Any Amazon seller will tell you that the risk of finding dishonest Chinese suppliers or getting stuck with a poor-quality shipment is high. Whether you delve into an online B2B marketplace, an online supplier directory or visit a tradeshow or wholesale market, you’ll need to watch out for the few bad apples. In this post, we discuss your sourcing options and recommend the best way to find a dependable supplier for long term relations.
1. The Canton Fair
China’s largest import/export convention is held twice a year and covers virtually every industry that makes physical products. It is so huge that it runs in three phases:
Phase 1: Electronics, machinery, building materials and chemical products
Phase 2: Consumer goods, home décor and gifts
Phase 3: Textiles, recreational products, office supplies, shoes, medical devices and health products
You can attend for free but once you’re in, be prepared for what’s in store. Here’s a teaser:
– The sales representatives can speak basic business English. Some are hired for the fair and may not work for the company. You’ll learn about MOQs and some product details only.
– You can hire an interpreter at the fair at 400-500 RMB or $60-$75 per day. Service charges are higher for minority languages.
– Suppliers bring samples so you can see and touch the product to get an idea of quality.
– Low prices and not-so-great quality go hand in hand. Unless you’re willing to pay more than the advertised price, you won’t see the quality you want.
– After you speak to suppliers, they will ask for your business card to follow-up with you after the fair. Some Amazon sellers are hesitant to give their business cards to every vendor they meet out of a fear of their details being sold to other vendors. For etiquette’s sake, they may pass out fake cards to give to everyone except the suppliers they’re interested in.
The Canton Fair is HUGE. Find the list of exhibitors and their booth location on the trade show’s website in advance to save time and energy. The same suppliers participate each year, so novelty is missing. Don’t expect to see innovation either – the companies with a newer design or function may show prototypes and only be looking for distributors rather than OEM or private label manufacturing.
