How to Buy From China | Buying from China Step by Step

Estimated reading time: 23 minutes

Do you know how to buy from China? When you are interested in importing products from China, do you know where to buy products from China?

In this article, we will show you the online and offline sourcing strategies and steps when sourcing from China. Thus, you can learn how to find the best way to buy from China for your business.

Why should buy products from China?

Buying products from China can offer several advantages, both for individuals and businesses. Here are some key reasons why people choose to buy products from China:

• Cost-Effectiveness: One of the most compelling reasons is the cost. Products made in China are often cheaper than those made in other countries. This is due to lower labor costs, efficient manufacturing processes, and economies of scale in Chinese factories.
• Wide Range of Products: China’s manufacturing industry is incredibly diverse, producing a vast array of products. From electronics to clothing, furniture to toys, there’s a huge variety available, which means you can find almost anything you need.
• Customization and Flexibility: Chinese manufacturers are often willing to customize products according to the buyer’s specifications. This flexibility can be a significant advantage for businesses looking to create branded items or unique products.
• Strong Supply Chain and Infrastructure: China has a well-developed manufacturing infrastructure and a robust supply chain. This ensures that production and delivery can be done efficiently and at scale.
• Global Market Influence: China is a major player in the global market, and buying Chinese products can sometimes be a strategic decision, especially for businesses looking to enter or compete in certain markets.

Tip: Features of International Sourcing vs. domestic manufacturing

You will be confronted with the selection of whether to use domestic production in the USA or oversea sourcing in those low labor-cost regions such as China, Vietnam, India, Maymar…etc.

What is the difference when selecting local manufacturing in the US or buying from China?

Advantages (USA Domestic manufacturing):

• “Made in USA” stamp

The stamp would add value to your product when the final customers see the product’s origin of the place. It can differentiate your business from your competitors.

• No communication problem

It would be much easier when you communicate with a native English speaker.

• Low shipping cost compared with international logistic costs.
• USA Products: recognized as stable and high quality.
• Quick turn-around time

Disadvantages (USA Domestic manufacturing):

• High cost for producing in the USA:

That’s why retail giants such as Walmart, Costco, Target, …etc., are still mainly buying products from China or other South Eastern countries.

• The limitation of production capability and product categories

The USA used to import products, especially for those labor-intensive or hand-made products. The consequence of that is the domestic manufacturer may not meet the large order quantities with their limited production capability. They currently do not cover the full range of product lines as what Chinese suppliers are doing now.

How to buy from China?

Step 1: Identify What You Want to Buy

The first step in buying from China is to identify the products you want to source. Conduct market research and analyze consumer demand, trends, and competition. Consider factors such as product quality, pricing, and potential profit margins.

Once you have a clear idea of what you want to buy, determine the quantities needed for your initial order and any future orders. This will help you communicate effectively with suppliers during the negotiation stage.

Tip: Top Products Imported from China

Step 2: Find a Chinese Supplier

Finding a reliable Chinese supplier is crucial for a smooth buying experience. There are several ways to find suppliers in China:

1. Online B2B Platforms

Platforms like Alibaba, Global Sources, and Made-in-China connect businesses with thousands of suppliers. Use search filters and keywords relevant to your product category to narrow down your options.

2. Trade Shows

Attending trade shows in China allows you to meet suppliers face-to-face and establish personal connections. Trade shows like the Canton Fair offer an opportunity to explore a wide range of products under one roof.

3. Referrals and Networking

Reach out to industry professionals or fellow entrepreneurs who have experience sourcing products from China. They may recommend reliable suppliers based on their own positive experiences.

Remember to thoroughly vet potential suppliers by reviewing their company profiles, certifications, customer reviews, and production capabilities before proceeding further.

4. China Sourcing Agent

A China sourcing agent can be a valuable ally in your quest to source products from China. Owlsourcing has expert knowledge of the Chinese market and strong connections with local suppliers. We can handle tasks such as supplier verification, price negotiation, quality control inspections, logistics, and shipping arrangements.

