Find better suppliers and avoid beginner sourcing mistakes
Use this product sourcing from China preparation hub to compare suppliers, request samples, check quality control, negotiate MOQ and price, confirm first order details, and understand trade terms before payment.
Supplier Prep Status
48%- Apps Installed Alipay, WeChat
- Payment Methods Verified
- eSIM / VPN Prepared
- Hotel Address in Chinese
Who This Hub Is For
For buyers who want China sourcing best practices organized into a practical process before visiting markets, factories, or trade shows.
New Importers
Turn rough product ideas into requirements suppliers can quote accurately.
Online Sellers
Compare supplier terms before choosing samples or production partners.
Small Buyers
Understand MOQ, sample cost, trade terms, and realistic lead times.
Quality-Focused Teams
Plan samples, inspection, packaging, and shipment checks earlier.
Complete Sourcing Preparation Path
Follow the full small-buyer workflow from supplier comparison to first order, then clarify shipping responsibility and landed cost. Requirements can vary by product and market, so confirm details in writing and use professional support when needed.
Supplier and first order preparation
1. Compare Chinese Suppliers
Compare product fit, MOQ, unit price, samples, lead time, terms, quality checks, and communication before ordering samples.
2. Request Samples
Confirm sample cost, lead time, shipping, specs, packaging, and follow-up before a bulk order.
3. Check Quality Control
Confirm samples, specs, packaging, inspection, defect handling, and written details before placing a bulk order.
4. Negotiate MOQ and Price
Ask for price breaks, trial order options, sample cost clarity, packaging costs, payment terms, and written confirmation.
5. Confirm Your First Order
Confirm product specs, samples, MOQ, price, payment terms, packaging, QC, lead time, and written details before payment.
6. Understand Supplier Payment Terms
Confirm deposits, balance timing, inspection before payment when relevant, documents, trade terms, and written payment details before sending money.
7. Check the Proforma Invoice
Review supplier details, product specs, payment terms, packaging, trade terms, inspection timing, documents, and shipping responsibility before payment.
Shipping and landed cost preparation
8. Understand EXW, FOB, CIF, and DDP
Understand quote scope, named place, shipping responsibility, documents, risk, and what to confirm before payment.
9. Ask Freight Forwarder Questions
Compare shipping quotes, trade terms, documents, customs support, duties and taxes handling, delivery address, timeline, and risk questions.
10. Check Shipping Documents
Confirm commercial invoice, packing list, transport documents, carton details, trade term, delivery address, and forwarder requirements before shipment.
11. Estimate Landed Cost Before Importing
Add product cost, packaging, freight, duties, taxes, destination charges, inspection, and risk buffer before comparing quotes.
12. Use the China Sourcing Checklist
Work through supplier comparison, samples, quality control, first order details, trade terms, freight questions, and landed cost.
Supplier Comparison Sheet
Track MOQ, price, sample cost, lead time, trade terms, freight scope, landed cost notes, and communication quality.
Compare suppliers on the same fields before choosing.
Use one template for requirements, quotes, samples, terms, and quality risk.
Sourcing Prep Progress
- Write product specification Size, material, packaging, target market, and key tolerances.
- Prepare target quantity and budget Make MOQ conversations more realistic.
- Compare trade terms EXW, FOB, packaging, and excluded costs.
- Request samples clearly Ask for sample lead time, cost, and approval criteria.
- Check quality documentation Certificates, test reports, and inspection options.
- Plan shipment questions Lead time, cartons, weights, and export readiness.
Related Tools
China Sourcing Checklist
Follow the complete small-importer sourcing flow before payment.
Open tool →Supplier Comparison Sheet
Compare multiple suppliers using consistent criteria.
Open tool →Canton Fair Buyer Checklist
Prepare supplier questions and booth notes for fair visits.
Open tool →China Trip Checklist
Prepare travel basics before supplier visits.
Open tool →Common Sourcing Mistakes
Sourcing FAQs
What should I prepare before contacting suppliers?
Prepare product specifications, target quantity, packaging needs, sample criteria, and questions about trade terms.
Is lowest unit price the best supplier choice?
No. Compare MOQ, samples, lead time, trade terms, communication, packaging, and quality risk.
Should I visit factories?
Factory visits can help for higher-risk orders, but prepare a clear checklist and follow-up process before you go.