Sourcing insights
Notes on supplier checks, pricing, inspections and shipping from China — written from live orders.
1688 Sourcing & Consolidation: A Disguised Case Study
Disguised case study: how a small retailer sourced from three Chinese factories via 1688, with supplier checks, samples,
1688 vs Made
Compare 1688 and Made-in-China.com for overseas sourcing: language, supplier types, pricing, MOQ, and when each platform
1688 vs. Alibaba.com for Sourcing from China
Both 1688.com and Alibaba.com connect buyers with Chinese factories, but they serve very different purposes. What a sour
Alibaba.com vs Global Sources: Which Fits Your China Sourcing?
Alibaba.com and Global Sources both connect buyers with Chinese suppliers. Compare their strengths, listing styles, and
China Factory Audit: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Learn what a China factory audit covers, how to prepare a supplier visit, and how to read the audit report before placin
China Sourcing Agent FAQ: Answers Before You Start
Common questions about working with a China sourcing agent, answered: supplier verification, factory audits, sample chec
China Sourcing Agent vs. Direct Sourcing: How to Decide
Should you hire a China sourcing agent or source directly? Compare cost, control, verification and time before your next
China Sourcing Time & Cost: FAQ for Your First Order
How long does China sourcing take and what does it cost? Lead time, MOQ, sampling, shipping and first-order questions an
China Supplier Payment FAQ: Deposits, Transfers and Account Checks
Common China supplier payment questions answered: how deposits work, safe bank transfers, verifying supplier accounts, a
Comparing China B2B Platforms: Alibaba, Global Sources and Made
Compare Alibaba, Global Sources and Made-in-China for China sourcing: what each platform suits, how verification differs
Consolidated Shipping FAQ: Answers for China Sourcing Buyers
Answers to common questions about consolidated shipping from China: cost calculation, transit times, packing, and custom
End
An anonymized walkthrough of an end-to-end China sourcing order: supplier verification, samples, 1688 purchasing and con
From Inquiry to Delivered Goods: A China Sourcing Agent Case Study
An anonymized case study: how one overseas buyer used a China sourcing agent to verify a supplier, check samples, and co
Hidden Costs in Supplier Quotes: A China Sourcing Case Study
A low supplier quote may hide extra fees. This anonymized case shows how line-by-line comparison keeps total costs clear
How to Communicate with Chinese Suppliers: 7 Common Questions
Language barriers, slow replies, vague quotes — practical answers to common questions about communicating with Chinese s
How to Compare China Supplier Quotes: A Practical Checklist for Importers
Comparing China supplier quotes? Look beyond the price: scope, materials, MOQ, payment terms and hidden costs. A practic
How to Find Suppliers on 1688: A Practical Guide for Overseas Buyers
New to sourcing from 1688? Learn how to search, filter, and verify suppliers on China's B2B marketplace before you place
How to Negotiate with Chinese Suppliers: A Practical Guide
Practical steps for negotiating with Chinese suppliers: compare quotes, clarify MOQ and payment terms, and verify factor
How to Verify a Chinese Supplier in 5 Steps
Verify a Chinese supplier in 5 steps: business registration, factory checks, samples, payment terms, logistics. A practi
How to Write a Sourcing Inquiry That Gets Useful Replies
Learn how to write a clear China sourcing inquiry: specs, quantities, certifications and the questions that get useful q
Manufacturer vs Trading Company: How to Tell Them Apart in China Sourcing
How Chinese manufacturers and trading companies differ, how to tell them apart on B2B platforms, and what this means for
Order Consolidation Explained: Save on Shipping When Sourcing from China
Order consolidation combines multiple small shipments into one. Learn how it cuts freight costs, how it works with 1688
Product Certifications for China Imports: CE, FCC, RoHS and More
Understand common product certifications for China imports — CE, FCC, RoHS, CCC — how to verify documents, and who usual
Purchase Order Key Terms: A China Sourcing Guide for Buyers
Review the key purchase order terms before you sign: pricing, payment, quality, delivery, and dispute clauses explained
Sample Check Caught a Material Swap: China Sourcing Case Study
An inspection caught a hidden material swap before production: the specified ABS grade had been replaced. Why sample che
Sample Inspection Checklist: How to Check Samples from China
How to inspect product samples from China: a practical checklist for appearance, dimensions, materials, function, packag
Sample vs Bulk Order: Why Differences Happen
Why does a pre-production sample differ from the bulk shipment? A plain-language guide to the common reasons and practic
Small Batch Trial Orders: A Smart First Step in China Sourcing
Starting a China sourcing project? Learn how a small batch trial order works, what to check, and how it can help you red
Sourcing from China? Run These 5 Supplier Checks First
A new supplier can look great on paper. Run these 5 practical supplier checks before you pay — business license, live fa
Supplier Red Flags: A China Sourcing Agent's Verification Case
Anonymized case: supplier claims vs. reality. How verification and a factory visit helped one buyer avoid a bad order.
Supplier Verification: Key Documents to Request from a Chinese Supplier
Which documents prove a Chinese supplier is real? Learn what to request — business license, export records, test reports
Understanding Incoterms for China Sourcing: EXW, FOB and DDP Explained
Need a plain-language guide to Incoterms for China sourcing? Learn how EXW, FOB and DDP shift cost, risk and responsibil
What Is MOQ in China Sourcing? Minimum Order Quantities Explained
What MOQ means in China sourcing, why suppliers set minimum order quantities, and how small importers can negotiate or w
What Is Pre
Pre-shipment inspection checks your goods before they leave the factory. Learn what it covers, how it works, and when it
Which China B2B Platform Should You Use? A Scenario
Alibaba.com, 1688.com and Global Sources suit different scenarios. Learn which China B2B platform fits your order size,