Working with a sourcing agent can eliminate language barriers, reduce risks, and save time and effort on your part. However, remember to carefully choose your sourcing agent. Look for those with positive client testimonials, a proven track record, and transparent fee structures. This will ensure that your sourcing process runs smoothly and effectively while maximizing potential profits.

5. Visiting China Markets

China boasts a variety of markets catering to different industries. Based on the product categories you require, we have made the following recommendations for your consideration before deciding to visit these markets.

Product Category	Market name	Place	Recommend Reading
Electronics	Shenzhen Huaqiangbei Electronics Market	Guangdong	Import electronics from China
Clothing	Sijiqing Clothing Wholesale Market	Zhejiang	Import clothing from China
Small commodities	Yiwu International Trade City	Zhejiang	Buy and import from Yiwu
Kitchen Utensils	Shaxi International Hotel Articles City	Guangzhou	Import kitchen utensils from China
Shoes	Jinjiang Shoe Market	Fujian	Import shoes from China

Step 3: Conduct Due Diligence

Before entering into any business relationship, it’s essential to conduct due diligence on potential suppliers. Verify their business licenses, certifications, and any other relevant documentation that confirms their legitimacy.

Additionally, consider factors such as the supplier’s production capacity, delivery timescales, quality control measures, and after-sales support. Request samples if necessary to assess product quality firsthand.

Step 4: Negotiate Prices and Terms

Negotiating prices and terms is an integral part of the buying process. Start by requesting quotes from multiple suppliers and carefully compare them. Factors to consider include product pricing, payment terms, shipping options, and minimum order quantities.

When negotiating with suppliers, be professional and clear about your requirements. Aim for a win-win situation where both parties benefit. Building a long-term relationship based on trust can lead to favorable pricing and better cooperation.

Step 5: Sample Order

Before placing a large order, it’s advisable to request a sample from the supplier. This allows you to assess the product quality, packaging, and overall suitability for your target market. If satisfied with the sample, you can proceed with confidence.

Step 6: Place Your Order

Once you’ve completed the previous steps, it’s time to place your order with the chosen supplier. Provide detailed specifications including product variations, packaging requirements, labeling instructions, and delivery deadlines.

Ensure that all terms are clearly outlined in a purchase agreement or contract. This document should cover aspects such as payment terms, quality control procedures, intellectual property rights, and dispute resolution methods.

Step 7: Quality Control and Inspection

Maintaining quality control is crucial during the manufacturing process. Consider hiring an independent third-party inspection company to conduct inspections at different stages of production. This helps ensure that your products meet the required standards before they are shipped.

Step 8: Shipping and Logistics

The final step involves arranging shipping and logistics for your goods. Determine the most suitable transportation method based on factors like cost, urgency, and product characteristics. Options include sea freight, air freight, or express courier services.

Air Freight VS Sea Freight VS Express Courier	Air Freight	Sea Freight	Express Courier
Speed	Fastest mode of transport, usually a few days.	Slower, typically takes weeks or months.	Very fast, often within a few days.
Cost	Generally the most expensive.	Most economical for large shipments.	Moderate to high cost.
Volume and Weight Limitations	Suitable for smaller, lighter shipments.	Ideal for heavy, bulky, or large shipments.	Typically limited to small and medium-sized packages.
Safety and Reliability	High level of security and low risk of damage.	Generally safe, though longer transit time can increase risk.	Highly reliable and safe for small items.
Tracking	Comprehensive tracking options.	Tracking is available, but less detailed.	Detailed tracking and regular updates.

How to buy low-cost products from China?

The rapid growth of E-commerce highly boosts the sales revenue for those online stores. The pursuit of cost down is one of the most effective ways to get a decent margin and, meanwhile, to compete with strong competitors. We will show you the sourcing strategy and steps, both online and offline when buying from China.

From Online wholesale websites

There are two outstanding B2C retail, wholesale websites in China: DHGate and Aliexpress. You can find a lot of products, and the sites are targeting buyers from overseas markets.

