Case Studies
Our case studies cover some of the products our Asia Import Platform customers have developed in recent years.
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Buying customized goods from manufacturers can be a hassle. It takes months to even get a sample, and you need to buy hundreds of units per product design, or even color.
Long lead times and high MOQs are a major barrier of entry for cash strapped startups, looking to import from China.
So why not just skip the factory and go to a Wholesaler instead? For starters, there no MOQ to worry about. Pick and mix whatever products you want. And you don’t even need to wait for six months to see them.
It sounds fantastic.
But things are not always what they seem. In fact, buying Wholesale goods from China may not even be an option for your business. If you are based in the US or Europe – you can be quite sure that it’s not.
Keep reading, and learn whether or not ‘buying Wholesale from China’ is on the table for your business.
Wholesalers can be found all over China. However, if you are looking for one geared towards export markets, there is only one place to go – Yiwu.
Yiwu is an old trading city, in China’s eastern Zhejiang province. The city is home to thousands of big and small trading companies and wholesalers.
As it is established as a cluster for export oriented wholesalers, you will find that the ‘infrastructure’ is far more developed, when it comes to finding local agents, quality control companies and export agencies – all of which are needed to buy, inspect and ship products from the wholesaler, to your warehouse.
But, if you keep reading, you will find out why ‘buying wholesale’ may not even be on the table.
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There are a few reasons why buyers are interested in buying wholesale goods, rather than buying private label or customized products.
First, a wholesale product can be checked on site. It’s sort of like driving down to your Wal-Mart or IKEA. No need to vet suppliers, develop samples and pay a large deposit – before you even see the products.
In addition, wholesalers can offer lower Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs), as compared to manufacturers.
Many Wholesalers even allow their buyers to order just a few pieces, per product. Compared to a manufacturer MOQ of 300 to 500 pcs per product – or even color – buying Wholesale is simply more viable for small businesses.
Well, at least in theory.
I’ve explained why Wholesalers appeal to certain buyers. Now, I will explain why everything may not be as great as it seems.
First, many Wholesalers lack export licenses. As such, they cannot directly export, or even sell, their goods to foreign buyers.
The simple reason is that most traders are entirely aimed towards the domestic market in China. They simply don’t have any overseas customers, and have therefore never had the need to obtain an export license.
Luckily, there are (legal) ways to export goods, even without an export license – but many sellers may see it as too much of a hassle.
Products made for the domestic market in China, are not manufactured in compliance with overseas, for example EU and US, product regulations.
Depending on the product, these regulations may cover the following:
a. Chemical and heavy metal restrictions
b. Safety standards
c. Technical standards
China has its own set of product regulations, which do not necessarily correspond with those in other countries.
In most cases, they are very different.
Say that you want to import electronics sold on Taobao.com. Well, it will not be made in compliance with US or EU regulations.
The same thing goes for toys, kitchen utensils and many other ‘sensitive products’.
As such, buying Wholesale goods is simply not an option. At least not if you are based in a developed market, and intend to buy a product in any of the following categories:
For example, apparel sold in the United States must be labeled with the textile fiber composition, include a set of ASTM care labels, and include a country of origin mark (i.e., Made in China).
And, it must be in English.
Apparel made for the domestic market in China, which is what you often find in wholesale markets, are not made to comply with foreign product labeling requirements.
And why should they?
Almost every product category is covered by some sort of labeling requirement. This is also true for many developing markets in Africa, Asia and the Americas.
Just one more reason for why ‘wholesale’ may be a no go for your business.
In a market that existed a long, long time ago, far, far away, you could actually get away with selling generic ‘no name’ goods from China, and actually make a decent profit.
Those days are over.
Today, the money is in branding your product. Just look at the Watch company Daniel Wellington, and other successful eCommerce companies, that seemingly came out of nowhere in the last few years.
They all have one thing in common. Branding.
At best, Wholesale goods can serve as complementary – but you will have a hard time building a sustainable business on it.
Below I answer some common questions about buying from Wholesalers in China, and other countries in Asia.
A Trading Company acts as an intermediary between the manufacturer, and the buyer. However, the Trading Company does not keep products in stock. Instead, they simply forward orders from buyers, and take a commission for doing so.
