Supplier Questions to Ask at the Canton Fair
A practical list of supplier questions for first-time Canton Fair buyers, covering MOQ, samples, pricing, lead time, payment terms, certifications, quality control, and follow-up.
A practical list of supplier questions for first-time Canton Fair buyers, covering MOQ, samples, pricing, lead time, payment terms, certifications, quality control, and follow-up.
Ask each supplier the same core questions about product specifications, MOQ, sample cost, unit price, lead time, payment terms, certifications, quality control, packaging, shipping terms, and follow-up contact. The goal is not to collect more brochures. The goal is to leave each booth with comparable notes.
The Canton Fair can feel busy, loud, and full of possibilities. That is useful only if you can compare suppliers after the day ends.
First-time buyers often walk into booths, collect brochures, take a few product photos, and leave with a bag full of paper but no clear supplier shortlist. The fix is simple: prepare your supplier questions before you enter the halls.
You do not need a complicated script. You need a consistent set of questions that helps every booth conversation produce the same kind of notes.
Quick answer
At each meaningful booth, ask about:
- Product specifications
- MOQ
- Sample cost and sample lead time
- Unit price and quantity price breaks
- Production lead time
- Payment terms
- Certifications or test reports
- Quality control process
- Packaging options
- Shipping terms
- Best follow-up contact
Ask the same core questions at each booth. If every supplier gives you different information, comparison becomes guesswork.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for buyers who need practical supplier questions before walking the Canton Fair halls.
It is especially useful if you are:
- Visiting the Canton Fair for the first time
- A sourcing beginner meeting Chinese suppliers in person
- A small importer comparing factories and trading companies
- An Amazon seller looking for private label products
- A Shopify seller sourcing a first product line
- A small business owner who needs clear follow-up notes
If you are still planning the overall visit, start with the Canton Fair Guide and the Canton Fair Buyer Checklist.
Why prepared questions matter
Without prepared questions, every booth conversation becomes different.
One supplier may talk about price. Another may focus on samples. Another may show you a catalog and move quickly to the next visitor. By the end of the day, you may have many contacts but no fair way to compare them.
Prepared questions help you:
- Keep booth conversations focused
- Compare suppliers using the same fields
- Notice vague answers
- Avoid choosing only by product appearance
- Follow up with the right suppliers first
- Save time after the fair
The goal is not to interrogate every supplier. The goal is to leave useful notes for the suppliers that actually match your product and order size.
Product and specification questions
Start by checking whether the product matches what you need.
Useful questions:
- What is the exact product model, material, or specification?
- Can this product be customized?
- What sizes, colors, materials, or packaging options are available?
- Is this product already exported to my target market?
- Can you share a product spec sheet, catalog, or product photos?
- What parts of the product can be changed, and what parts are fixed?
- Is this your standard product or a custom version?
- What information do you need from me to quote accurately?
If you are sourcing a technical, regulated, or private label product, avoid vague descriptions. Write down the exact model, material, size, and packaging option you discussed.
MOQ and pricing questions
MOQ and price need context. A low price may depend on a high quantity, simple packaging, or a different material.
Ask:
- What is the minimum order quantity for this product?
- Are there different MOQs for standard products and customized products?
- What are the price breaks at higher quantities?
- What is the sample cost?
- Are there mold, tooling, design, or setup fees?
- Does the quoted price include packaging?
- Is the price based on EXW, FOB, or another trade term?
- How long is the quote valid?
Do not ask only, “What is your best price?” Instead, give a quantity range and product specification so the answer means something.
Sample questions
Samples are where many first-time buyers learn whether a supplier can actually meet expectations.
Ask:
- Is a sample available now?
- How long does it take to prepare a sample?
- What is the sample cost?
- What is the sample shipping cost?
- Can the sample cost be refunded after a bulk order?
- Will the sample match mass production quality?
- If I need a customized sample, what details do you need?
- Can you send sample photos or videos before shipping?
If the supplier says the sample is “same as production,” ask what may still change in bulk production, such as packaging, logo, color, material batch, or accessories.
Lead time and production questions
Production timing affects inventory planning, launch dates, and cash flow.
Ask:
- What is the normal production lead time after deposit?
- Does lead time change during busy seasons?
- What is your monthly production capacity?
- How do you confirm an order before production starts?
- What documents or artwork do you need before production?
- When do you buy materials?
- When can I inspect goods before shipment?
- What usually causes delays for this product?
If the answer sounds too fast, ask what assumptions the supplier is making. Lead time may depend on available materials, packaging, logo work, or current factory capacity.
Payment and trade term questions
Payment and trade terms affect risk, logistics, and total landed cost.
Ask:
- What payment methods do you accept?
- What are your normal deposit and balance terms?
- Do you accept LC for larger orders?