Aliexpress:

Aliexpress established in 2010, which mainly focuses on providing wholesale Chinese products to countries like Russia, the USA, Spain, Brazil, and France. The site serves 230 countries in the world and ships products through China post mail service or air couriers.

The difference between Amazon and Aliexpress is the logistics and warehouse system. Amazon has advanced warehouses worldwide and supports the sellers to store the goods in their warehouse. They have already generated a highly effective and sophisticated logistics system in North America.

Aliexpress does not provide a warehouse storage service. The vendors on Aliexpress usually ship from China directly to the customers. Buyers can receive China goods at a low price after waiting for 10-25 days depending on the location.

The most popular categories among the categories on Aliexress are wholesale clothing, wholesale dress, Brazilian human hair, wholesale kitchen products, wholesale toys, sunglasses, and other products with good quality and reasonable prices.

The feature of Aliexpress: You can buy products with competitive prices and low minimum order quantity. You can benefit if you want to start with a small amount of wholesale when you buy from China and test to sell in your market.

Aliexpress is also one of the options if you are doing a dropshipping business. You can even find the boutique vendors on the platform.

DHGate.com:

The DHGate was founded in 2004, and it’s the first China wholesale website. The website aims at the overseas retail market (B2C) while another company Alibaba focuses on B2B (business-to-business).

Now the site has won twenty-one million online buyers who’ve experienced buying from China directly. The severing country range is more than 220 countries. DHGate is another workable platform if you want to do dropshipping business and don’t want to have your stocks.

Both DHGate and Aliexpress work like they provided large platforms for countless Chinese Stores selling their products at a wholesale price.

You can get some good options there if you are not going to private label your products and are willing to accept the Chinese supplier’s existing packaging.

Alibaba.com

The site found in 1999, and it is by far the most popular China wholesale website because it provides almost every kind of product in the market. Most overseas importers would source for cheap China products or develop OEM/ODM projects with suppliers on Alibaba.

Those ” Chinese stores” listing on Alibaba are either the China manufacturers or trading companies. For more details about why China wholesale suppliers can rank in a high position on Alibaba, please check my post about how to find the right supplier on Alibaba.

It’s not a China online shopping website, but a site you can find wholesale items and provide OEM/ODM service.

Alibaba.com is a platform where you can contact with Chinese suppliers freely and where you can learn how to import from China directly. But as we have mentioned in the previous post about Alibaba, you should know the pros and cons when buying from Alibaba.

Made-in-China.com

Established in 1996, Nanjing Focus Technology Co., Ltd(the parent company) created an online wholesale website, “Made-in-China.” The site intends to provide the opportunity to introduce cheap Chinese products to buyers all over the world.

It works similarly to other China wholesale websites that work as a broad dashboard for you to search for your nitch.

Made-in-China is a platform if you might able to find some first-rate Chinese wholesale suppliers with a long history because they have followed the website for many years. The site is beneficial when you want to see mechanical manufacturers in China.

Global Sources

Global Sources is one of the three largest China wholesale websites which providing the Product/Service searching features when people want to buy from China.

The conclusion here is that you can benefit from using these direct wholesale websites sourcing products. But you need some skills on how to deal with and negotiate with the Chinese wholesale suppliers.

We will share more about it in the following contents.

1688.com

The website is part of the Alibaba group. It focuses on providing wholesale products to China domestic buyers when they receive OEM/ODM orders from the oversea markets or just for their own business.

General speaking, 1688.com is for China domestic buyers to navigate the products, and Alibaba is designed for oversea buyers when they want to buy from China.

Note: Why the site 1688.com seems not popular for westerner buyers?

Language barrier: Most of China wholesale suppliers in 1688 do not speak English. Communication is a problem.

Business Type: Suppliers there mainly target for the Chinese domestic buyers. The vendors on 1688.com don’t understand the exportation process very well. They always work with the trading company or the Sourcing agents to get the purchase orders.

To resolve these two barries, a sourcing agent like OwlSourcing might help you if you want to explore the China domestic market and find a unique nitch for your business.We will help you buy from 1688.com.

