For those already familiar with importing from China or anyone thinking about starting to import from China, we’ve prepared a list of useful websites, free resources, and tips to use when trading with Chinese suppliers. Some of our resources are well known, but we included them in our comprehensive guide because many entrepreneurs or companies have never done business in China, and everything is new to them.
Importing from China
Importing from China is a process. Even buying online is not the same as buying on eBay or Amazon. Whether you plan to source a whole 20′ container or just two pieces of a product from China, you will encounter the same problems finding a reliable supplier from China, verifying your potential partner, shipping your products from China, and dealing with duty rates and customs procedures.
We recommend the following tools and websites to improve your sourcing business from China.
1. Alibaba
It’s the world’s biggest B2B portal and a well-known place where importers can find suppliers and products from China. You can find almost any supplier on Alibaba. It’s an excellent resource for finding new products, but you should remember that the safety of Alibaba is very questionable for importers.
When buying from Alibaba, you will face two main problems and risks: scams and quality issues. This doesn’t mean that 100% of Alibaba suppliers are frauds. It just means you just should be careful and not trust everyone you meet online. Also, remember that being an Alibaba Gold Supplier does not mean much.
2. ImportGenius
Another way to source suppliers from China is to use Importgenius.com. Compared to Alibaba, it’s not a free tool for sourcing from Chinese suppliers. Import Genius tracks shipping activity around the world to show you exactly what’s happening in the import-export business. There’s no better way to identify suppliers, connect with new customers, and learn about your competitors’ supply chains.
If you are importing from China and looking for a new supplier or want to expand your product line, it’s a great tool to search for suppliers in China.
3. China-TradeFair
If you don’t trust any online tool and want to meet your suppliers in person, you should definitely visit one of the thousands of trade fairs in China. China-Tradefair.com features all upcoming trade shows across China. Using their simple search engine, you can choose a date, industry, or city in China and browse among selected trade shows.
So, if you want to visit a trade fair in your industry, just find it here, and travel to China to meet your suppliers in person.
4. Flexport
When it comes to importing from China, you will need a professional forwarding company to handle the whole transportation hassle. Flexport.com comes with the perfect solution. Flexport is a licensed customs brokerage and freight forwarder with a simple online approach. On their online portal, you can request a freight quote, book your shipment, and track and manage all your shipments. By automating the transportation process from China through an online dashboard, you can reduce costs and save time.
5. Highway1
Highway1 is an accelerator program launched by PCH International to help young start-ups develop Chinese products. Located in Shenzhen and with access to prototyping facilities, it’s a perfect solution for anyone who wants to develop their product with the assistance of professionals.
6. Terapeak
Do you plan to sell your products online on eBay or Amazon? Terapeak.com enables eBay and Amazon sellers to grow their businesses. They deliver you all the necessary tools to navigate your e-commerce. You can easily discover new selling opportunities, see the hottest product, or make listings. Most importantly, you can start to use Terapeak for free.
7. ShipHub
Shipping is one of the stages of import, and freight rates constantly change. ShipHub.co is a platform that allows you to reduce transport costs. The process is really simple: fill in the form on the main page and select from quotes you receive from reliable freight forwarders.
8. ExamineChina
Shameless plug, but we have to mention our site, ExamineChina.com. To avoid scams, you should always remember to get a complete supplier checkup, no matter whether you sourced the company online or traveled to a Chinese trade fair. The number of companies that have lost thousands of dollars or more to unreliable suppliers in China is massive. Chinese scams are constantly evolving and becoming more difficult to detect. That’s why you should leave the verification of Chinese companies to professionals.
9. Qima
Product and laboratory testing is essential for success when sourcing from China. Qima.com offers top-quality check services. After verifying your supplier from China, we recommend scheduling a per-shipment quality inspection. US and European markets are demanding, and importing good-quality products is the only way to ensure success. Many companies from China send very high-quality samples to their customers, but when it comes to the final order and shipment, the quality is lacking.
