China produces more manufactured goods than any other nation. The second-largest nation in Asia probably produces almost everything you use.
Nearly 80 to 90 percent of the goods sold in the B2B marketplace are imported, with the majority of them coming from China. If you can be seen as a serious, reliable, and long-term buyer as you start your adventure, numerous Chinese suppliers will compete for your business.
There are numerous ways to contact Chinese producers. Even if you have experience with strategic sourcing, you should still plan your outreach and interaction carefully because of linguistic and cultural hurdles.
Finding Chinese producers
Finding a sizable pool of suppliers and gaining access to their company data is the first step. Someone who has dealt with Chinese suppliers may be known to someone in your social or professional circles.
Trade associations in your business and your local Chamber of Commerce may be able to offer pertinent data or insights. Let’s discuss some possible options for making a reliable connection with suppliers:
The Internet
Buyers can access important business information about Chinese manufacturers and suppliers through online global B2B marketplaces. They are the first option for Amazon sellers who are putting a toe into the Chinese market.
Be aware that a supplier can fall within the manufacturer, wholesaler, or drop shipper categories.
- A producer creates products for resale and sells them at greater minimum order quantities for very low prices (MOQs).
- A wholesaler is a middleman who buys products in large quantities and then resells them to retailers. While buying in bulk is not required, larger orders typically offer greater savings.
- You can purchase things in smaller quantities at a higher cost per item by drop shipping. The drop shipper takes care of the retailer’s customer support and returns in addition to handling the inventory, packaging, and shipping.
Reaching out to the supplier
You can email your selected suppliers once you’ve narrowed down your selection. Use your company email and mention your website’s name. Making a strong first impression is crucial if you want a response.
The supplier might get many emails from potential customers each day. Suppliers may carefully screen requests because it is common for rivals to email suppliers seeking information.
One thing will be the major item suppliers checking for your buying volume. Tell them roughly how much of each item you plan to purchase annually. Be truthful and specific.
With vendors from the Chinese B2B platform being the most closely scrutinized, the manufacturer may conduct an online profile check to see if you’re a serious customer.
Greetings at trade shows
Attend a trade show in China to meet producers face-to-face. You can find suppliers who don’t advertise online. Meeting potential manufacturing partners in person establishes rapport and shows that you’re a serious buyer.
The Canton Fair, held twice a year in Guangzhou, is the biggest and oldest trade show in China. Over 200,000 buyers are presented to by nearly 26,000 exhibitors.
For enterprises to apply for a visa to enter Mainland China to join the fair, the Canton Fair organizers must issue a letter of invitation. On a tourist visa, a lot of individuals also attend the exhibition informally.
Sourcing agents
Those who are new to online sales use sourcing agents to find the best suppliers for their requirements and get around the challenges of doing business in China. At each stage of the procedure, from choosing a supplier to shipping the order, a sourcing agent can offer direction and support.
By collaborating with a specialist sourcing agent, even seasoned sellers who are extending their product line and considering a China procurement strategy might gain advantages.
In addition to having offices in the sellers’ nations, sourcing agents are present in the nation where the goods are manufactured.
The crucial factory inspection
Your sourcing representative will visit the plant when you approve a quote. You can do it yourself if you’ve done one before. Getting a sense of the plant is necessary for a complete check.
You may determine if a supplier is one worth dealing with long-term by looking at elements including working conditions, social responsibility, and the owner’s attitude in addition to an evaluation of the equipment, personnel numbers, processes, and management structure.
It’s crucial to stress once more how crucial it is to be aware of what to look for on the manufacturing grounds. This reduces the likelihood that you will face repercussions or other issues after signing the contract.
