How to import from China (first-timer’s guide)
Importing from China comes down to five steps: define your product, find and verify a supplier, order a sample, place the order with a pre-shipment inspection, then ship. Get the verification and inspection steps right and most risks disappear.
Quick answer: 1) define the product and target price, 2) find and verify a supplier, 3) order a sample, 4) place the order and book a pre-shipment inspection, 5) ship. The two steps most first-timers skip — verification and inspection — are the ones that protect your money.
Step 1 — Define your product and target price
Write a clear spec: materials, size, packaging, certifications and target price. A photo or sample helps enormously. A real 1688 price check tells you what the product actually costs before you negotiate.
Step 2 — Find and verify a supplier
Find candidates on Alibaba, then verify: business licence, whether they manufacture or trade, and — for meaningful orders — the factory itself. See our guide on verifying a Chinese supplier.
Step 3 — Order a sample
Always order a sample before a bulk order. Check quality, materials and packaging against your spec, and confirm the production timeline.
Step 4 — Place the order and inspect
Agree price, MOQ, payment terms and delivery in writing. Before you release the balance, book a pre-shipment inspection so problems are found while they can still be fixed.
Step 5 — Ship
Choose a shipping method that fits your timeline and budget — express, air or sea freight. A freight forwarder handles customs and documentation; we can help coordinate the hand-off.
The two steps that matter most: verifying the supplier and inspecting before shipment. Everything else is logistics.
How PandaRoads helps
We support the whole process on the ground: sourcing, real 1688 price checks, supplier and factory verification, samples, and pre-shipment inspection — with written English reports.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start importing from China?
Do I need to visit China to import?
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