When sourcing from China, you have two main intermediary options: a sourcing agent or a trading company. They sound similar but work very differently. Here is how to choose. What is a Trading Company? A trading company buys from factories and resells to you. They have a catalog of products and typically make money by marking up the factory price. They are good if you want a one-stop shop for ready-made products. What is a Sourcing Agent? A sourcing agent works FOR YOU. They f

Negotiating with Chinese suppliers is different from negotiating in Western markets. Understanding the culture and approach can save you 10-30% on your orders. 1. Build rapport first Chinese business culture values relationships. Take time for small talk before discussing prices. A video call or factory visit builds trust faster than emails. 2. Don't show desperation If a supplier thinks you need their product urgently, they will not lower prices. Compare multiple suppliers a

If you sell on Amazon, getting inventory to FBA warehouses on time and in compliant packaging is half the battle. This guide explains how China warehouse and FBA prep services work. Why Use a China Warehouse? Most factories do not handle export documentation, labeling, or quality control. A China warehouse acts as your local receiving point where all products are consolidated, inspected, and prepared before shipping. Common FBA Prep Services 1. Product inspection - check quan

Understanding import duties is one of the biggest challenges when sourcing from China. This guide breaks down import duties for buyers in the USA, UK, and EU. How Import Duties Work Import duty is a tax imposed by a country on goods crossing its borders. The rate depends on the product HS code, country of origin, and declared value. Importing into the USA Most products from China face 0-25% duty. De Minimis is $800 duty-free. MPF is 0.3464%. Customs bond required over $2,500.

Alibaba is the world's largest B2B marketplace, connecting millions of buyers with Chinese suppliers. But with so many options, how do you find the right manufacturer for your product? This guide walks you through the exact process we use at SourceChina.biz to identify, vet, and partner with reliable suppliers on Alibaba — so you can avoid scams, negotiate better prices, and source with confidence. Step 1: Use the Right Search Terms Start broad, then narrow down. Search

You cannot return 10,000 defective products from China. Quality control before shipment is non-negotiable. Pre-Production Check Confirm materials match your approved sample Check production start date in writing Get factory contact and expected completion date In-Production Check Ask for photos at 30% and 70% completion Verify packaging materials match your spec Check labeling and barcodes Final Random Inspection (FRI)This is the most important step. A third-party inspector s

When you start importing from China, you will quickly encounter two terms: Private Label and OEM. Many buyers use them interchangeably, but they are different. What Is Private Label?Private label means the factory already makes a generic product. You add your brand logo, packaging, and maybe a small color change. The product itself is standard. Lower MOQ: 100-500 units Faster lead time: 15-25 days Lower unit cost Less customizationBest for: new brands, small businesses, testi

The #1 fear of every new importer is simple: What if I get scammed?Chinese supplier scams are real but avoidable. Follow these 10 verification steps before sending a single dollar. 1. Check Their Business LicenseAsk for a photo of their Chinese business license (营业执照). Verify the company name matches, registration capital is reasonable, and the business scope covers what they sell.2. Check Their Alibaba ProfileLook for Verified Supplier badge, Trade Assurance, 3+ years in bus

One of the first questions every importer asks is: How much does a China sourcing agent actually cost?The short answer: it depends. But here is the full breakdown so you can budget properly. What Do Sourcing Agents Charge?Most Chinese sourcing agents use commission-based pricing: Orders under $10,000: 8-10% commission $10,000-$50,000: 5-8% $50,000-$200,000: 4-6% Over $200,000: 3-5%This is the most transparent model. The agent earns more when you spend more, which aligns their

If you're considering importing products from China for the first time, you're not alone. Millions of businesses around the world source from China every year — and for good reason. Chinese factories offer competitive pricing, massive production capacity, and increasingly sophisticated quality. 1. Define Your Product and RequirementsBefore you contact any factory, get crystal clear on what you want to import. Product specifications: materials, dimensions, colors, packaging, c