Offline sourcing is a good choice

Canton Fair:

Founded in Guangzhou in April 1957, the Canton Fair was first called the China Export Commodities Fair.

This China Fair become the largest trade show for oversea buyers who want to buy wholesales from China market.

Exhibition Details: China Import and Export Fair Complex (380 Yuejiang Middle Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China)

Phase 1: April 15-19

• Electronics & Household Electrical Appliances
• Lighting Equipment
• Vehicles & Spare Parts
• Machinery
• Hardware & Tools
• Energy + Resources
• Chemical Products
• Building Materials

Phase 2: April 23-27

• Consumer Goods
• Gifts
• Home Decorations

Phase 3: May 1-5

• Office Supplies, Cases & Bags, and Recreation Products
• Medical Devices and Health Products
• Food
• Shoes
• Textiles & Garments

I have a post for the details about how to attend the Canton Fair and find the right Chinese wholesale suppliers in Canton.

Here is the Canton Fair complete guide.

Hongkong MEGA SHOW

20-23 Oct for wholesale toys session

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

Over the past twenty-eight years, the MEGA SHOW Series has established its reputation as the most critical showcase and sourcing hub for Made in Asia products in Hong Kong every October.

Yiwu Expo: 21-25 Oct

Yiwu International Expo Center

Exhibition Area: 100,000 ㎡
International Standard Booths: 3,600
Quality Exhibitors: 2,000
Visitors: 200,000

Navigating wholesale items and buy from China: check my post about how to find the right wholesale supplier in the Yiwu market.

China International Toy Fair: 16-18, Oct

Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC)

80,437 professional buyers from over 134 countries and regions

2,326 exhibitors, 220,000 sqm exhibition area

Benefits of Attending the China Fair or Hong Kong Fair

• Many vendors will gather together to show their products at the Show so you can find the ideal products and check various sample quality onsite.
• You can face to face talk with the vendors in the same industry and navigate what’s the next trend of the product by communication with the vendors.
• Experience one of the world’s largest trade shows, you won’t regret it because you can find almost anything you want.

How to find the best supplier when wholesale direct from China?

Find out the Supplier from Your Competitors

Assume that you are a pet’s products seller on Amazon and plan to sell the beds for pets. Although you can access to the wholesale website, you still want to know who’s the current vendor of your competitors with good online sales revenues.

Step 1, find out the target product and the competitor on Amazon. Below for reference when you type the keyword as ” pets bed”:

Now you get the seller name, and then you can check it on google to see if there is more information about the seller or the relevant companies. We type the seller name on Google and see the result as below.

It seems that the company is not only sold on Amazon but also have their B2C website, which you can find much info of this company.

The next step for you is to look at the “About Us” page and find out the official company name. Why? Because you can find out the suppliers under the official import company name through the Customs data website.

Here is the sample when we try to explore more about this online wholesale company:

On this page, you can see the parent company name, and that might be an importer name. Please be aware that sometimes these brands company will not use their company to execute China import but with their subsidiaries or import agent’s name.

Let’s find out what is the result when using the official company name in this case.

Step 2: You can access to the Customs data website to see if you can find the leads of related suppliers.

Here we use Usaimportdata, which is free when we use the primary function, and it works well.

You can find out the import record if they have the history buy from China and what you need to do is to fill in the importer’s name at the section of “buyer” to see the result:

Then the recent import data of this company shows up WOW:

What did you see? From the result page, you can find the pets bed suppliers for this company, and you would need to continue to use google to find out the contact info.

Step 3: Do more research on google to find out the supplier information.

China vendors also have different company names and especially when they doing the export business. Maybe one name is for the factory, and the other is an export company name, but both of them are in the same group. Below is the final result of the manufacturer for the beds of pets. We got it, and we can contact them for an inquiry if you also in the PETS industry.

I hope you can get an idea about how to get the vendors from your competitors’ website and practice this until you can use it to find your target China wholesale suppliers.

Ask your sourcing agent to help you

First-rate manufacturers may not need to promote themself on the B2B website because they have a stable business, so they need to maintain their relationship with their premium clients.