A Wholesaler keeps ready made products in their warehouse, that can be shipped the next day. Notice that many self proclaimed wholesalers are actually trading companies.
You can find wholesalers in the traditional export supplier directories, like Alibaba.com and Globalsources.com.
However, you will find a much larger selection on Chinese websites, such as Taobao.com.
Another option is to visit a trade fair in Hong Kong or Mainland China, such as the Canton fair.
Some wholesalers in China, especially in Yiwu and Shenzhen, are focused on exports rather than domestic sales. This group tend to either have their own export license, work with an export agent or use Alibaba OneTouch, to ship goods overseas.
That said, the vast majority of wholesale companies in China are exclusively focused on the domestic market. This applies to both Taobao stores, and traditional wholelsale stores.
Yes, there are wholesale markets all over China. Primarily in China’s largest cities, such as Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
Technically, it is possible to re-label an off-shelf product. However, few Wholesalers are interested in sending goods back to the factory for branding.
Even if they accept labeling, this comes with a higher MOQ, which defeats the purpose of even buying from a wholesaler to begin with.
No, trade fairs don’t serve as markets. Instead, they serve as a platform for suppliers to showcase products and capabilities for potential buyers.
At best, you will get to see product samples and catalogs. You will not be able to make purchases at the trade fair.
Yes. The risk of quality issues and defects is certainly not lower when buying ‘wholesale products’ from China, as compared to goods that are made according to the buyer’s specification.
Yes, wholesale products don’t get a free pass when it comes to product safety. The only difference is that the authorities may, at least in same cases, accept test reports and other compliance documents held by the supplier, rather than the Importer.
However, as mentioned, wholesale products are generally made for the Chinese market – not for export to the United States, Europe or Australia. As such, Chinese wholesalers rarely (if ever) have test reports or compliance documents valid overseas.
In practice, buying wholesale products is often not even an option for most Importers based in the US, EU or other developed markets.
Co-founder of Asiaimportal (HK) Limited and based in Hong Kong. He has been quoted in and contributed to Bloomberg, SCMP, Alibaba Insights, Globalsources.com, China Chief Executive, Quartz Magazine and more.
Comments are closed.
Hi there,
My names Elyn and I’m in the process of starting my own clothing biz. Looking into babies and kids clothing for a start and then slowly into woman clothing. As a start up business my MOQ may be lower. Please let me know if you require more information and I’ll get this to you ASAP.
Kindest regards
Elyn
Thank you so much for this information. It’s really important to know how to deal and understand the strategy buying from china as there are different structures because it’s from different continent and country also.
We are providing wholesale supply from China to Canada on different products at highly compatible market price.
Hello thank for your advice Fredrik. I am from South Africa and a newbie into this business. I would like to import women’s fashion clothing and accessories from china (e.g. clothes, watches, nail polish, handbags, makeup items etc)… Please help to guide on where to buy, and information on how to get started because i want to keep my risks as low possible..
Thanks
Sally
Hi Sally,
I suggest you watch our free webinar: http://www.chinaimportal.com/webinar-a
It explains how to find the right supplier, order samples and, well, the entire process actually.
Hi Fredrik,
Thanks for your sharing!
China is a huge market, whether it is export or import. We are an umbrella manufacturer from Zhejiang, China. It is different from the obligatory wholesale model. It can save more cost and quality is more controllable when purchased directly from the factory.
Thank you
Best regards
Laura
Hi
My name is vipul and looking forward to start a small buisness of child toys. Looking forward to understnd the entire process of import in india and how to create market here or to suffice. Please guide as i want to keep risks low in my initial setup.
Greetings
My name is Gugu I am from South Africa. I am looking forward to start a small business of selling women clothing, bags, watches, sun glasses , kids clothing shoes and men’s clothing as well.
hi im from south africa and wuold like to import power tools from china like big grinders sds drills circular saws routers etc
Hi,
I’m interested in buying Health Supplements in China. I live in China so no need for export. I have purchased colostrum from about 5 different sources and they have all sent cut/fake product. All scammers. Can you please help me find professional buyers who know what they’re doing and are honest?