- Is your quote EXW, FOB, CIF, DDP, or another term?
- Which port do you usually ship from?
- Can you work with my freight forwarder?
- When is the balance payment due?
- What documents do you provide after shipment?
For small buyers, many suppliers may quote FOB or EXW first. Do not assume the first quote includes freight, duties, or delivery to your warehouse.
Quality control and certification questions
Quality questions are easier to ask before you order than after a problem appears.
Ask:
- Do you have your own factory inspection process?
- What product testing do you perform?
- Which certifications or test reports are available?
- Are the certificates valid for my target market?
- Can I arrange a third-party inspection before shipment?
- What happens if defects are found before shipment?
- What is your warranty or after-sales policy?
- How do you handle damaged or defective products after delivery?
If certificates matter for your market, ask for actual documents later by email. Do not rely only on a verbal answer at the booth.
Company and communication questions
A good product is not enough if communication is weak.
Ask:
- Are you a factory or trading company?
- How many years have you exported this product?
- What are your main export markets?
- Who will be my English-speaking contact after the fair?
- Can I contact you by email, WeChat, or WhatsApp?
- Who prepares quotations and sample invoices?
- Can you send your company profile after the fair?
- Can I visit the factory or arrange a video call if needed?
Write down the contact person, not just the company name. After the fair, this saves a lot of confusion.
Questions to avoid asking too early
Some questions are not wrong, but they are weak if you ask them too early.
Avoid starting with:
- What is your lowest price?
- Can you make it cheaper?
- What is your best product?
- Can you make anything like this?
- Can I order a very small quantity?
These questions usually work better after you provide product specifications, expected quantity, target market, packaging needs, and quality requirements.
Suppliers can give better answers when they know what you are actually trying to buy.
Booth note template
Copy this template into your notes app or spreadsheet before the fair.
Supplier name:
Booth number:
Contact person:
Product category:
Product discussed:
MOQ:
Sample cost:
Sample lead time:
Unit price:
Price basis / trade term:
Production lead time:
Payment terms:
Certifications:
Packaging notes:
Quality control notes:
Follow-up priority:
Next action:
Notes:Use the same template for every serious supplier conversation. You can also compare suppliers later with the Supplier Comparison Sheet.
Common mistakes first-time buyers make
Asking different questions at every booth
This makes comparison hard. Use the same core questions, then add product-specific questions when needed.
Not recording booth number
Company names can be similar. Booth number helps you trace where the conversation happened.
Not taking structured notes
Photos and brochures are useful, but they do not replace notes about MOQ, samples, price basis, lead time, and follow-up action.
Not asking about samples
Many product problems appear only when you review a real sample. Ask early how samples work.
Waiting too long to follow up
Follow up while the conversation is still fresh. Suppliers meet many buyers during the fair.
Comparing only price
A low unit price can hide weak packaging, long lead time, poor communication, unclear quality control, or missing certificates.
Simple supplier question checklist
Copy this checklist before entering the halls:
- Product model or specification confirmed
- Customization options checked
- MOQ written down
- Price breaks by quantity checked
- Sample cost checked
- Sample lead time checked
- Production lead time checked
- Payment terms checked
- Trade term checked
- Export port checked
- Certifications or test reports discussed
- Quality control process discussed
- Packaging included or excluded confirmed
- Follow-up contact saved
- Booth number recorded
- Next action written down
Related guides and tools
- Canton Fair Guide
- Canton Fair Buyer Checklist
- Supplier Comparison Sheet
- Canton Fair Phase 1, 2, and 3 Explained
- Best Area to Stay in Guangzhou for Canton Fair Buyers
- Canton Fair Guide for First-Time Overseas Buyers
Use the buyer checklist
Confirm your phase, hotel area, buyer badge, supplier questions, and follow-up process.
Open buyer checklistFrequently Asked Questions
What should I ask suppliers first at the Canton Fair?
Start with product fit, MOQ, sample availability, unit price range, lead time, payment terms, certifications, and the best follow-up contact. These answers help you decide whether the supplier is worth a longer conversation.
Should I ask for the lowest price at the booth?
You can ask about price, but do not start with only the lowest price. Give the supplier product specifications, quantity range, packaging needs, and target market first, otherwise the quote may not be useful.
Should I ask for samples during the fair?
Yes. Ask whether samples are available, how much they cost, how long they take, how they ship, and whether the sample cost can be refunded after a bulk order.
How should I compare suppliers after the fair?
Use the same fields for every supplier: booth number, contact person, product, MOQ, sample cost, unit price, lead time, payment terms, certificates, and follow-up priority.
What should I do after meeting a supplier?
Follow up quickly with product photos, specifications, quantity range, packaging requirements, and the questions you still need answered. Request written quotes and sample details while the booth conversation is still fresh.