Analysis of common problems faced by overseas buyers in purchasing in China

1. Language and cultural barriers
   Difficulties in language communication: Most Chinese suppliers have limited English proficiency and are prone to misunderstandings of professional terms

Misunderstandings caused by cultural differences: Differences in business etiquette, negotiation style, decision-making methods, etc.

Different holidays and working hours: Factories may stop production for several weeks during long holidays in China (such as the Spring Festival)

2. Supplier selection and verification issues
   Supplier authenticity verification: How to identify false supplier information on B2B platforms

Factory qualification review: Quality risks caused by lack of on-site inspections

MOQ (minimum order quantity) issues: Many Chinese factories are not sensitive to small orders Interest

Supplier stability assessment: small factories may suddenly stop production or close down

3. Product quality control issues
   Inconsistency between samples and actual goods: common phenomenon of “high quality samples, lower quality of bulk goods”

Lack of effective QC process: overseas buyers find it difficult to monitor the production process in a timely manner

Standard differences: differences between Chinese standards and international standards/buyer’s domestic standards

Product certification issues: authenticity and validity of CE, FDA and other certifications

4. Logistics and transportation issues
   Freight cost calculation: large fluctuations in sea/air freight costs affect total costs

Transportation time estimation: port congestion, weather and other factors lead to delays

Damage caused by improper packaging: lack of international transportation experience Packaging problems caused by customs clearance obstacles: incomplete documents or products do not meet the requirements of the importing country

V. Payment and financial risks
Payment method disputes: trust issues in different methods such as T/T and LC

Exchange rate fluctuation risk: changes in the exchange rate between the RMB and the local currency

Deposit ratio negotiation: usually 30%-50% deposit requirement

Fraud risk: no delivery or delivery discrepancy after payment

VI. Legal and contractual issues
Contract enforcement: practical difficulties in enforcing international contracts in China

Intellectual property protection: risk of design theft or counterfeiting

Dispute resolution mechanism: high cost of cross-border legal proceedings

Tax and tariff issues: uncertainty about China’s export tax rebate policy Solution

VII. After-sales service issues
Difficulty in returns and exchanges: high international return and exchange costs

Unclear warranty responsibilities: difficulties in implementing cross-border warranty services

Parts supply issues: timeliness and cost of subsequent replenishment

Suggestions
Consider using a reliable purchasing agent or third-party inspection agency

Be sure to conduct on-site inspections before important purchases

Establish clear QC standards and acceptance procedures

Understand and make reasonable use of China’s trade promotion policies

Build trust from small orders

Purchase appropriate trade insurance

By understanding these common problems in advance and formulating corresponding countermeasures, overseas buyers can significantly reduce the risks of purchasing in China and improve the success of cross-border purchases.