Thanks
Hi Dan,
Sure, you can contact us on http://www.chinaimportal.com/call
Hi Fredrik,
Thanks for your sharing!
I liked your article very much and shared it to my Linkedin and Facebook.
You are living in Shanghai and knows the Yiwu market very well.
I am an umbrella manufacturer in Guangdong province(www.hfumbrella.com). Many clients find us through Google.
Most times they got an unbelievable lower price from Yiwu wholesaler before, but ask us to custom make quality. How should I do?
Yiwu’s quality is different from ours. Even looks the same, but materials inside different.
Could you share more article to explain the quality difference from the wholesaler with the manufacturer?
Thanks for your time!
Best regards
Justin
Hello Fredrick
am looking at importing DSLR cameras from china – any ideas on where i would start – would it involve me going to China to make contacts etc at a trade show?
Thanks
Hussain from UK
Hi Hussain,
There are many suppliers on Alibaba.com and Globalsources.com. You don’t necessarily need to go to a trade show, but it’s a good venue for finding suppliers. There are several in Hong Kong that may be of interest.
Buying the customized goods can become a difficulty as china is said to be biggest exporter so in buying the products at smaller quantity can be hassle free so instead of buying from the local markets can be beneficial for running the small business.
Hello…I am interested in starting a business in artificial flowers, saddles racks, Styrofoam, ribbon, easels, lanterns, Styrofoam vases, all small flowers to make wreaths…Other words selling here in the United States, floral supplies. Thanks on where to buy, and information on how to get started.
Hello Ann, I suggest you to have a look at our Starter Package: Apparel & Textiles, which also includes a list of manufacturers handpicked for your specific product: https://www.chinaimportal.com/accessories/
Hi…I’m planning to visit China for looking at starting with something related to school kids specifically for pre school. And my second option will be clothing for kids and women clothing which will be really good in quality and low on pricing so my ROI can be beneficial…
Please guide me, I wish to start a business of importing cell phone cables. A reliable wholesaler with a minimum of 3500 pieces. Costs for duty and all…
I need to find wholesale supplier market for clothing ,shoes , and bags which are A CLASS GRADE for less perice. At the moment im buying online. But most of them are vary bad in quality. And also the problem is now I imoprt to a china wearhouse and they ship by air cargo. They also do charge for that. Can you help me with finding A class grade supplier s and a better war of air cargo shipping company for a lower price. Im importanting to UAE.
Fredrik, im glad you touched on the compliance issues that you may face when importing from China. Many years ago I imported a container load of mobile phones only to find out they were not compliant with CE standards leading to a huge loss and a hard lesson learned.
Hi Roger,
Thanks for sharing your story! I hope we can prevent others from making the same mistake.
Hello I am locking to open online shop whit phones accesories can you please recommend me a supplier which have really good quality products. Thanks
hi I have started an online clothing boutique please can you give me a reliable wholesale supplier that delivers in 7-10 days in need of womans clothing, mens clothing shoes bags and kids clothing
Thanks in advance
There are a few lapses on buying wholesales items in the Chinese market so be sure to know wholesalers and if possible make them send samples of the products for checking purposes and positively create the business with quality. Else opt to a UK jewellery wholesaler and find the right stuff there. No worries! its items are of quality and sellable.
Yes, it’s safer to buy from a UK wholesaler. However, the selection is more limited in general, and not as many customization options.
HI Noah
I am going to the Canton Fair this April to find manufacturers of architectural cut stone, for window and door surrounds, fireplaces, floor tile, custom wrought iron and some miscellaneous home goods. I would like to locate a Agency that can assist me in locating the sources and help with quality control during the manufacturing process. I plan on buying a couple of containers. Can you recommend a agency?
Thank You
Renata
Please guide me, I wish to start a business of importing flat shoes. A reliable wholesaler with a minimum of 30 pairs. Costs for duty and all
Hi, I could like to buy electronics items more so smart phones from a reliable whole saler in China. I am a starter, how can you advise me? Do you have one in mind who can assist?
Thanks
Tom
Hi
I am from South Africa and I am looking into opening up a business selling beauty products such as hair fiber as well as make up tools. Which manufacturer/wholesaler do you suggest I liaise with?
