In this era of a highly developed internet and increasingly transparent information, is it easier or more difficult to find suitable and reliable suppliers? Some people say it’s easier, while others say it’s more difficult. Let’s discuss this topic.
First, we need to list the channels through which suppliers can be found:
1. Offline Exhibitions. In China, the most famous one is the Canton Fair, held twice a year in spring and autumn, covering almost all categories. Buyers from all over the world attend this exhibition to find suppliers. There are also other specialized exhibitions, such as the Shanghai International Bicycle Exhibition and EUROBIKE in Germany. The advantage of exhibitions is that buyers and suppliers can communicate face-to-face and judge for themselves whether collaboration is suitable.
2. B2B Platforms. Currently, the well-known platforms are Alibaba, Made-in-China, and Global Sources. Many buyers are familiar with one or two of these platforms and search for suppliers there. The advantage of B2B platforms is that you don’t need to spend time and money traveling to China or other exhibitions; you can simply consult suppliers online and negotiate orders.
3. Social Media. Nowadays, many suppliers have registered social media accounts to showcase their products and companies. Buyers can find a lot of information there and directly contact suppliers for inquiries. Many suppliers also follow buyers on social media and proactively promote their products.
4. Search Engines. Google, Bing, and other search engines are also commonly used by buyers to find
suppliers. By entering keywords, you can find many suppliers. This method takes time because you need to carefully sift through and check supplier information.
5. Authorized Agents. Buyers can also rely on local agents to help procure the products they need. Agents, with years of purchasing experience and extensive supplier resources, can help buyers find suitable suppliers and products.
Here’s the issue: no matter which channel you use, there are usually many suppliers for the same or similar products, and prices vary greatly. How should one choose?
A very important point is to be clear about who you are and what you need:
1. Supermarket Procurement. If you are purchasing for a supermarket, you must find capable factories. Supermarkets like Walmart have large order quantities, high-quality demands, and strict delivery deadlines. Only capable suppliers can financially support the orders, have relatively standardized production processes, and ensure timely packaging and delivery. Smaller factories often struggle to meet all these requirements.
2. Import Purchasing Agents. If you are an import buyer responsible for sourcing for various clients, you need to find different types of suppliers. If the products are relatively simple, finding a factory is suitable, and you only need to filter within that category. If you deal with a wide variety of products, working with a Chinese trading company can be a good choice because they have their own supply chain and can provide one-stop solutions, sparing you the effort of contacting multiple suppliers.
3. New Importers from China. Take electric vehicles as an example. If you were previously a local wholesaler or brand reseller and now need to import directly from China, your initial quantities will be small, such as a 20-foot or 40-foot high cube container. It’s best to find small to medium-sized factories or trading companies because large suppliers usually only deal with big clients and large orders. They may not accept small orders, charge higher prices, or fail to guarantee delivery times.
In conclusion, the key principle is to find suppliers that fit your needs, rather than blindly seeking large, powerful suppliers. China has many small and medium-sized enterprises specialized in exports, capable of providing excellent products and services. Finding a suitable supplier or partner is extremely important as it can save a lot of time, effort, and costs, allowing you to focus on sales, concentrate on what you do best, and maximize profits. Hope this sharing can help you on how to find good suppliers in China, and good luck to find your suppliers.
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