When it comes to importing products from China, buying wholesale can be a cost-effective solution. However, it can be challenging to navigate the process, especially for those who are new to it. Fortunately, there are several steps that buyers can take to ensure a successful purchase.
In this article, readers will learn about the best ways to buy wholesale from China directly. The article will cover topics such as finding a reliable supplier, dealing with Chinese wholesale suppliers, and tips for bulk buying. By following the steps outlined in this article, buyers can make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.
Key Takeaways
- Buyers can follow 7 steps to buy wholesale from China directly.
- It is important to find a reliable supplier when buying in bulk from China.
- Tips for dealing with Chinese wholesale suppliers can help ensure a successful purchase.
How to Buy Wholesale from China in 7 Steps
1. Understand Your Role in the Process
When purchasing products from China, one takes on the role of an importer. The supplier requires only the address information, and the shipment will likely arrive via air or ocean shipping. Smaller packages with a lesser value will be delivered directly to one’s door.
2. Find Good Products
While Chinese factories produce many excellent products, they also manufacture many low-quality products. It is crucial to avoid these products, especially if one intends to resell them. To identify good and bad products, one must understand two critical differences between China and Western countries. Firstly, China has different quality standards from Western countries. Secondly, China has different norms around intellectual property, and there are many counterfeit products. Only purchase good quality products to resell to customers to ensure business growth.
3. Check the Import Laws of your Country
Before purchasing an overseas product, it is essential to ensure that one is legally allowed to import it into their country. Certain countries have import restrictions on specific product types. Attempting to import such restricted items may result in the product being sent back to the shipper, and the importer may be fined by the government.
4. Find the Classification Number of the Product(HS CODE)
Each imported item has its own tariff classification number that is ten digits long. The tariff classification number and the Certificate of Origin are necessary to calculate the rate of duty, which is an import fee that must be paid. Calculating the land cost is also necessary. The Incoterms are particularly essential to focus on. Before submitting the order to the supplier, ensure that the landed cost is calculated. One can find the FOB (free on board) rate by adding together the product price, Chinese shipping charges, customs clearance fee, land transport costs, and Duty & Tax costs.
5. Locating the Chinese Supplier
To buy bulk products from China, one must find a supplier who can fulfill the order. It is crucial to understand the supplier’s shipping terms, especially regarding the delivery time. Once a good supplier is found, request a Proforma Invoice or Quote Sheet. This documentation will provide specific information about the purchases, such as the weight, packed dimensions, value, and description of each product. Building contact with the supplier can take a while, and communicating back and forth with suppliers requires patience. For example, it takes from initial contact to get samples can easily take weeks.
6. Calculate the Total Shipping Costs
International shipments have various fees attached to them, including standard shipping costs, container fees, broker fees, packaging fees, and terminal handling fees. To know what to expect for shipping expenses, add up the total cost of all these fees. Before arranging the shipment, request the following documents from the supplier as they will be required to clear customs: A Commercial Invoice, a Packing List, a Detail Sheet, and a Bill of Lading. Ocean shipping is a much bigger headache but totally worth it. If one is importing a large production volume, they can easily save between 5-6x compared to shipping by air.
Here are 6 ways to ship Chinese merchandise wholesale products:
- Air express
- Air freight (DDP)
- Regular post
- Ocean expedited freight (DDP)
- Ocean freight (FCL/LCL)
- Train (DDP)
7. Track the Shipment
International shipments can take a while to arrive. If one is on the East Coast of the United States and orders a product from China, it may take about 30 days to arrive. If one is on the West Coast, it may take only about 13 days. Save the freight documents related to the shipment, such as the bill of lading, commercial invoice, and packing list. This documentation can be used to understand the customs clearance process that the shipment will go through after it arrives in the country. Ask the customs broker to accept the shipment when it arrives at the customs facility. If there are no discrepancies with the paperwork, the shipment should be available for pick up after customs clear it. For smaller orders, the shipment will be delivered to the address specified initially.
