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China today is the world’s go-to destination for product sourcing. There is an abundance of suppliers that can produce anything, from toys and apparel to consumer electronics and more. But finding those Chinese suppliers is no easy feat. Businesses need to invest time and effort into finding a reliable manufacturer to deliver quality products at competitive prices. Here are the top 5 ways to help you find and verify suppliers in China.
One of the most popular ways to find China suppliers is by going to meet them. Every year, many China trade shows and events take place across the country. Here are some key trade shows to mark your calendar:
The Canton Fair is the largest trade show for Chinese suppliers. Taking place twice a year in Guangzhou, the fair brings together thousands of buyers from around the world. Given its sheer size, the Canton Fair is divided into three phases. Each phase showcases different product lines:
Phase 1: Electronics, machinery, energy, and hardware.
Phase 2: Decorations, household items, and kitchen tools.
Phase 3: Personal care, bathroom products, toys, clothes, and bags.
Attending the Canton Fair is free, but you need to be prepared in advance. Sales representatives speak basic English, so you can only know a few details like the MOQ and price. You may be able to find Chinese translators or interpreters, but given the high demand during the event, you need to book them in advance.
Yiwu Market is a famous wholesale market in China. It’s located in Yiwu, a Chinese city and home to various vendors. You can find thousands of shops offering products like textiles, bags, and footwear. Yiwu Market may be a good choice if you’re looking to source cheap products at not-so-great quality. In addition, most of the shops there are trading companies and wholesalers, not China manufacturers.
There is a wide variety of trade shows where you can find China suppliers. Not all these events are in China. You can attend global trade shows in other parts of the world, such as the US, Europe, and the Middle East.
Online marketplaces are websites that help you find lots of China suppliers and wholesalers. Alibaba, the website pioneering this business model, has grown in popularity in recent years. But Alibaba isn’t the only sourcing site. Other competitors have emerged, including Made in China, and Global Sources.
Using these marketplaces is easy, but finding a reliable China supplier is a never-ending challenge. The websites are full of middlemen, trading companies, and wholesalers posing as manufacturers and suppliers. On top of that, scammers are always on the lookout to exploit unwary buyers.
Finding a reliable supplier is just the beginning – you’ll need to negotiate with the supplier to reach a fair agreement and establish a long-term relationship for future orders.
Google search can help as well. Search for specific keywords like “Toy manufacturers in Shenzhen” to get better results. However, keep in mind that many manufacturers don’t even have their own website. Even the ones that have websites may not appear on Google or may not be in English.
For more search results, try using Baidu, China’s main search engine. Translation tools may help you navigate Baidu, but be wary of trading companies and middlemen trying to pose as suppliers.
China sourcing agents are individuals who have experience in connecting buyers with suppliers. They are often found on freelance websites like Fiverr. These sourcing agents can be a fast and cost-effective way to source products and find China suppliers.
However, working with sourcing agents has quite a few disadvantages. They work on a very small scale, have a limited supplier network, and may be based outside China. In addition, given the fact that agents are independent professionals and not companies, some of them may be less accountable for sourcing issues that may arise.
You’ll find some similarities when comparing China sourcing agents with sourcing companies. Unlike individual agents, a sourcing company is an established business that specializes in managing supplier communication, placing purchase orders, and negotiating the best deals on your behalf.
These companies are usually based near major manufacturing hubs like Shenzhen, employing a team of sourcing professionals, often referred to as purchasing managers. They offer an ideal way to find suppliers in China and get your hands on quality products at a fair price. While their service fee may be a bit higher than agents, they can secure cheaper prices, which will offset the higher fees.
Many sourcing companies also provide added services to streamline the entire process. This includes in-house quality control, order fulfillment, freight forwarding, and even credit terms.
Looking for a China supplier can become a full-time job, especially if you’re an established eCommerce business looking to source new products. Even after spending weeks learning and researching about the product sourcing process, you may still be unable to find what you’re looking for.
To better understand the sourcing business, it’s good to start by requesting quotes and free consultations from sourcing companies to see what they offer.
As a China sourcing company, Lansil Global specializes in connecting eCommerce brands with trusted suppliers across China. In the past 9 years, we have developed a network of 2,000 suppliers across China’s top manufacturing hubs. If you’re looking for reliable suppliers, we’re here to help! Our sourcing rates can beat Alibaba’s by more than 10%.
Reach out to us today and request a free quote to learn more.
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