Importing from China is a great way for online sellers to get unique products at cheap prices, but it can be complicated and for first-timers, it's down right daunting! So read on as we review the two most popular forms of sourcing products from China.
China Sourcing Option #1: Buying Online
The Pros
You can do it from home from sites such as Alibaba, Chinavasion, and Made in China.
You can get access to almost every wholesaler on the web
The Cons
It is difficult to check the item's quality without seeing it first and you might find when you receive your shipment that they aren't quite as they look in the photos.
You can make yourself vulnerable to scams and con-artists. When you deal online, the transaction is largely faceless so if something goes wrong, there is little you can do about it.
You won't always get the very best price possible. When you buy from online wholesalers there are often middle men involved which bumps up the price.
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HOT TIP: If you find a great individual online supplier who has great products and offers flawless service, considering doing a large bulk-buy from them as soon as you can. They often work on very low profit margins, and unfortunately, it's common in China for individual supplier's businesses to buckle and fall very quickly.
China Sourcing Option #2: Going to China to Visit Trade Shows and Factories
The Pros
You will get better prices. By going straight to manufacturers, you will save money by cutting out the middle men
You can build better relationships with suppliers by meeting up with suppliers and talking with them directly. Don't be shy about getting to know them - in China business dinners are where many great deals are made and it almost expected if you want your supplier to give you a special price on stock. And yes, be ready to foot the entire food bill.
It's a great way to find new products and find out what's hot and up and coming for the season ahead.
The Cons
Travel to China is expensive. While most international travelers find China cheap for food and accommodation, a flight from New York to Beijing will set you back around US$1200 pp. (Keep in mind that if all goes to plan and you get a great deal on your items, your travel costs might be redeemed.)
It's time-consuming. You will need at least one week to travel to China, visit the trade shows or factories, negotiate a deal with a supplier and arrange shipping (most suppliers will help you with this or do it on your behalf when you order is made up).
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Upcoming Trade Shows in China:
When: October 12-15, 2009, April 12-15, 2010
Where: AsiaWorld Expo, Hong Kong
Admission: Free when you pre-register online
Showcasing: iPod accessories, consumer electronics, computer products, GPS systems, electronic personal care items, cell phones, WiFi products
Related: Check out our article on how to dropship electronics here!
When: October 20-23, 2009, April 20-23, 2010
Where: AsiaWorld Expo, Hong Kong
Admission: Free when you pre-register online
Showcasing: Bedding, safety equipment, fashion, feeding products, costumes and toys
When: October 20-23, 2009, April 20-23 2010
Where: AsiaWorld Expo, Hong Kong
Admission: Free when you pre-register online
Showcasing: Everything for the home including ceramics and porcelain, kitchen and tableware, storage systems, cleaning products, décor, art and crafts and garden items. (If you're interested in drop shipping garden products check out our article here).
When: October 20-23, 2009, April 20-23 2010
Where: AsiaWorld Expo, Hong Kong
Admission: Free when you pre-register online
Showcasing: Bags and purses, wholesale sunglasses, footwear, travel bags and luggage, ties, umbrellas hats and caps - plenty of niche items to be found here!
And find info for a whole lot more trade shows for niche items like industrial supplies, fabrics and textiles at www.biztradeshows.com/china
Next: A detailed guide on how to find quality suppliers from China online and how to verify them
Comments (1)
Original Sourcing Pro on 7:52 28 Feb
Great information and nice post about wholesale products from China. This post is very helpful. I have gained more information on your wholesale products from China. Thanks for sharing this.Rhea Bontol on 6:24 1 Mar
Glad you find this blog helpful. There are more good reads you can find on this similar topic below:https://www.salehoo.com/blog/why-import-from-china
https://www.salehoo.com/education/importing-shipping/all-about-importing-from-china
https://www.salehoo.com/education/scam-prevention/problems-dealing-with-chinese-suppliers
All the best!