Where to Find Buying Bulk from China Supplier？
12 Best China Websites to Buy Wholesale from China Directly:
When it comes to buying bulk items from China, online directories like Alibaba and GlobalSources.com are the best options for those who cannot travel to China. There are six main Chinese wholesale websites existing now, including Alibaba, AliExpress, Global Source, Lightinthebox, DHgate, and Made-in-China. Depending on your requirements, you can find the best one to buy bulk items from China. The following table shows some of the best websites to buy wholesale and dropship products from China:
| Company | Product Category | Sign Up | Business Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supplyia | Sourcing | Free | Product Sourcing Company |
| Alibaba | General | Free | Wholesale & Dropship sites |
| AliExpress | General | Free | Wholesale & Dropship sites |
| Global Sources | General | Free | Directory |
| Lightinthebox | Limited category | Free | Wholesale & Dropship sites |
| DHgate.com | Limited category | Free | Wholesale & Dropship sites |
| Madeinchina | Machinery, Electronics | Free | Directory |
| Chinavasion | Electronic, Gadgets | Free | Wholesale & Dropship sites |
| DealExtreme | Electronic, Gadgets | Free | Wholesale & Dropship sites |
| BangGood | Electronic | Free | Wholesale & Dropship sites |
| Tomtop | Electronic, Gadgets | Free | Wholesale & Dropship sites |
| Everbuying | Electronic | Free | Wholesale & Dropship sites |
Top 7 Trade Fairs to Buy Direct from China Wholesale
For those who prefer to purchase directly from China, attending trade fairs is an excellent option. China hosts several international trade fairs every year, offering a wide range of products. The following are some of the top trade fairs to buy directly from China wholesale:
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The Canton Fair: This fair is held twice a year and is located in Guangzhou, one of China’s most popular cities. It offers a wide range of products, including technical textiles and nonwovens, electronics, consumer goods, home décor, office supplies, shoes, and much more.
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Yiwu Wholesale Marketplace: This China international trade fair is located in Zhejiang, Yiwu, and specializes in consumer products. It is organized once a year and offers bargain deals, especially for those buying supplies in bulk.
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East China Import and Export Commodity Fair: This fair is located in Shanghai, one of China’s largest business cities, and is hosted once a year. It offers household products and accessories, textiles, clothes, gifts, and arts.
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Global Sources Tradeshow: This fair is hosted twice a year in Hong Kong and offers fashion accessories and electronics. It is similar to the Canton Fair and is perfect for international visitors as it doesn’t have language barriers.
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Bauma China: This tradeshow focuses on the construction industry and displays equipment and machinery, and building materials. It is hosted twice a year in Shanghai and has a large international attendance.
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Beijing International Auto Show: This show is hosted twice a year in Beijing and is for cars, automobiles, and any parts or accessories that suit those products. It attracts various worldwide sellers, making it an excellent place to get accessories and parts for cars.
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A Search Engine For all Chinese trade Fairs: For those who want to attend all the China trade fairs, 10times is an excellent tool to find out all the trade fair information.
Attending these trade fairs can help buyers find quality products and get excellent deals.
Buy Bulk from China Tips– Some Notes on Dealing with Chinese Wholesale Suppliers
When it comes to buying wholesale products from China, there are several factors to consider. Below are some tips for dealing with Chinese wholesale suppliers that will help you navigate the cultural and locational challenges that may arise.
Commuting Issues
China is the world’s most populous country, and its major cities are dense. This means that if you’re taking public transportation, expect traffic congestion and longer travel times. It is essential to keep this in mind when planning your trip to China to buy bulk products.
Cultural Differences
Culture plays a significant role in business, and it impacts how each side negotiates and communicates its demands. Chinese people tend to be less confrontational than other cultures, which is necessary to keep in mind, especially if you come from a more direct culture like the US. To avoid misunderstandings, it is recommended to communicate through direct questions and to write everything down. Chinese individuals tend to be more polite and accommodating in conversation, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.
Language Barriers
English is the best bet for communication with Chinese vendors. However, it is recommended to simplify your communication with vendors. Slow speech with shorter sentences and avoiding excess babble is essential. Typing out your needs on paper can also go a long way since most Chinese vendors can read better than they listen.
