China is already considered of being the world’s biggest exporter. Everything that you imagine and wish to shop for is available in China, but also on a lot of online Chinese shopping sites. Although they do create a lot of products and almost anything that one can imagine, not all of them are high-quality. Why is that so? Due to the relatively affordable cost of manufacturing. If you are a business owner looking for high-quality (or cheap) products from China, you have to know your options and do some digging till you find the best solution for yourself or your brand. Here is all that you should know.
How do you source high-quality products from China? Top 6 ways and options to consider
1. Do your online search
Google is your friend in this case. Start your search by browsing through B2B platforms such as Alibaba or made-in-china.com. Adjust your search engines and scroll away! There are thousands and thousands of different suppliers on these sites, and finding one that you want to work with can take some time to do. Usually, it is best to aim for someone who has a high-star rating, reputation, along with credible labels such as gold members or verified suppliers. Oftentimes you will find someone with high ratings in terms of their company or professionality, but not necessarily product quality (or vice-versa). Be cautious and read reviews if possible.
2. Social media
Social media is not necessarily an ideal platform to identify suppliers, but it is a common go-to tool by a lot of newbies on the market who are trying to follow trends. You can rely on some LinkedIn profiles to sort out your options and go through your selection a lot faster. For instance, if you see a good-looking (promising) brand on Instagram with a lot of followers and somewhat impressive products, make sure to do your research when it comes to the brand owner. Who is the brand manager, and how much information can you find? If lucky and credible enough you will get a lot of answers on LinkedIn. This will sort and narrow down your selection, for sure.
3. Trade shows
Trade shows are another way to find legitimate suppliers and a good method if you have some time to spare and browse in person. The truth is that trade shows are rare, and they don’t happen as much and as often as you’d think. In some cities, they are a monthly event, while in some this is organized only once a year. These trade shows are often organized in bigger cities and with already checked-out professionals, so you don’t have to worry about their credibility. You can talk face to face with potential candidates and get your answers in less than 5 minutes! Find out everything about product quality, control, and the company itself by visiting just one trade show. The best ones are held in Hong Kong, but also in Las Vegas!
4. Go to China yourself (if you can)
Not a lot of people can have this type of luxury and aren’t lucky enough to have the option to hand-pick the best items. Are you a frequent traveler? Want to book a flight to China and explore in-person and on your own? The truth is that this is a bulletproof and safe deal. Although it may come across as a pricey and costly solution you have to think about all the other factors. For instance, you might spend a lot on your ticket, but think about all the goods that you’re going to sell by picking out the best high-quality models. You will have the time of your life and get to do business at the same time, but all of this will come back to you through profit, so it is not a costly trip. Visit the world’s largest wholesale market in Yiwu, China, and find someone who can do the translation for you so you can close the deal.
5. Trading company
A trading company may be a good option if you want to buy a small number of products at once, but you don’t plan on dealing with bigger issues of transportation on your own. The trade-off process means that the company does everything for you, but your process and its costs will be higher than if you did it on your own. It is still important to avoid fraud and poor quality through poor products. But how skilled is your trading company, and do you fully trust their judgment? If you are not knowledgeable when it comes to product transport and quality judgment yourself this can be a good call to make as a newbie in this process. Trading companies are often busy and overwhelmed, offering you not as much attention, but a problem-saving approach.
6. Sourcing agent
If you don’t want to buy from a supplier and you don’t want to work with a trading company consider hitting up a commission-based China sourcing agent! They have a lot of experience in this business and within the field. You will be paying them based on an agreed salary, or with fees that can range from 3 to 10 percent of the purchase price. After working with a sourcing agent 2-3 times you will fully understand the process, and eventually, even try doing it yourself. Get informed even more about a product sourcing agent in China, and learn about their quality and prices. With the right team, you are looking at quality, quick response, and fast secure transactions. You will be equipped with proper high-quality goods and products in no time!
Ready to get your hands on the best high-quality products?
If you are ready to begin your business make sure to apply some crucial rules. We highly recommend starting your business and consultations with a sourcing agent at first and considering other options as time goes on. Adjust your approach based on your budget, preference, and spare time. In the end, you will find the best high-quality products.