Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about how to import from China, find suppliers, and work with a sourcing agent

How much does your sourcing service cost?

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Our fees depend on the services you need and the scope of your project. We offer flexible pricing models including flat fees for sourcing projects and commission-based fees for full-service orders. Initial consultations and quotations are always free. Visit our pricing page for more details, or contact us for a personalized quote.

What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

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MOQ varies significantly depending on the product type and supplier. Some products are available from stock with MOQs as low as 50-100 pieces. Custom or OEM products typically require higher MOQs, often starting at 500-1,000 units. We work to find suppliers whose MOQs align with your needs, and we can sometimes negotiate lower MOQs, especially for first orders with the understanding that future orders will be larger.

How long does the sourcing process take?

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The timeline depends on the complexity of your product. For standard products, we can typically identify and verify 3-5 suitable suppliers within 3-7 business days. Sample development takes an additional 5-15 days for standard products, or 2-6 weeks for OEM/custom products. Production time depends on the product and quantity, typically ranging from 15 to 45 days.

How do I make sure the quality is good when buying from China?

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Quality assurance starts with selecting a verified supplier and continues through production monitoring and pre-shipment inspection. We recommend the following approach: (1) Always request and approve samples before production; (2) Arrange a factory audit for first-time suppliers; (3) Conduct pre-shipment inspection using AQL standards before goods leave the factory. Our quality control service covers all of these steps. Products that fail inspection are reworked or replaced before shipping.

What shipping options are available?

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We handle shipping from China via sea freight (FCL and LCL), air freight, and express courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS). Sea freight is the cheapest for large shipments (25-40 day transit), air freight works for time-sensitive orders (5-10 days), and express courier is best for samples and small packages (3-7 days). We also arrange door-to-door delivery and direct shipping to fulfillment centers for e-commerce sellers.

How do I pay the supplier?

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The most common payment structure is 30% deposit via wire transfer (T/T) before production begins, with the remaining 70% paid after pre-shipment inspection and before goods are shipped. For established relationships, some suppliers accept other arrangements. We advise on payment terms during negotiations and can help arrange payment through secure channels.

Can you help with product certification?

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Yes. We coordinate product testing and certification with accredited laboratories in China for standards including CE, FCC, UL, RoHS, REACH, EN71, CPSIA, FDA, and others. We advise on which certifications are required for your target market and manage the testing process with the laboratory on your behalf.

Do you work with first-time importers?

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Absolutely. A big part of our clients are learning how to buy from China for the first time. We walk you through the entire process, from product selection and finding the right Chinese manufacturer through production, quality inspection, shipping from China, and customs clearance. No jargon, no surprises.

What if I find quality problems after receiving the goods?

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If you used our pre-shipment inspection service and quality issues are discovered after delivery, we work with the supplier on your behalf to negotiate a resolution, which may include partial refunds, replacements on the next order, or other compensation. This is why pre-shipment inspection is so important. It is much easier to resolve issues before payment is finalized and goods have shipped.

How do you communicate with clients?

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We communicate via whichever channels you prefer. Most clients use WhatsApp or email for regular updates. We also use WeChat (especially popular with clients who also communicate with Chinese suppliers directly), phone calls, and video calls when needed. We aim to respond to all messages within a few hours during business days.

Can I visit the factory myself?

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Yes, and we encourage it for large or ongoing orders. We can arrange factory visits, provide translation during meetings, and help with your travel logistics in China. If you prefer not to travel, our detailed factory audit reports and regular video updates give you confidence in your supplier without leaving your office.

What languages does your team speak?

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Our team is fluent in English, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and Hebrew. This multilingual capability means there is always clear communication between you and your Chinese suppliers, regardless of your native language.

Can you source products I found on online platforms?

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Yes. If you have found potential Chinese suppliers on online platforms, we can verify them by visiting their facility, confirm their production capabilities, negotiate better prices, and manage quality control. Many online suppliers are trading companies rather than actual manufacturers. Working with a sourcing agent on the ground helps you get closer to real factories and better deals.

Do you handle customs clearance at my destination?

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We handle all export-side documentation from China (commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, bills of lading, etc.). Customs clearance at your destination is typically handled by a local customs broker. If you do not have one, we can recommend trusted partners in major markets including the US, UK, EU, Australia, and the Middle East.

How do you protect my intellectual property?

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We take IP protection seriously. We advise clients on practical steps including NDA/NNN agreements with suppliers (drafted under Chinese law for enforceability), design patent registration in China, strategic supplier selection (choosing factories with strong IP track records), and separating production across multiple suppliers for complex products. For sensitive projects, we can discuss additional measures based on your situation.

What is the difference between a trading company and a factory?

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A factory (manufacturer) produces the goods themselves using their own equipment and workforce. A trading company acts as a middleman, sourcing products from various factories and reselling them to foreign buyers, usually at a markup. Both can be legitimate business partners, but working directly with a factory generally means lower prices and more control over quality and customization. Our factory audit service verifies which type of company you are actually dealing with.

Still Have Questions?

We are happy to answer any questions about sourcing from China. Reach out via any of the channels below.