How to buy direct from China: Suppliers, costs, top tips

China is a popular choice for sourcing low-cost inventory for resale. The lower manufacturing costs can help companies increase their own profit margins.

Many sectors choose to buy direct from China. The leading product categories are electrical machinery, toys, and sports equipment.

🔍 Did you know?
In 2020, China was the largest supplier of imported goods to the US - accounting for 18.8% of all imports. This was worth a total of $434.7 billion.¹ Total imports for May 2022 were $44 billion, compared to around $39 billion in May 2019.²

Whatever products you’re considering, there are several things to be aware of when buying from China - from initial supplier contact up to finalizing payment. This guide will help you navigate the process.

Pay Chinese suppliers with Wise

📝 Table of Contents
How to buy direct from China How do I find direct suppliers in China? Pros and Cons How to pay suppliers from China

How to buy direct from China

When approached right, the Chinese market can offer high-quality products for great prices. Buying direct from the supplier can help build a stronger supplier relationship.

The process can seem complex and confusing when starting out. It doesn’t have to be this way, though. Companies have been successfully sourcing from China for decades. Taking the right actions can make the buying process easier and safer.

Find a supplier in China

The first step is to find the right supplier. There are many ways to do this. Searching online and looking at supplier platforms can be the best place to start.

You can often find customer reviews online that can give you an idea of whether the supplier is good and trustworthy.

You may also turn to other companies for supplier recommendations, if they are happy to share these with you. If a company highly recommends a supplier, it is a good indicator that you will also likely be satisfied with their services.

It’s a good idea to start by finding two or three potential suppliers. You can then compare them against each other before making a final decision.

Contact your chosen suppliers

Once you have shortlisted suppliers, you should contact them. This can be by email initially, with subsequent video calls if you prefer. Due to the distances, suppliers are often used to handling the whole process remotely.

This initial contact with a potential supplier is important. Relationships and customer service can be vital. Remember that the best suppliers will become more than just a seller.

A good relationship will support changing business needs, and even expansion in product offering.

Request product samples

Before placing a firm order, it is sensible to request samples from potential suppliers. This allows you to test product fit and quality. It also lets you further evaluate the supplier and possible relationship.

Suppliers may offer to supply photographs and other details instead of samples. It is up to you, but in many cases, examining the real product is by far the best way to test quality.

Keep in mind the shipping time for receiving samples. Of course, this is a significant factor in future orders as well. You may have to pay for samples, or the supplier may offer them for free. Always confirm this before expecting any free samples.

Choose a supplier and specify your product needs

After dealing with two or three potentials and evaluating the company and product quality, you need to select your preferred supplier.

When making an order, you need to be very clear about what you want. Be specific. This may sound obvious - but clearly specify all details including modifications, sizes, and quantities. You also want to ensure this is fully documented in case of problems later.

Be sure to also let the other suppliers know that you won’t be choosing them. It’s always nice to keep a good relationship incase you do need to fall back on your second choice.

Negotiate prices and payment terms

Price is a major consideration when choosing a supplier and placing an order.

Keep in mind any minimum order quantities when placing an order. Suppliers may place limits to obtain certain prices. In general, the price per unit will decrease as you order more. Factoring this into ordering plans can be advantageous.

Make sure that the payment terms are clearly specified and documented. This includes price, quantities, delivery time, and payment timeframe. You may also have to make a partial payment (downpayment) before shipment.

Good documentation will be vital in the event of any problems or disputes later.

Arrange shipping from China

There are several options for shipping from China. This could be arranged by yourself, the supplier, or a third-party company.

Options vary depending on budget, types of goods, and desired shipping speed.

Shipping options include:

• Air cargo ensures the fastest transit times but at a higher cost. To have cargo shipped by air, you need to have an Air Waybill (AWB).
• Sea freight is slower (up to around 40 days) but more economical.
• Freight forwarding could be a simpler option. They may use air, sea, or a combination - and will have access to multiple networks. A freight forwarder will also handle paperwork and customs for you.

🚢 Read more about shipping from China to USA

Pay any customs duties upon receipt of goods from China

Customs duties could be due on any item imported from China (or any other country). The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforces customs rules in the US.

For goods valued under $800, there is no customs duty. Above that, the duty payable will depend on the type of goods.³

The US uses the internationally recognized Harmonised Tariff Schedule or HTS code to calculate the exact rate due.

US customs will calculate any duty due for arriving goods. It is common to get the supplier to send a shipping invoice before the delivery of goods. You can then pay charges before the goods arrive at customs, which can speed up the import process.

How do I find direct suppliers in China?

Finding the right supplier is essential. You want one that offers the best possible products; but also one where you are comfortable with the relationship.

Some of the best ways to find potential suppliers include:

Online marketplaces

There are many online marketplaces for the Chinese market - including Alibaba, DHGate and AliExpress.

Manufacturers will list details of themselves and their products. The platform then facilitates communication with potential suppliers. Alibaba can also offer a level of protection for orders through its Alibaba Trade Assurance program.

Trade shows

Trade shows have long been a leading way for companies to meet. Even with the rise of online marketplaces, trade shows still provide a useful face-to-face meeting opportunity.

Shows are held in China and overseas. The largest show is the Canton fair (also known as the China Import and Export Fair). This is held twice yearly in Guangzhou, China, and attracts over 24,000 suppliers.⁴

Word of mouth

Recommendations remain important, just as they do in other areas of business. Talking to other companies about the experience is a good idea. Trade shows can also provide opportunities for this.

Pros and cons of buying direct from China

Buying products from China has its advantages, but it’s not for everyone. The following are some of the main considerations for sourcing from China:

Pros	Cons
Take advantage of lower labor and manufacturing costs in China for your products. Increase your profit margins. Going direct to suppliers reduces costs by cutting out any middle-man. Take advantage of a wide choice of suppliers and range of products. Work with established suppliers to customize or improve your products. Once relationships are in place, it is easier to scale production and supply.	It can be harder to assess the quality of goods directly. Product standards can be different. This is especially important when considering US safety and quality standards. Communication can be a concern. There can be delays in this, and language may be an issue. Shipping can take time. It's harder to manage the supply chain with delays in procurement and transit time.

How to pay your supplier when buying direct from China

Suppliers often require payment in Chinese Yuan (CNY). Paying in local currency is the norm when you buy direct from China.

Even if you have the chance to negotiate payment in US Dollars, this may not be the best idea. It could harm the supplier relationship, and may incur delays or extra fees for either party.

A Wise Business account will help with making Chinese Yuan payments. You can hold, spend, and convert money in over 50 currencies, including Chinese Yuan. The Wise Business account gives you the flexibility to have account details for USD, Euro, GBP, and seven other major currencies.

Pay suppliers in China with Wise

Chinese Yuan invoice payments can be made with ease. Your funds are converted at the real mid-market rate, for a low and transparent fee.

🔍 Read more:
How to open a business bank account in China 9 ways to pay your suppliers in China Importing from China to The USA: Costs, Restrictions, Suppliers & More

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1. The People's Republic of China | United States Trade Representative
2. Foreign Trade - U.S. Trade with China
3. U.S. Increases the De Minimis Threshold on Inbound Shipments: UPS
4. Canton Fair - Wikipedia

All sources checked August 23, 2022.