supplier who you could trust to deliver quality products. After all, if they are good enough for the established businesses, they should be good enough to do business with you.

Fulfillman China Sourcing Services

Fulfillman China Sourcing Services is the undisputable leader in China’s dropshipping space. We offer a range of services that are sure to meet even your most diverse product sourcing needs. The best part is that our business is designed so that even newbies can easily source products from China.

Contact us today at Fulfillman if you need professional help with your China sourcing endeavors. We are a reputable provider of China Sourcing services. In addition, we offer Drop Shipping, Third Party Logistics, Warehouse Fulfillment, Product Photography, Private Label Dropshipping, and many more. Our dedicated team will be available to speak with you and discuss the options available to you. We guarantee you outstanding and exceptional services.

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8 Essential Tips to Succeed With Sourcing Your Products from China In 2021

February 8, 2021 eCommerce TipsEntrepreneurs

China is currently amongst the world largest manufacturing hub, they are also one of the leading ecommerce businesses worldwide. The country’s technological advancement has further aided them in the international market and they would likely dominate the international market for the next few decades. As a result, a lot of ecommerce owners have turned to China sourcing (sourcing products from China).

Sourcing wholesale products from China offer business owners and online sellers the opportunity to purchase products at cheaper prices from Chinese manufacturers. This way, they can sell and make reasonable profit. Unfortunately, there are lots of scams in today’s China markets. Likewise, getting high quality products is essential when sourcing products from China. Below we’ll be looking at eight essential tips to succeed with product sourcing from China in 2021.

Research

Most people skip this part, which is a very big mistake. A thorough study of the market is the very first step to any successful business, China sourcing isn’t any different. Learning about the market is very essential to minimize risks of failing. Look at what products are trending, what consumers are purchasing, feedbacks from social media or elsewhere, also make sure it’s profitable (reason we do business anyways). Knowing all these helps considerably when negotiating with suppliers or manufacturers.

Contact Your Chinese Suppliers or Manufacturers

As stated earlier do your homework diligently here to avoid scammers. Online Chinese business directories come in handy here. These platforms connect buyers to suppliers in China. Know exactly what you want because these ensures this process goes smoothly. China sourcing platforms help in filtering different niches and also the trustworthiness of potential suppliers.

Communications

Gap in language and culture must not be overlooked instead utmost attention must be paid here. Big suppliers tend to have English customer service, however many problems arise from miscommunication. Detailed information on requirements to the finest details of the transaction must be done in such a way that the supplier is very clear on our demands to ensure the supplier is not left to make assumptions. Questions must be asked and responded in a manner both sides have a clear understanding.

Negotiations

Bargaining goes a long way when sourcing from China unlike some other countries. Using this helps you succeed when sourcing from China. Quantity price quantity and even delivery time should be well negotiated. Reasonable, rational and respectable bargaining is however advised, have in mind that the quality is as important as the price so find a balance when bargaining. Haggling mindset should be adopted and unlike western countries they expect you to haggle the terms with them.

Sourcing Agents

Hiring a reputable Chinese sourcing agency is advised for small sized businesses. The extent of the agent’s involvement however depends on you. They can be your supplier, sourcing consultant where they help link you with your supplier and or act as intermediary. They handle most of the negotiations on your behalf, and can arrange samples for inspection by you.

Order Samples

This is a great way to test the quality of products, a very important successful sourcing strategy. This first transaction makes clear not just the quality but also the credibility of the supplier before making your final decision. Sampling process should never be skipped and it’s rather inexpensive when dealing with manufactures directly as it would be deducted when you place your bulk order. Make sure the sample is up to standard and get feedbacks from consumers before proceeding to placing a bulk order.

Suppliers Evaluation

The response time and clarity in the communications of the supplier should be noted. In addition the arrival of the shipments, whether or not the proper products quantity arrived at your store intact, are questions you must get answers to.

Keeping other supplier options is recommended as this helps the buyer have products readily available for the consumers. Having a multi supplier base helps get better prices, higher quality control as one can readily compare the products to get the better one, this also ensures that the buyer almost always has their products available for the consumers. This also enables picking the best option (supplier).

Building Relationships and Connections

The Chinese put emphasis on “guanxi” or your place of hierarchy of relationships. Guanxi is loosely translated to mean “connections” or “relationships” but the word means much more and is very important if you are going to be successful sourcing from China. Outsiders have got to earn this by putting efforts in business relationships that they cross into your social relationships. Trust dignity and respect are essential tools in building guanxi.

Diligence

Close monitoring at every stage is required and doing necessary follow ups is very critical for success, you must know when your shipment is due to arrive and follow up appropriately. Make sure you are actively involved even when using trusted sourcing agents to avoid scams and frauds. Sourcing doesn’t stop after the product is sourced. Buyers must continue to main the quality and integrity of the products not forgetting strengthening relationships with the supplier.

Endnote

There you have it! Above are some essential tips to succeed with sourcing your products from China in 2021. Sourcing products from China should never be a hassle when you have the right agency on your side. We sincerely hope that this short article will help you every step of the road as you successfully source products from China in 2021.

Do you need professional help and guidance in sourcing products from China? Contact us today at Fulfillman. We are a reputable service provider of China Sourcing services. We also provide Drop Shipping, Third Party Logistics, Warehouse Fulfillment, Product Photography, Private Label Dropshipping, and many more. Our dedicated team will be available to speak with you and discuss the options available to you. We guarantee you outstanding and exceptional services.