If you want to find these professional factories when buying from China, then you can find them through your sourcing agent because they have already connected with many manufacturers. Just as the real estate broker can help you find a house that meets your needs, they will provide professional services to meet your needs. General speaking, it is the same thing!

Tip: Buy from China: The Latest China Manufacturing Distribution Map

You may have ideas about how to buy from China, but do you ever see the map of China’s manufacturing distribution map?

If not, please continue to read the post.

Firstly, you would need to have a look at China’s map and know the provinces and cities which give you a general idea about mainland China and its resources.

The Latest China Manufacturing Distribution Map

You can download the map freely!

So whenever you want to buy from China, then you should analyze your product region no matter you are going to find the product yourself or through the sourcing agent. The above China resource map would greatly help you understand the resource distribution in mainland China.

You will find out how you can benefit if you start to familiar with the Chinese resource distribution map.

How to cooperate with China wholesale suppliers?

You need some skills when you buy from China and deal with your Chinese vendors.

1. Face to Face communication

When you’re hiring, you probably will arrange for an interview to find the right candidate. Why the meeting is so crucial because the designated candidate will work with you, more importantly, he needs to be able to create value for your company.

That’s the same factor why you are looking at the vendors from the oversea market: creat value. In this case, face-to-face contact with the supplier will be equally important, especially before the cooperation rather than after the payment of 30% advance.

You can conduct video conferences with potential partners through online video tools and talk about the specific project details before the official order.

Zoom, Skype, and WeChat are widely used in China when they are looking for a conference meeting. For further information, read this article: “How to Contact Chinese Manufacturers“.

Through direct contact with your suppliers, you will learn about the professionalism and service attitude of the factory or trader and will be able to make an ideal decision.

A personal meeting is crucial when contacting the supplier and establish the relationship.

2. Show your overseas suppliers that you are serious about your business

You need to show your vendor that you are very serious about your business in China then your supplier will take your order seriously.

Based on a particular culture, Chinese suppliers are very good at how to respond. A positive attitude will generally get a positive response.

Remember that the oversea vendors, especially the ones in China, will evaluate if you can be a long-term cooperation partner. The evaluation will affect how they are going to support you and ultimately to your business.

3. Assess the type of your business and the size of your factory or trader

If the shoe fits, don’t wear it unless it’s comfortable.

If you are the buyer from a retail giant such as Walmart, then maybe you used to choose the large-scale factory with high production capacity and perfect machinery, and the specific certificate is required.

You probably can work with small and medium-sized overseas suppliers if you are chain store retailers or online store sellers. (Amazon sellers)

Therefore, it is essential to conduct a proper evaluation and find a suitable supplier.

4. Know if your supplier is a trading company or manufacturer.

You need to know if your supplier is a factory or a trade intermediary. When you understand what type of company they are, you can combine your situation to make the right choice.

If you are an experienced purchaser, then you can adapt to a variety of environments. But if you are an inexperienced international buyer, then you may need to work with a trader or sourcing agent rather than a factory.

Why are there so many trading companies sourcing agents in China? Because they can create values and help you to conduct your business well in China.

5. Place a try order before a large order to test the vendor

Through the trial order, you can work with them about the whole process of the purchase order and know how they can cooperate with you and support you on the project.

You can analyze if they are the right suppliers to continue the relationship, or you need to eliminate the cooperation with the specific China supplier.

What you have to know is that during the process, especially when you find the order is under quality issue or production time, then that’s the time to show how good of this supplier and the ability to resolve the problems on time.

More related Articles,

• How to Verify if the Vendor is a China Factory or Trading Company? 9 Useful Tips
• Canton Fair: How to Find the Best Wholesale Suppliers in China Fair?
• Import from China: Sourcing Products from the Yiwu Market

Final Thoughts

When you are ready to buy from China, you should be clear about how to proceed step by step. We hope this article helps you understand this process. Of course, if you prefer to find a China sourcing agent, we highly recommend Owlsourcing. If you need assistance, please contact us.

Do you have any idea about how to find the right wholesale vendors in China? Please leave a comment and share it with us!