Thank you
Tsepang
Hello am looking for a plce to buy wholesale ladies underwear and men underwear and also shirt and polo lacost
Hi Sylvia,
You cannot buy authentic brand name goods from wholesalers in China.. Lacoste and other brands are more expensive in China than in the West
Hi,
I am in the United States and I am looking for a wholesaler in China. Can you advise me where is the best wholesaler or trading company.
Thank you,
Hello
I want to import suits for men, shoes and shirts from China that are high class. Kindly get back to me as soon as possible for guidance. Will visit China in May.
Esther
Hi I plan on going to China in hopes of finding a clothing wholesaler, do you have any recommendations or advice I live in the US and plan on shipping back to the US if the quality of the wholesaler products are up too par?
Hai I’m from malaysia, I am looking for a manufacturer for high end fashion and big plus size dresses . Can you help me find some manufactors or trusred website to get in contact with?
Much appreciated
Hello,
We will contact you by email
Hi , my name is phindile from South AFRICA Am looking to start a business selling coffee mugs and dinner set am looking for a trusted wholesale company that I can work with.
Hello,
We will contact you by email
Hello I am in kenya looking to import tshits for campaigns any suggestions also wanted printing work.
Hello
We need to import world known brand of supermarket
Products from china.
We will contact you later today, by email
Can I receive that same email??
Shopping in China market it is great until you meet the Artist or run out of Luck.
You can get a product not as described, damaged in mail, fake product, and to get the money back, you have to return it on your expense before getting a refund or another one.
But shipping back from USA to China it is very expensive for a private party, and at the end you will pay much more than if you buy it from ebay or amazon.
While ebay and amazon provide a return label that means seller covers the return fees, the Aliexpress, gearbest, lightinthbox, dhgate say, “We do not provide a Return Label for returns”. Finally if you do not pay with a strong Credit Card, if something goes wrong, chances to get your item or a refund are “NONE”.
Even if you are Using a Strong Credit card chances to get your item or a refund are slim or none because:
Chinese sellers try to buy time, with empty promises, eluding you to pass 60 days for a credit card dispute.
Even you open a credit card dispute in time, you the buyer have to stay in the driver’s seat. In one case a Chinese seller company charged my credit card pretending of selling me a product that they didn’t have and do not have today because they ran Out of Sock.
8 days after I put my order I was getting the ORDER STATUS: “Processing (Your order ships soon. Thank you so much for your patience.).
After I confronted them, and asked them for a specific and honest answer their reply was:
“As there maybe delay between the real stock and website updates. I have checked with our warehouse it is back-ordered now.”
They gave me two options: Wait indefinitely till the new supply arrives, or you get your amount as a credit.
IN the fact “This was a “Timely Delivery Order” as a birthday Gift because I had chosen the Shipping method, with estimated shipping time 7 – 12 business days.
I opened a dispute with my Visa Credit Card and requested a Full Refund in my Credit Card. They were so good to Fool and Trap my credit card bank, convincing them that the only option was to CANCEL MY ORDER. Now I had to fight my Credit Card to convince them that:
First the seller took my money from my credit card pretending selling me an Item that they didn’t have then and do not have now.
Second the order never was processed; there is no order and what they pretend it is a GHOST ORDER.
Third for any cancellation, 24 hours after the order is processed, they refund only 50 % of the value.
It took me a lot of efforts to convince my Credit Card Bank and force the seller for a refund. Creating a Folder, and preparing all the evidences by coping the sellers web site pages with Print Screen and pasting in Photoshop, and writing a total 10 pages document it took me some time. My time is money, and getting the refund it cost me 5 times more than the value of the merchandise that I never RECEIVED.
Hi, my Name is Nick I am from the US I’m a business owner providing services to elementary schools.
One of the items I provide are Student Planners (agendas) , and stainless steel travel mugs! I really need help in trying to buy large quantities and import these items from China!
If you could please help me and lead me in the right direction !
Hello I don’t own a business but I want to buy 500 blankets for homeless people and to donate in animal shelters can I just buy it or do I need a permit a license or something can I get in trouble with customs if I just buy it or what do I need to do please help I really want to do this this year
Hello my name is Rebecca from Canada Ontario. I am looking to start a small business for wedding gowns and special occasions wear for men, children and ladies. I don’t have any information on how to go about importing from China and that’s why I am writing to you guys for some help and recommendations!!. Please help me out!
