How To Buy From China: Ultimate Guide

In the old days, buying from another country was quite a task. It costs humongous investment, time, and efforts. But, now thanks to the internet and e-commerce, a lot has changed. You can buy it from anywhere around the world. Even you can sell it wherever you want, without your physical presence.

China has significantly grown in the e-commerce sector. According to the WEF, China has become known as The World’s Factory. It is the production superpower now.

So, if you want to earn high-profits, buy from China. Buying from China is quite easy now. All you need is a little guidance.

Why Buying From China?

In the e-commerce business, the nearer you are to the source, the higher will be profits. Many items available in the market seem to be high-end products. But in reality, the manufacturing cost is low, while the profit margins are high. That is because many mediators get involved in this game. So, buying from China exempts you from all these hurdles.

When you will buy from China, you will have higher profit margins. As manufacturing and labor are cheap, the product cost is low compared to any other country. Further, they have a low tax ratio and the compliance process is quite easy.

How Can I Buy Direct From China and Earn Big Money?

Buying goods from China, and selling them online is a very simple business framework. All you need is to clear your mind. And streamline your work to start importing.

Step 1 — Find a Good Product to Import & Sell

Keep the following things in mind while selecting a product to import and Sell:

• Look for products that are small-sized and lightweight (lower shipping costs)
• Try to avoid delicate and fragile products
• Avoid high-ticket items for start. Try to sell the product between $10 to $200 per piece
• Don’t buy frequently selling items (high competition)
• Go for products that people use all around the year (not seasonal)

Step 2 — Find Chinese Suppliers

Alibaba is the best and safest place for you to find Chinese suppliers. Steps to follow:

• Review the profile of the supplier
• Check whether the supplier has the trade assurance badge along with gold plus supplier
• See how other buyers have rated the supplier in the review section
• Check the payment methods they offer
• Company information and response time

Step 3 — Request a Sample and confirm

Sample or Small test orders are a must for gaining confidence in your supplier. There are two ways to verify the quality:

1. Ask them for the sample to send it to you
2. Have a factory audit with the help of your sourcing agent

Step 4 — Place the order and Negotiate Payment Terms

After verifying the test product, place the order. Negotiate on the final price and payment terms.

Step 5 — Preparing For Your Shipment

The easiest and most viable way is to contact a sourcing agent. A sourcing agent will provide you the information about their collection point. LeeLine Sourcing also offers prep service for Amazon sellers.

Step 6 — Shipping your goods from China

Find a suitable logistic service provider. They will carry through your order. LeeLine sourcing agent can help you to ship your goods from China to your preferred location.

Best Top 6 Websites to Buy From China

Alibaba

One of the topmost world’s popular B2B and B2C suppliers platform. Founded in 1999. Suppliers from more than 190 countries. The unique thing about Alibaba.com is there is no fixed price. You can negotiate with the manufacturers.

Made in China

B2B platform established in 1998. 27 categories and 3600 subcategories. Visit the website in 11 different languages.

Global Sources

Another B2B supplier in China. More than 49 years in the industry. 1.5 million active buyers worldwide. Generating leads for retailers from over 240 countries.

DHgate

Business to business global marketplace. More than 30 million products from all the categories. Shipping delivered right to your warehouse.

AliExpress

Online retail owned by Alibaba group. Started in 2010. Famous for dropship business model. Currently available in 17 different languages.

1688

Subsidiary of Alibaba in China. Available in the Chinese language only. Offers service for China’s domestic market. Supports B2B, B2C, and wholesale products model.

How to Find China Wholesale Suppliers?

Canton Fair

One of the topmost methods. Since 1957. Usually happens twice a year at the end of May and the start of November. Divided into three phases:

1. Phase 1: Electronics
2. Phase 2: Consumer goods, gifts, and home decor
3. Phase 3: Textiles, garments, shoes, and office supplies

Global Sources Trade Show

Takes place before the Canton Fair in Hong Kong. Broad variety of electronics and fashion products.

Yiwu Wholesale Market

One of the largest marketplaces in China. Famous as Yiwu International Trade City. Divided into 5 districts.

Shenzhen Wholesale Market

The technological hub of China. Biggest electronics wholesale market in the world.

Guangzhou Wholesale Market

Different categories: Clothing, Watch, Electronics, Replica Handbags, Second-hand Electronics, Shoes Wholesale.

Do I Need a License to Buy From China?

No license required to buy from China. Unless you are importing hazardous chemicals or restricted materials. You will need to pay import and customs duties depending on the types of products.

Import Taxes, Tariffs, Duties When Buying From China

You should not have to worry about import duty if your product is worth less than $800. The value of your shipment determines how many duties or taxes they will charge.

4 Main Methods For Shipping From China

Air Shipping

Cost of your product will be lower than courier companies. Best for products not very heavy and when you want fast delivery. Transit time: 2-10 days.

Sea Shipping

Cheapest in the world for transport. 98% of the world import and export is carried out through sea shipping. No limit on weight.

Rail Shipping

More expensive than sea shipping but cheaper than air freight. Suitable for high-ticket products like vehicles, electronics, and computer equipment.

• China — France, Lyon: 14-17 days
• China — Belgium: 12-14 days
• China — UK: 18-20 days

Door to Door Shipping

Ship from your supplier’s door to your destination’s door. Can be carried out on any medium: rail, air, ship, and other transport.

Things You Need to Know When Buying From China

• Choose a reliable website when buying online
• Be skeptical about sale and discounted products
• Ask for a discount from the supplier (negotiate as much as you can)
• Always pay through reliable payment tools (credit card, PayPal, Alipay)
• Keep a track record of everything with your supplier

The Best Profitable Products to Import From China

• Pet supplies – High in demand, lots of potential
• Clothing and fashion accessories – Extremely cheap to buy from China
• Electronic gadgets – Smartwatches, trimmers, wireless chargers
• Computer and office – Need continues to increase
• Kitchen supplies – High on demand, never-ending
• Outdoor and travel products – Will be high in demand post-pandemic

Hire A China Sourcing Agent to Buy From China

If you do not have time to visit the China market, hire a Sourcing Agent. They will take care of all the procedures in which physical presence is needed. They can inspect, audit, negotiate, prepare, and supply your product at your location.

FAQ

Can you buy direct from China? Yes, you can buy direct from China without any hurdle.

Is it safe to buy from China? Yes, it is very safe to buy from China. Before buying, confirm the authenticity of the supplier.

Is it legal to buy products from China and resell? Yes, it is completely legal. But products like hazardous chemicals need proper licensing.

Can I buy from China and sell it on Amazon or eBay? Most sellers on Amazon and eBay are doing this for decades. Almost 76% of products on Amazon and eBay are manufactured in China.

How long does delivery from China take? Air freight: 2-10 days. Sea freight: 30–90 days.