Complete categories: From electronic products to household goods
Mature supply chain: Complete upstream and downstream supporting and logistics system
Flexible customization: Support OEM/ODM customization service
Small batch trial order: More and more factories accept small batch orders
II. Channels for finding reliable suppliers
Mainstream B2B platforms
Alibaba.com
AliExpress
Made-in-China.com
Global Sources Sources)
Professional exhibitions
Canton Fair (Spring and Autumn every year)
Hong Kong Electronics Fair
Yiwu Commodities Fair
Other channels
1688 Wholesale Network (suitable for sellers with domestic agents)
Industry communities and forums
Third-party procurement agency services
III. Key points for supplier screening and evaluation
Verification qualifications:
Business license
Factory real-time video/photos
Past customer evaluations
Sample testing:
Samples must be requested for quality inspection
Test whether the product meets the target market standards
Communication skills:
Response speed
English communication level
Problem-solving attitude
Production evaluation:
Whether production capacity can meet demand
Supply stability during peak season
Quality control process
IV. Optimization of procurement process =Technical skills
Clear demand list:
Detailed product specifications
Packaging requirements
Certification requirements (CE, FCC, etc.)
Price negotiation strategy:
Tiered quotation (different prices for different quantities)
Long-term cooperation discount
Payment method negotiation
Contract matters:
Clear quality standards
Delivery time clauses
Breach of contract compensation details
Intellectual property protection
Quality control system:
Mid-term production inspection
Pre-shipment inspection
Third-party quality inspection service
V. Logistics and inventory management
Transportation method selection:
Small package direct mail (suitable for testing)
Sea freight FCL/LCL (large quantity)
Air freight (high-value urgently needed goods)
Overseas warehouse stocking (FBA pre-positioning)
Techniques to reduce logistics costs:
Comparison of multiple freight forwarders Price
Seasonal stocking planning
Rational use of tax refund policy
Inventory management suggestions:
Safety inventory calculation
Sales data forecast
Slow-moving product handling plan
VI. Common risks and response strategies
Quality risk:
Establish strict QC process
Retain quality deposit
Delayed delivery:
Reserve buffer time
Disperse supplier risks
Infringement risk:
Avoid counterfeit products
Independent design or authorized production
Exchange rate fluctuations:
Use foreign exchange hedging tools
Batch settlement strategy
VII. Successful sellers’ experience sharing
Case 1: Top sellers in Amazon’s home category
Find sub-category factories through 1688
Jointly develop differentiated products
Achieve monthly sales of $500,000 in 6 months
Case 2: Shopify independent station DTC brand
Find niche suppliers in Yiwu
Customized packaging to create brand awareness
Repurchase rate reaches 35%
Experience summary:
Establish 2-3 alternative suppliers
Regular visits to maintain relationships
Jointly improve product iterations
VIII. Future trends and suggestions
Supply chain digitalization: More factories accept online orders and tracking
Small orders and fast response: Flexible supply chain becomes the key to competition
Compliance requirements: Environmental protection and labor standards are becoming increasingly important
Regional diversification: Consider emerging procurement locations such as Southeast Asia
For new cross-border e-commerce sellers, it is recommended to start with small batch trial orders, gradually establish a stable supply chain system, and focus on product differentiation and brand building to stand out in the fierce market competition.