02/03/2026
Buying from China 🇨🇳 can be a big advantage, but only if you manage risk properly.
Here’s a simple buyer checklist to use before you pay a supplier or place a big order. This is general guidance based on common trade practice. Always double check what applies to your product and your country.
✅ 1) Verify the supplier is a real company
📌 Ask for:
🔸 Business license (营业执照)
🔸 Make sure the company name matches the contract and the bank account name
🔸 Factory address and website
🔸 Live video walkthrough (ask them to show today’s date on paper)
✅ 2) Confirm who you are dealing with
📌 Many buyers pay a trading company thinking it’s the factory. Both can be okay, but you must know which one it is.
🔸 Are you a factory or trading company?
🔸 Who will manufacture the goods?
🔸 Can you share factory photos and production line video?
🔸 Can you share past export documents with sensitive info hidden?
✅ 3) Lock product specs before discussing price
📌 Buyers lose money when they buy “similar” instead of “exact.”
🔸 Request a clear specification sheet
🔸 Confirm material, dimensions, tolerances, packaging, and labeling
🔸 If possible, request a pre production sample
✅ 4) Protect quality with inspections
📌 For first orders, consider:
🔸 Sample approval before mass production
🔸 During production inspection for larger orders
🔸 Pre shipment inspection before final balance payment
✅ 5) Use safer payment terms for first orders
📌 Safer options depend on the deal size and relationship:
🔸 Platform based trade assurance options
🔸 Letter of credit for larger orders
🔸 Milestone payments tied to inspection and shipment documents
⚠️ Never pay 100% upfront on a first order unless the risk is clearly understood and controlled.
✅ 6) Understand Incoterms and your true landed cost
📌 EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP, DDP all change who pays what and who carries responsibility.
🔸 Ask for the total landed cost estimate
🔸 Confirm freight, insurance, duties, and local fees
📩 If you need sourcing support from China, message us directly and we can help.
🏭 We can also arrange factory or supplier inspections for you.
💬 What’s your biggest challenge when buying from China? Supplier trust, quality, payment, or shipping?
