Points to Consider When Sourcing from China

 

Sourcing from China can seem pretty scary at first glance. Many people have heard tales of how difficult it is to communicate with Chinese suppliers, the various scams that suppliers are known for running, and the meager prices you can get by purchasing products directly from somewhere on the other side of the world. However, if you plan your sourcing phase correctly, you should have no problems working with a China supplier. Here are some tips to help ensure that your experience will be nothing but smooth sailing:

 

1. Always Verify Your Supplier’s Information

Before any purchase has been made, take some time to verify your Supplier’s information. That includes their physical address (bring up Google Maps Street View and make sure it looks legit; they could be lying about their location), company registration information (you can use services like Hoovers or Whois to check this), and contact information (test the Supplier’s email, Skype, and phone numbers to make sure they work).

 

2. Use a Reputable Sourcing Agent

If you’re not feeling confident about your ability to vet suppliers on your own, consider working with a reputable sourcing agent. They will have already done all necessary due diligence on potential suppliers and can save you a lot of time and hassle.

 

3. Require Samples Before Placing a Big Order

It’s always a good idea to require samples from your Supplier before placing a big order. This will help ensure that you’re getting the quality you expect and that no hidden surprises are waiting for you when your order arrives.

 

4. Use a Contract

Even if you’re working with a reputable sourcing agent, it’s still a good idea to use a contract when placing an order with a supplier. This will help protect both you and the Supplier in case of any disputes that may arise.

5. Pay with a Credit Card

One of the best ways to protect yourself from scammers is to pay for your orders with a credit card. This will give you some leverage if something goes wrong and you need to dispute the charges.

6. Scrutinize Your Products When They Arrive

When your products do arrive, it’s essential to take the time to inspect them closely and make sure they meet your quality requirements. Even if you aren’t able to catch any problems at this point, it’s always a good idea to take some photos of the products and hang them onto them for future reference.

7. Use FBA (Fulfillment By Amazon) When Possible

If possible, use FBA (Fulfillment By Amazon). This service provides you with protection from scammers as well as access to a vast customer base that is already familiar with shopping online on sites like Amazon.

8. Communicate Clearly and Often

When communicating with your Supplier, always be as transparent as possible about what exactly it is that you want. Make sure everyone understands each other, and there will be fewer problems down the road.

9. Don’t Rely on One Supplier.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when sourcing from China is to rely too heavily on one Supplier. Even if they give you a great deal and always meet your specifications perfectly, what will happen if something goes wrong and you need to find a new supplier? You should always have at least two or three suppliers that you can turn to for backup.

10. Vet Your Supplier Thoroughly

When you finally find a supplier, you must vet them thoroughly before agreeing to any deals. There are all sorts of scams out there that seek to take advantage of inexperienced importers, so verify the Supplier’s address and phone number, check online reviews of their business, etc.

 

11. Get it in Writing

This applies both to your Supplier’s promises as well as any promises that you’ve made yourself. If something seems unclear, get it in writing so there is no confusion later on. This will help minimize problems once things start going south.

12. Keep an Eye Out for Red Flags

Certain things can be red flags when sourcing from China, so it’s essential to be aware of them. Here are a few of the most common ones:

– Suppliers who ask for payment in advance

– Suppliers who don’t have a physical address

– Suppliers who are unwilling to provide samples

– Suppliers who promise insanely low prices

13. Do Your Research

One of the best ways to avoid any potential problems when sourcing from China is to do your research ahead of time. Read up on other people’s experiences, learn about the different types of scams that are out there, and familiarize yourself with the process of importing products from China. Knowledge is power, and the more you know, the better off you’ll be.

 

14. Don’t Rush Into Things

One of the biggest mistakes people make when sourcing from China is rushing into things. They see a great deal on a product they need and immediately jump at it without doing any research or checking out the Supplier’s credentials. This can lead to all sorts of problems down the road, so it’s essential to take your time and make sure you’re making a sound decision.

 

Conclusion

Sourcing from China can be a great way to get high-quality products at a fraction of the price that you would pay elsewhere. However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential pitfalls and take the necessary precautions to avoid them. By following these tips, you can rest assured that your experience sourcing from China will be favorable. Or, you can always count on professional service providers like Sourcing Riders to get you through all of this in a blink of an eye because it can eliminate all your worries and concerns about your sourcing A to Z process.

If you have any questions or want more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help!