Importing from China: A step-by-step guide

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Discover a clear, step-by-step way to source high-quality goods from China for your global import business.

Procurement of Goods from China: How Our 5-Step Process Works

Importing from China doesn't have to be complicated. Our structured 5-step process reduces risk, protects product quality, and saves you time and money, whether you are just starting or already importing at scale.

° Step 1

Tell Us Exactly What You Need

The first step is to clearly describe the products you want us to source in China. The more precise your brief, the faster we can identify the right factories and reliable suppliers for you.

• Specify the product name, model (if any), and the quantity you are interested in.
• Share product photos, links to similar products, or existing listings that show what you have in mind.
• Describe key specifications such as quality level, materials, dimensions, colors, packaging, or branding needs.
• Indicate your target price per unit for the requested quantity so we understand your budget range.
• Mention any required standards or certifications (for example CE, RoHS, FCC, food-grade, safety standards, etc.).
• Explain how the product will be used and in which market, so we can check compliance and practicality.
• If you have ordered this product before, tell us what worked well and what problems you faced with previous suppliers.

° Step 2

We Search for Products and Suppliers

After receiving your request, our team in China starts a targeted search for suitable factories and trading companies that match your requirements.

• We prepare a clear product specification based on your brief and send it to a selected group of trusted suppliers.
• We collect and compare all incoming offers to make sure they really match what you asked for—not just the cheapest option.
• We evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, communication, production capacity, lead time, and our previous experience with them.
• From all available options, we select the most suitable and commercially reasonable offer and send it to you for review.
• You receive a summarized offer so you can quickly see prices, conditions, and key differences between options.
• If the offer meets your expectations, we move on to sampling and order confirmation.

° Step 3

Offer Confirmation, Samples, and Advance Payment

• If our offer looks good to you, we can arrange product samples before you commit to the full order.
• We send you samples so that you can personally check quality, materials, dimensions, and overall finish.
• For new or custom-made products, we coordinate the design and production of molds and the first prototype with the factory.
• The buyer covers the costs of mold production and first samples, which can often be offset against future orders by agreement.
• After you approve the sample and confirm that everything matches your expectations, we finalize the order details.
• Production usually starts after a 30% advance payment, transferred via secure international payment methods.

° Step 4

Production of Your Goods and Quality Control

Before mass production starts, we coordinate any comments you may have based on the samples and ensure the factory clearly understands all agreed details.

During production, our team performs ongoing checks such as:

• Monitoring the production process to ensure the factory follows the agreed specifications and instructions.
• Tracking production progress and lead times to identify any potential delays as early as possible.
• Spot-checking raw materials and components to reduce the risk of quality issues later in the process.

Once production is completed, we carry out additional pre-shipment inspections, which may include:

• Checking packaging and labelling to make sure the goods are properly protected for sea or air transport.
• Verifying product features, dimensions, functions, and overall quality against the approved sample and specifications.
• Reviewing printed materials such as user manuals, labels, barcodes, and branding on products and cartons.

° Step 5

Final Payment, Shipping, and Delivery Support

• We perform a final check of your goods before shipment to confirm that everything is ready to leave the factory.
• If everything is in order, you pay the remaining balance (usually 70%) according to the agreed payment terms.
• According to your needs, we organize the most suitable shipping method: LCL, FCL, air freight, or multimodal transport.
• We handle export customs clearance in China and provide you with the necessary export documents.
• You receive tracking information and regular updates so you can follow the shipment from China to your final destination.
• Even after delivery, our team remains available for questions, potential repeat orders, or support with new products.

Ready to source smarter from China? Contact Us Today

Have questions about products, standards, or shipping options? Send us your inquiry and we will get back to you with practical, real-world answers.