From Sourcing to Exporting on Alibaba: A Complete Detailed GuideI.

Preliminary Preparation: Market Research and Product Selection

1. Determine your target market
   Analyze market demand (e.g., consumer preferences in Europe, America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, etc.)

Understand import policies (tariffs, certification requirements, embargoed goods, etc.)

Research competitors (price, style, packaging, etc.)

2. Select the right product
   Search keywords on Alibaba (e.g., “wholesale,” “OEM,” “export”).

Select high-quality suppliers (certified suppliers, Gold Members, high-volume suppliers)

Compare prices, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and delivery times

Review buyer reviews (focus on product quality, shipping speed, and after-sales service)

3. Contact the supplier
   Send an inquiry (ask for price, MOQ, sample policy, and payment methods)

Request a product catalog and certification documents (CE, FDA, RoHS, etc., depending on the target market)

Negotiate price and terms (strive for better payment options, such as a 30% deposit + 70% final payment)

II. Sample Testing and Factory Inspection

1. Order samples
   Select 2-3 suppliers and have them send samples to you.

Check sample quality, packaging, and specifications to ensure they meet requirements.

Test product performance (e.g., electrical appliances require safety testing).

2. Factory Inspection (optional, suitable for large orders).

Online factory inspection: Request the supplier to provide factory videos and photos of the production process.

On-site factory inspection (or entrust a third-party inspection company):

Inspect the production line and quality control system.

Confirm the factory size, number of employees, and production capacity.

III. Contract Signing and Payment

1. Sign the purchase contract.

Specify product specifications, quantity, and price.

Agree on delivery time and inspection standards.

Determine the payment method (common methods: T/T, letter of credit (L/C), Alipay guarantee).

Specify breach of contract terms (delayed delivery, handling of quality issues).

2. Pay the deposit. Typically, a 30%-50% deposit is required (risk can be mitigated through Alibaba Credit Guarantee).

Retain payment receipts (bank receipt, Alipay transaction records).

IV. Production and Inspection

1. Monitor production progress
   Require suppliers to provide regular updates on production progress (e.g., weekly production photos)

Confirm packaging methods (whether they meet export standards, such as labeling and barcoding).

2. Quality Control Inspection
   Self-inspection (suitable for small orders, to check product appearance and functionality)

Third-party inspection (suitable for large orders, such as SGS, BV, etc.)

Pay final payment after qualified inspection

V. Logistics and Export Customs Clearance

1. Choosing a Logistics Method
   Logistics Method Suitable Situation Advantages and Disadvantages
   International Express (DHL, FedEx): Small volume, high value, fast (3-7 days), but high freight costs
   Ocean Freight (FCL/LCL): Large volume, low cost, slow (20-40 days), low freight costs
   Air Freight: Medium volume, high timeliness requirements, relatively fast (5-10 days), moderately priced
2. Arrange export customs clearance
   Supplier provides customs clearance documents (invoice, packing list, contract)

Entrust a freight forwarder or perform customs clearance yourself (import and export authorization required)

Declare the HS code (ensure compliance with the target country’s tariff policy)

VI. Customs Clearance and Target Country Sales

1. Import Customs Clearance
   Provide required import documents (commercial invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, etc.)

Pay customs duties (depending on the target country’s policy)

Some products require local certification (such as US FCC, EU CE)

2. Warehousing and Sales
   B2B Model: Direct wholesale to local distributors

B2C Model: Retail through platforms like Amazon and eBay

Offline Channels: Enter local supermarkets and specialty stores

VII. After-Sales and Long-Term Partnership
Collect customer feedback and optimize products

Establish stable partnerships with suppliers to achieve more favorable prices

Monitor market trends and adjust product strategies

Summary: Key Steps from Sourcing to Export
Product Selection → 2. Find Suppliers → 3. Sample Testing → 4. Place Order and Payment

Production Inspection → 6. Logistics and Customs Clearance → 7. Customs clearance sales → 8. After-sales follow-up