It’s no secret that China manufactures many of the world’s products today. But finding a reliable supplier is difficult after the pandemic because the horizon has changed. If you’re wondering how to find a supplier in China, follow these tips to make your search easier!
Schedule time
It takes time to find suppliers and establish contact. Set aside at least four weeks to explore all your options, instead of rushing ahead with the first supplier you find.
Install Chinese messenger apps
Install WeChat
China can’t access services like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, so use WeChat instead. Going beyond email shows your interest in a long-term partnership.
Speak to one of our team members to get assistance. All of our members are multilingual and they can take care of the communication between you and your supplier.
Use established B2B platforms
Source your product through sites like Alibaba, HKTDC, Global Sources, and Made-in-China. Some, like Alibaba, also have money-back guarantees for buyers.
Do a background check
Protect yourself further by verifying the supplier’s reputation. Check their platform ratings, visit their website, and consider asking for their business license, too.
Get the details right
Confirm all aspects of your order. Does it meet their MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)? Have you agreed on a shipping method, costs, and time? Do you know what constitutes a full product, i.e. tags, manuals, packaging, and accessories? Have you secured all the freight documents and invoices? Be thorough and communicate with the supplier.
Pay through the platform
If you’re new, don’t pay suppliers privately – B2B platforms enforce buyer protection and seller accountability. (We’ve lost money to a fraudulent photo gear supplier before!)
Unfortunately, there are two major obstacles once you find a supplier in China: language and distance. Miscommunication can be frustrating or even costly for your business, and those problems would only worsen with the long shipping times. What’s more, many specialized manufacturers only communicate in Chinese as they serve the domestic market (such as 1688).
That’s where Nexlon steps in. Our Shanghai-based studio can communicate with the suppliers on your behalf, receive samples, and take the all-important product photos – saving you time and money. So, get in touch with our specialists to make your next big company decision a success!
