The internet is a very useful tool when it comes to searching for credible suppliers. A quick search on the net will provide you with a list of companies or suppliers.
If you are new to the world of imports, you can easily be duped by fraudulent companies or imposters. Here is where you need to do your homework when you look for Chinese suppliers online.
Searching for Credible Chinese Suppliers
It is always better to plan a visit to China and utilize the services of Chinese suppliers. China conducts the Canton Fair, which can help you decide which company or supplier would best suit your preference.
This is one of the famous trade fairs held in Guangzhou, China, and is visited by many companies worldwide. Here you will find suppliers dealing in electronics, textiles, consumer goods, and machinery.
This fair is one of the best ways to get to know Chinese suppliers and build a rapport with them. You can ask for samples and get a brief idea of the quality of the product.
The only downside here would be the language barrier. Most of the suppliers in such fairs are not fluent in English, so you might need to hire a Mandarin translator.
You can even opt for online platforms such as Alibaba, Made in China, and Global Sources to look for Chinese suppliers online.
Again you might want to do your homework, as there might be traders posing as manufacturers and might charge you higher rates for their services.
When you plan to source your product online, ensure that you mention your product requirements.
Mention the product type, size, and quality you are looking for from your supplier. If not, then the suppliers will be forced to come to their conclusion, which might not be up to your expectations.
Many Chinese suppliers are rigid when it comes to product modifications or alterations. It is always better to ask for a sample lot before you give them the final project.
If you are not fluent in the local language, you can hire sourcing agents to translate your requirements to the suppliers.
Online platforms offer credible information about Chinese suppliers, but it is always better to do your investigation.
Information such as the working or sanitary conditions of the factory will not be available on such platforms. You might also need to investigate the quality control and management system.
Last, but not the least, when it comes to certifications, you might need to hire third-party companies to ensure that your products and tested and certified before they are released in the market.
Other sources to look for Chinese suppliers online can be through Yiwu Market, Baidu, or Google. Yiwu Market is open all year round and you can meet up with various suppliers.
This market is a good resource if you are looking for trading companies. Baidu is a search engine that works like Google and gets you a list of suppliers or manufacturers.
Document Verification Can Secure Credible Suppliers
No matter how good the company or supplier is, you need to insist on asking for Chinese certificates or other verification documents.
If the company is credible, they will not hesitate to share these documents with you.
Some of the common documents that you need to request include:
- Bank account certificate
- Business and Registration License
- ISO 9001 Certificate
- Product Test Certifications
- Proforma invoices
Proforma invoices might vary from one supplier to another. Ensure that you check the invoices whether all payment terms are mentioned as per requirement.
All the above documents can help to ensure that you are dealing with reputed Chinese suppliers.
Conclusion
Research is the key here. This will give you a sense of security, not to mention peace of mind when you look for Chinese suppliers online.