Hi,
You should have received our email by now
Clothing for men.. Im starting An online business, found many products that i love thus far on Alibaba but i need to know what i can trust as far as suppliers go.. Before i invest the money. And how often i can recieve shipments etc.. In your experience and professional opinion.. Should i import from China or another country.. I’m in America
I’m wondering the same about men/woman clothing… ? I didn’t see a reply
I am planning to start importing power tools from China eg. circular saws, jack hammers, angle grinders, impact drills etc. Is it better to go to a manufacturer and what location can I go to find same.
Thanks
Joe
Hello
I’m in France and looking for a wholesaler of women accessorizes and clothes.
Someone can help me please ?
Thanks
Lou
Hi There I’m looking for a supplier that van supply me with clothing for babies and women’s clothing and put my own brand on it
this all not true…
Hi,
Please develop further. We are interested in hearing your viewpoints.
Hai,
I am Joseph from India. I am looking for Pressure cooker(India model) in China. Next month end (August) I am going to Yiwu to find reliable suppliers to buy Pressure cooker. I am fairly new to importing from China and although I am trying to find as much information as possible and prepare myself for the visit, I still don’t feel very confident about it. Hiring an agent seems like a good option for the beginning. Could you please recommend me someone? Or where can I find one and be sure that the person is really reliable? What should I look for?
Hi,
I am new to the business world and plan on starting a business selling virgen remy hair. I would like to do business with a manufacturer in china but I dont know of any trusted ones. I do know there are many comapnies to scam people and I dont want to take a chance at spending alot of money thinking Im going to get the products I have brought but in reality I get scammed. I was looking into… Xuchang Vision Hair but still not too sure. Can you give any feed back for this issue?
How about bringing Chinese speakign person with you as a backup to ensure your agent and wholesaler don’t “conspire”?
Hi Boris,
Yes, that’s also what many importers do. However, what really matters is that you make the wholesaler understand that you intend to check up on the quality later on.
trust is not so easy these days, that is why i like to travel to my customer and see, then receive their order.
I agree with you.
Hello,
I am importing Fragile Dinner sets, coffee cups from China. The factory recommended to me a freight company transport is by Air and they are charging USD.6.1 PER kg. Total weight for these products is 510KG.
I did a background research other Air Freight company charged usd.9 per KG. I found another freight company and they are charging USD.4.5 Per KG.
The third Freight company is much better in price but my problem is that I am not sure how reliable they are and if at all this company exists.
Is there a place or know how one can check reliability of a freight company.
I am importing to Nairobi, Kenya.
Please advise.
Kind Regards,
Noah
Hello Noah,
These prices are indeed very different. Honestly I have no clue about air freight costs specifically to Kenya. However, prices are based on Incoterms, so please verify which Incoterm the freigth cost is based on.
No such database exist, as far as I am aware.
Hi Noar,
Am looking for dinner sets in Nairobi to start a business.
Please contact me on 0724475346
It is better you first check the trading record on the custom data, there is always lower cost supplier but risk at the same time, if you have enough profit, just select the trust one; if not enough, try to prove it.
This is Eric Wang from Sanfor Inc from China, mainlgy doing imports-exports as well as conselor work for my exist customer.
Hello,
next month (May) I am going to Yiwu to find reliable suppliers for my new business. I am fairly new to importing from China and although I am trying to find as much information as possible and prepare myself for the visit, I still don’t feel very confident about it. Hiring an agent seems like a good option for the beginning. Could you please recommend me someone? Or where can I find one and be sure that the person is really reliable? What should I look for?
Thank you very much, I love your site.
Zuzana
Zuzana,
Before I can offer any advice I need to know which products you plan to import, and to which country. These two factors have a major impact on the potential risk.
Hi, I can you email me please I need some advice on the toys that I’m importing from China to uk.
Regards
Steven
Hi Steven,
Please use the contact form to get in touch with us
I want to import human hair weavons,with my own branded name on it,or become a major distributor to any manufacturing company that produces hair