4 Tips to Source Products from China

 

a man pulling a trolley

If you're starting an online business or need assistance with dropshipping, it can be difficult to find suppliers in a new market. If you're thinking of approaching Chinese companies as the main suppliers for your business, the process can get a little confusing and overwhelming because there are hundreds of suppliers and manufacturers to choose from. Last but not least, the biggest problem is the language barrier.

Whatever your need for sourcing is, you can learn to navigate the Chinese market and source products for your company to enjoy more profits. To do that, you'll need a solid strategy and do your research so you can avoid common mistakes. That way, you won't miss out on the opportunities presented to you while sourcing.

Here are some of our useful tips that'll help you become fluent in navigating the intricacies of sourcing from China:

1. Research The Chinese Market

The first step for you is research. If you wish to make money by selling Chinese products online, you need to understand the market. You cannot blindly go into the venture if you wish to have a profitable business model. You'll find that there are many businesses and online retailers that sell a product you're selling, and it can get highly competitive based on price points.

Also, if you intend to target a niche and enter that market, you'll struggle to compete on margins and rise as the top online seller. When you begin your research, figure out what the market wants. You can try searching on Amazon and see the top 1000 products in the search listings in any category. If you find that your product is not in one of the categories on the list, chances are it probably won't sell as much as you expected.

Which Products To Go For?

Try going for a product that aligns with your business background or you have some prior experience with. Also, this product must be something that can generate enough sales, and it should not be a product that only multi-billion dollar companies compete on. And then, all you have to do is find your target audience and fine-tune your marketing strategy. 

a man holding boxes in front of a van
  

2. Find A Reliable Supplier Or A Sourcing Agent

Many people will probably advise you against a sourcing agent because they're only in it for personal financial gains. But reliable sourcing companies and agents in China would have experience dealing with the supplier and may get you better rates. They also would have a larger pool of suppliers and manufacturers that would take you ages to screen if you wish to find a reliable supplier by yourself.

You can ask the sourcing company or agent about their client portfolio and how they've helped other businesses in the same market as yours. You can also ask them to send a sample from the supplier if you wish to work with them. This way, you'll know what the product is and the people you partner with.

If someone has recommended some suppliers based on their experience or references, try writing them an email explaining you're interested in their products and ask them for a quote and time estimate on delivery on a certain number of units. You can mention that you're also considering their competitors and ask them to be reasonable with their quote.  

Don't ask them for a sample just yet. Use this opportunity to understand their communication and response time. Most of the suppliers in China have an English support staff that'll respond to you. You need someone fast to respond because if there are any delays in shipments and production, this could affect your relationship with your customer. 

man loading boxes in a van

3. Negotiate Prices With The Manufacturer

If you went with the sourcing agent route, you could ask them to get a final quote on the list of suppliers they present to you and then go from there. If you've decided to source yourself, remember it's best not to ask for a sample just yet. This is where you negotiate after you've screened their response times. At this point, you don't mention samples either but ask them for a final competitive quote on an X number of units as the first initial order to test the product.

You'll need to go big from the get-go. Don't order just one or two units. That'll tell them you aren't serious and don't have the capital to invest. You should ideally order 50 units or more for your first order. 

a storage space

4. Order The Samples From Your Manufacturer

When you've finished receiving all the quotes from the short-listed manufacturers, you can order the first batch for testing. You can ask them where and how you can send the payment and what the delivery date will be. Meanwhile, you can sort out your storage space where you'll be keeping the goods.

Also, work on your website, SEO copywriting, marketing strategy, and other things to target your potential audience and customers.

Find Reliable Sourcing Companies And 3PL Logistics Service Providers In China

If you're looking for a reliable sourcing company or agent for your online store or dropshipping business, check out E-Commerce Express. They are an all-in-one solution for online sellers who can help with sourcing, warehousing, and shipping. They also provide Shopify fulfillment services, third-party Amazon FBA prep services, e-commerce order fulfillment services, 3PL warehousing services, and 3PL logistics services.

Get in touch with them to start sourcing your products or visit their website for more information on their services.

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