suggestions on How to find a good supplier from China

**leonyu** · 08-24-2008 05:35 AM

I am a Chinese and working for an American company. We buy products from China and sell in U.S.

I have connections with many factories in textile filed and here is my opinion on finding good suppliers:

1. A good supplier should established at least 5 years ago and have export/import business for at least 3 years.

2. Employee in the factory should be more than 100.

3. Better find suppliers from Eastern China-provinces such as Shandong, Zhengjiang, Fujian, Guangdong. Those provinces are more developed and understand what customers need better.

4. Search the factory on GOOGLE and visit its website-if there are too many flashes, you have to re-consider before start cooperating.

5. Check the factory is private or state-owned, I suggest cooperate with private factories.

6. Send the factory samples and ask them produce accordingly-find as many problems as possible after receiving samples-NEVER say “your sample is great!” at the very beginning.

7. If possible and you are willing to, visit the factory and see the workshop, dining room and washing room. A good factory treat workers comperatively good (compared with factories in China).

8. Talk with the one speak English from factory and ask he/she several questions: how many employees, how many equipment, anual turnover and so on. If he/she can reply immediately, this person can help on export handling.

9. Tell the supplier what you need in details, Chinese suppliers can supplier products at any prices-if you want good quality, you MUST tell directly. And visit the factory before loading the first container-find problems with products and reject, then you would not need fly to China everytime before shipping date, come in the next 3 months and then 6 months.

10. To double insure products can finish before cancel date and quality, better find a local representative help you.

Chinese culture is very different from western countries, above are few suggestions but I wish can help.

**matt_15** · 08-24-2008 05:40 AM

Great information leon. thanks

**zharlene** · 08-24-2008 06:18 AM

Really good tips. I think it really is vital for a potential customer to visit China and visit several factories before they make their decision.

**Andrew Dean** · 08-24-2008 06:25 PM

one of best posts i seen on forum. very helpful and insightful, need more stuff like this and less stuff about some lame website a 16 year old operates

**adamwade** · 08-25-2008 11:26 AM

I totally agree...visiting factories and attending trade shows in China is the best option to be really successful sourcing.

I visit china virtually every other month doing quality control and inspecting new factories for all types of products.

**Gator** · 09-03-2008 10:17 PM

Nice post here, thanks

Originally Posted by Andrew Dean

need more stuff like this and less stuff about some lame website a 16 year old operates

Well said, I agree 100%

**SerialEntrepreneurs.** · 09-03-2008 10:53 PM

good stuff...thanks.....what are your thoughts on alibaba.com as a resource?

**adamwade** · 09-09-2008 10:12 AM

Alibaba is a great resource...but it is also fishing with a big net...all you can really hope to do with alibaba is figure out what is available, who is doing it , and what the price point is.

I would never blindly do business with a supplier from alibaba without doing a lot of additional due dilligance.

**ctsong** · 09-09-2008 11:15 PM

i agree with adamwade, there's a lots of middleman in alibaba so be careful when you are dealing with them. leonyu are you working in china , i'm from singapore working in china guangzhou.

**sunnyjiang** · 09-10-2008 05:54 AM

I think as a businessman trust is the most important. We cann't cheat forever.
So,We have to do good sevice and supply good products.

**FreedomGuard** · 09-10-2008 09:59 AM

Great post! How would someone get info on trade shows in China? Also, how easy is it to find interpreters to simplify the exchange of info and business?

**leonyu** · 09-10-2008 12:37 PM

I agree with Adam, alibaba.com is a way to find out suppliers, but finding suppliers do not mean you can have deals with them. One of alibaba representative called me several years ago and said after I pay the money, I can be a gold supplier--he even do not visit my factory!!!!!So, visit the factory is a MUST.

To ctsong: yes, I work in China, I am a Chinese.

To FreedomGuard: it is very easy to find enterpreters on Canton Fair, while a bit difficult to find on other trade show. There are lots of students waiting to be an interpreter outside the Canton fair hall, BUT i do not suggest hiring them. One need to know something about the field you are in and then he/she can work for you. The best way is find a translation agency and ask for someone have the background of your field to help you. You might need to pay more but it is worthy.