Importing from China, explained plainly
Practical guides for small businesses and Amazon/Shopify sellers buying from Chinese suppliers for the first time.
How to Buy from 1688 When You Don't Live in China1688 is cheaper than Alibaba but built for domestic buyers. Here is how overseas buyers actually order from it, step by step.What a China Sourcing Agent Really CostsCommission, flat fees, hidden markups and warehouse charges — how sourcing agents are paid and what a fair price looks like.Shipping from China: Express, Air, Sea and Rail ComparedWhich shipping method makes sense for your order size, budget and timeline, with realistic transit times and cost logic.How to Verify a Chinese Supplier Before You PayA practical checklist to separate real factories from traders and scammers, using free checks you can run in an afternoon.Alibaba vs 1688 vs AliExpress: Which One Should You Use?Three platforms from the same group serve very different buyers. A plain comparison of price, MOQ, language, payment and protection.How to Calculate Landed Cost for Imported ProductsUnit price is only part of it. A worked example of every cost between the factory and your shelf, and how to price for profit.Negotiating with Chinese Suppliers Without Burning the RelationshipHow price, MOQ and terms are actually negotiated, what suppliers are flexible on, and phrases that help.How to Inspect Quality on a Chinese Order Before You Pay the BalanceMost quality problems are found after the goods land and the balance is paid. How to check quality while you still have leverage, for small and large orders.Incoterms for Small Importers: FOB, CIF, and DDP Explained SimplyThe supplier's price is rarely your full cost. What FOB, CIF and DDP actually cover, where each one can cost you, and which to ask for.
Want a second pair of eyes on your suppliers?
We search 1688 and Alibaba in Chinese, compare 3–5 suppliers, check their business licences and store records, and estimate your landed cost — all in one clear report.
See how it works
We search 1688 and Alibaba in Chinese, compare 3–5 suppliers, check their business licences and store records, and estimate your landed cost — all in one clear report.
See how it works