Written Contracts Aren’t Final
In China, contracts are not final. They might change tomorrow, next week, often with a set of rational excuses. Therefore, drafting a contract (if it isn’t for a massive order) is somewhat meaningless, and it’s best not to overly depend on the written agreement. It takes time to get consistency, and on the way, you can expect slight hiccups.
Be Specific – Avoid Assumptions
It is crucial to include as many details as possible in your writing. If it isn’t spelled outright, then you can assume that vendors will cut corners to fulfill your orders. For example, you might get less material in your final product, or certain aesthetic details might end up being omitted. Through writing, you still get full communication to ensure that what you want is what you get.
In conclusion, dealing with Chinese wholesale suppliers requires a good understanding of the cultural and locational factors that may impact your business. By following the tips mentioned above, you can navigate these challenges and make your bulk purchases from China a success.
6 Tips for Bulk Buy Products from China
When importing bulk products from China, it is important to keep in mind several tips to ensure a smooth transaction. Below are six tips to consider when bulk buying products from China.
1. Don’t Always Choose the Cheapest Products.
While it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest products available, this is not always the best route to take. Cheap products may be of lower quality and may not meet your specifications. It is essential to purchase quality products, even if it means paying a little more.
2. Explain Your Specifications to The Supplier.
It is crucial to communicate your specifications and requirements to the supplier before shipping. This will ensure that you receive the products or materials that meet your needs. Failure to do so may result in receiving products that you did not want.
3. Don’t Act Suspicious of the Supplier Upfront
When dealing with a new supplier, it is important to establish trust and a good working relationship. Acting suspicious or rude may damage the relationship and result in poor customer support or product quality. It is best to show respect and trust upfront.
4. Verify FOB Terms.
Confirm that the supplier accepts the FOB terms associated with their nearest airport or port. This will give you more control over the shipment and lower shipping expenses.
5. Be Mindful of Shipping Times.
Shipping products from China can take a long time, with shipping times of up to 30 days. It is important to plan for these shipping times and factor them into any timelines or deadlines. Additionally, it may take up to seven days for the supplier to prepare the documentation, ship the product, and clear it through customs.
6. Commercial Import Regulations.
If importing products for resale or commercial purposes, it is essential to be aware of import regulations. Customs authorities may evaluate the shipment to determine whether it is for personal use or commercial purposes. If deemed for commercial purposes, import regulations will apply. It is important to comply with these regulations to avoid any legal issues.
By following these six tips, importing bulk products from China can be a successful and profitable venture.
10 Tips for Ordering from China in Bulk
#1: Understand the Differences Between Factory, Trading Company, Sourcing Agent, Manufacturer, and Supplier
When it comes to importing products from China, it is important to understand the differences between the various terms used in the industry. A factory is where a product is built, while a trading company acts as a middleman and raises the price before shipping the product. A sourcing agent is similar to a trading company, but they also provide factory and product inspections, as well as shipping and logistics opportunities. The terms manufacturer and supplier are used loosely and can overlap with any of the previous three terms. It is important to understand these differences to avoid confusion and frustration.
#2: Evaluate More Than Just Price
While price is an important factor in business profitability, it is not the only factor to consider when selecting a supplier. Quality, flexibility, and delivery experience are also important factors to consider. The cheapest supplier may not always provide the best service, and the most expensive supplier is not always the best choice. Beware of offers that seem too good to be true, as they may be a sign of poor quality or other issues.
#3: Do Not Try to Negotiate on Shipping
While it is important to compare shipping prices between different suppliers, it is not advisable to try to negotiate on shipping. Suppliers may not be willing to negotiate on shipping costs, as they have to charge a minimum price to cover their own costs. Trying to negotiate on shipping may make a supplier think that you are not familiar with the industry, which could harm your working relationship.
#4: Do Not Assume That Most Suppliers on Alibaba are Factories
Many suppliers on Alibaba may claim to be factories, but in reality, they may be trading companies that have purchased products from factories and raised the price to make a profit. It is important to research suppliers thoroughly to ensure that they can provide the products and services you need.
