How to Import From China in 6 Steps – The Ultimate Guide
Have you ever considered importing products from China? If so, you may have found that information on how to import from China can be confusing and overwhelming at times. The process of importing isn’t difficult once you know the right steps to follow, but it can be tricky if you don’t have a clear idea of what you should do first. That’s why we put together this guide to help walk you through the entire process of importing, so you can get all your product-sourcing questions answered.
Step 1: Find a Chinese Supplier
Before you find a supplier, ask your friends and family if they know anyone who is willing to help. Once you find a few qualified suppliers, ask them for their information and tell them what your project entails. It is best that you show the product first before telling the supplier exactly what it is. At this stage, do not worry about how much the product costs because all prices are negotiable. Ask the supplier questions such as Do you have samples? or Can I see your company’s website?. After finding a qualified Chinese company, contact them and explain what type of products you need.
Step 2: Negotiating with the Manufacturer
This can seem like an intimidating and nerve-wracking experience, but it doesn’t have to be. When you know what to do and what not to do, negotiation is an easy process! Here are a few things you should keep in mind before negotiating with a Chinese manufacturer:
In order for them to start production, they need something that resembles the final product. You should provide as many details as possible at this stage so they can understand what they are agreeing to.
Step 3: Ordering Samples
If you want your Chinese suppliers to make samples for you before placing a larger order, there is often a small sample fee. Getting samples from the factory can be invaluable in making sure that what you’re importing meets your specifications and expectations.
Step 4: Ordering Your First Production Run
A production run is essentially a larger order of whatever you are making so that the factory can invest more time, money, and energy into what they do best. Whenever you reach this stage of importing from China, it’s important to take your time and plan it out.
#Ordering Your First Production Run:
-Research your product thoroughly before placing an order. Knowing everything about your product will help you communicate better with suppliers while ordering.
Step 5: Distributing and Selling Online
In order to distribute and sell your product online, you will need some way of storing the inventory. There are many ways that you can do this, with the most common methods being an e-commerce website or using a drop shipper. When using a drop shipper, the products are stored by that company and only shipped once orders have been placed. Some examples of drop shippers are ShipWire, Amazon’s FBA service, and AliExpress Fulfillment.
Step 6: Running a Business in China
China has done an excellent job at creating products that are attractive and affordable. However, it’s not just about the product, but also about the business experience and customer service for your customers. Here are a few suggestions on how you can run a successful business in China.
– Pick a registered trademark: Unless you have a very small target market and don’t think it will grow larger, use a registered trademark to avoid brand confusion.
