Sourcing Tips

10 Essential Steps to Finding Reliable Suppliers in China

November 28, 2025
8 min read
BG

Bluglo Team

Sourcing Experts

Sourcing products from China can unlock massive opportunities: lower manufacturing costs, huge product variety, and the ability to scale quickly. But with thousands of factories and trading companies operating across China, the real challenge is finding reliable suppliers that deliver consistent quality, fair prices, and on-time production.

Following a structured approach will save you money, reduce risk, and help you avoid costly mistakes.

1

Clarify Your Product Requirements

Have your specifications ready before contacting suppliers.

Materials & components
Dimensions & weight
Performance expectations
Packaging & compliance standards
2

Use Trusted Sourcing Platforms

Use platforms where suppliers undergo verification.

Alibaba Gold/Verified Suppliers
Global Sources, Made-In-China
Trade fairs (Canton Fair, etc.)
Watch for trading companies pretending to be factories
3

Verify Supplier's Legitimacy

Always verify registration and legal compliance.

Business license & factory location
ISO certifications
Export permissions
4

Conduct Factory Audits

Visit the factory or use third-party auditing services.

Video calls from production floor
Third-party audits (SGS, TUV, Intertek)
Check production capacity & equipment
5

Request and Test Samples

Always order samples before placing large orders.

Request samples from production line
Test for quality, durability, compliance
Reject suppliers who won't send samples
6

Check References and Track Record

Ask for client references and verify their experience.

Contact previous clients
Check online reviews & ratings
Verify years in business
7

Negotiate Terms and MOQs

Negotiate pricing, payment terms, and minimum orders.

Compare 3-5 supplier quotes
Negotiate MOQ reductions for trials
Secure 30/70 payment terms
8

Sign Clear Contracts

Never proceed without a written, detailed contract.

Include specs, pricing, timelines
Penalties for delays & defects
Dispute resolution terms
9

Conduct Pre-Shipment Inspections

Inspect products before they leave the factory.

Use third-party inspection services
Check quality, packaging, labeling
Reject shipment if defects found
10

Build Long-Term Relationships

Focus on building strategic partnerships, not one-off deals.

Maintain consistent communication
Increase orders gradually
Earn priority status & better terms
Professional Support

Need Help Finding Trusted Suppliers?

If you want a partner who handles sourcing, factory verification, negotiations, inspections, and logistics on your behalf, BluGlo can manage the entire process with our Asia and South Africa teams.

We help businesses source:

UPS units & electronics
Homeware & appliances
Apparel (including bamboo performance underwear)
Custom products

And more

Get professional sourcing support from our experienced team

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