#5: Do Not Assume That a Supplier Must be a Factory Because They Call Themselves One
Just because a supplier shows pictures of a factory does not necessarily mean that they are a factory. It is important to research suppliers thoroughly and verify their claims before working with them. While it is understandable to want to work directly with a factory to get the best price, this is not always the case.
#6: Do Not Assume That Working Directly With a Factory Means You Will Pay Less
While working directly with a factory may seem like the best way to get the best price, this is not always the case. Trading companies may have better relationships with factories, which can result in better deals for buyers. It takes time to build a good relationship with a factory, and they may not offer better deals until they trust you.
#7: Do Not Assume That Sourcing and Shipping Will Only Take a Month
Building a highly customized product can take up to six months, from product research to shipping to Amazon FBA. Even if you are not building a brand new product, sourcing and shipping still take time. It is important to budget at least two to three months for sourcing and shipping your product. Working with a sourcing agent can help streamline the process and ensure that everything runs smoothly.
#8: Do Not Skip Working With a Sourcing Agent
Working with a sourcing agent can help ensure that your business is protected from serious risks, including fraud, product quality issues, and legal risks. A sourcing agent can help you select the right supplier, negotiate the best price, and ship your order. They can also conduct a factory audit and provide an objective assessment of the staff, equipment, processes, automation, and management structure.
#9: Do Not Assume That a Supplier Will Not Share Your Idea
It is important to take steps to protect your product from being copied or hijacked by suppliers. One way to do this is to have one supplier build all the pieces of the product separately, then assemble the product yourself. This way, your supplier does not know what the final product looks like. Another way to protect your product is to add accessories and extras to make it harder to duplicate.
#10: Do Not Assume That a Supplier Who Requires a Certain MOQ is Unreliable
Suppliers may require a certain minimum order quantity (MOQ) to ensure that the time and labor spent building your product is worthwhile. Buying products in bulk is often cheaper, and suppliers may not be willing to lower their MOQ if it is not worth their time. It is important to understand this and work with suppliers to find a solution that works for both parties.
Buying Bulk from China Final Words
When buying products in bulk from China, quality control is crucial. The accumulation of experience and understanding of price and quality is essential to ensure a successful purchase.
One of the significant advantages of buying wholesale from China is the availability of mass production at affordable rates. Additionally, buyers can choose from a range of quality options to suit their needs.
To establish long-term connections, buyers should negotiate, inspect, and ship products in a manner that guarantees customer satisfaction, even if issues arise during the first transaction. Hiring an agent to assist with communication and order tracking can also be beneficial.
In conclusion, the previous guide provides valuable insights on how to buy wholesale from China. However, if buyers require further assistance with product sourcing or have additional questions, they can contact a product sourcing company for help.
Buyers are encouraged to share their experiences when buying wholesale from China by leaving a comment.
Buy Wholesale from China FAQ
Is it Legal to Buy from China and Resell?
According to the background information, it is legal to buy products from China and resell them as long as they are authentic and not counterfeit. However, online store owners have a responsibility to ensure that the products they sell are legitimate.
How to Buy Wholesale Directly from the Manufacturer?
If you are a small business owner, you can contact brand manufacturers to inquire about buying wholesale products directly from them. While most brand manufacturers usually sell directly to large businesses, they may be able to provide you with the names of distributors or small wholesalers.
How Can I Buy Shoes Wholesale from China?
Chinese shoe wholesalers can be easily accessed through popular online China wholesale websites such as AliExpress and Alibaba. These sites offer a convenient shopping experience and shoes at a low price.
Do I Need a Permit to Import from China?
Generally, there is no import permit or license required for importing products from China. However, certain goods may require a permit from a federal agency. It is important to note that different federal agencies oversee different imported products, and requirements may vary.
How Can I Translate Chinese to 1688 English?
To translate Chinese to English, you can use Google Chrome’s right-click translation feature. Additionally, you can learn more about buying from 1688 through online resources.