Choosing Products

Chasing Trends Too Often: - Fads like fidget spinners can make quick money but have short lifespans. Focus on sustainable products instead.

Overlooking Low-Value Product Issues: - Problems: fierce competition, minimal profit margins due to shipping, and little value-added potential. - Example: Disposable food containers may appear lucrative but often remain unsold due to market saturation.

Assuming High Demand Equals High Profit: - Highly consumed products, like A4 paper, often face cutthroat competition with established players dominating the market.

Choosing Large Products Without Considering Costs: - Large products (e.g., mirrors) incur high shipping costs and storage fees and risk damage during transit.

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Selecting Suppliers

Assuming Factories Are Always Better: - Trading companies may better suit small or complex orders. - Prioritize the supplier’s quality, expertise, and communication over whether they’re a factory or trading company.

Choosing Based on Cheapest Price: - The lowest quote often signals potential quality issues or hidden costs. Plan for a reasonable price to ensure reliability.

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Sourcing from Alibaba

Trusting "Gold Supplier" Status: - Gold Supplier is a paid membership, not a quality guarantee. Evaluate suppliers based on samples, communication, and problem resolution.

Overrelying on Trade Assurance: - Refunds can be complicated, requiring contracts, inspection reports, and lab tests. Instead, focus on the supplier's reputation and reliability.

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Visiting Suppliers in China

Skipping Research Before Visiting: - Example: Some buyers fly to Shanghai but find better-suited suppliers in Guangzhou or Yiwu for specific products like cosmetics packaging.

Ignoring Industry Clusters: - Each region specializes in specific industries (e.g., Zhongshan for chandeliers, Yiwu for small commodities). Visit the right cluster to find competitive prices and options.

Misjudging the Canton Fair: - Great for niche products with higher MOQ. Not ideal for small orders or diverse product needs.

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Before Production

Believing Mass Production Will Be Better Than Samples: - Insist on perfect samples before placing bulk orders. Use third-party inspection agencies to verify quality during production.

Relying on Suppliers for Certifications/Patents: - Suppliers may lack knowledge about required certificates or provide fake ones. Consult customs or local authorities for accurate requirements.

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Communication

• Using Only Email:

  • Use instant messaging tools like WeChat for faster communication, video calls, and real-time updates on production.

• Ignoring Time Zone Differences:

  • Best time to contact suppliers is 10 am–4 pm China time. Adjust your schedule for urgent matters.

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Payments

• Overlooking Holiday Schedules:

  • Avoid delays by ensuring payments arrive before Chinese holidays like Lunar New Year or National Day.

• Unfamiliarity with Payment Methods:

  • Compare fees: PayPal (quick for <$500), wire transfers (better for large payments), and VEEM (flat $20 fee for any amount).

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Shipping Products

• Assuming Sea Shipping Is Always Cheapest:

  • For small shipments, air freight may be more cost-effective due to per-cubic-meter pricing for sea freight.

• Declaring Unrealistically Low Cargo Values:

  • Undervaluing shipments can lead to fines or confiscation. Always declare accurate values to avoid customs issues.

• Ignoring Shipping Rush Periods:

  • Avoid peak times like Christmas and Chinese New Year when costs and delays increase. Plan shipments 15 days to 2 months ahead.

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Final Thoughts

Have you encountered challenges not listed hereShare your experiences to help others navigate wholesale sourcing from China!

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