China Sourcing FAQ: 20 Questions Every New Importer Asks (2026)
2026-08-31 10:15 · Beginner · FAQ
Importing from China is a well-trodden path, but the same questions come up again and again. Here they are, with straight answers — no jargon, no fluff. Bookmark this page and come back when you're mid-transaction and need a quick reminder.
Basics and getting started
1. Do I need a license or permit to import from China? In most countries you don't need a special license for general goods, but you do need to register with your customs authority (e.g., an EIN/importer number in the US, an EORI in the EU) and comply with product-specific rules. Research your own country's requirements before ordering.
2. How small can my first order be? Smaller than you think. Many factories accept trial orders of just a few dozen units or even less for low-MOQ items, and some platforms like Alibaba list low-MOQ suppliers. The catch: the smaller the order, the worse the unit price and the higher your per-unit freight.
3. Is Alibaba the only option? No. Made-in-China is strong for industrial and OEM goods, 1688.com has China's lowest prices (but is for domestic buyers), and Global Sources leans electronics. Compare them in our platform comparison guide.
4. Should I use a sourcing agent? Not necessarily on your first order. Try the direct route first and use an agent only if you're overwhelmed, buying lots of SKUs, or need someone on the ground for quality control. Agents add cost but save time and reduce risk.
Suppliers and verification
5. How do I know a supplier is legit? Ask for their business license (营业执照), check the name matches the invoice and website, do a video call inside the actual factory, search the company name for complaints, and order a sample. See the full verification checklist.
6. Factory or trading company — which should I use? Factories give better prices and more control. Trading companies are easier to deal with and handle logistics, but add a markup. For simple products, factory-direct is usually better; for complex multi-source orders, a good trading company can justify the fee.
7. What's a reasonable MOQ for my product? It depends entirely on the category. Electronics might be 100–1,000 units; clothing 100–500 per color; simple accessories sometimes as low as 50. Ask 5–10 suppliers and you'll quickly see the realistic range.
Pricing, payment, and samples
8. How much should a sample cost? Often between free and a few tens of dollars plus courier. Expect to pay for samples on most goods, especially custom work. The sample cost is usually a fair check that the supplier really makes the product.
9. How do I pay a Chinese supplier safely? For first orders, use a platform with buyer protection (like Alibaba's Trade Assurance) or a letter of credit for large amounts. Avoid wiring the full balance upfront to an unverified supplier. Use a credit card or escrow where possible.
10. Is the quoted price the real price? Usually not exactly. Watch for freight, packaging, certification, and tooling costs that may be added later. Ask for a full landed-cost breakdown, not just the FOB unit price.
Shipping, customs, and cost
11. What does FOB actually mean? FOB (Free On Board) means the seller delivers goods onto the ship at the port; you pay for ocean freight and everything after. It's a common starting point for quotes. See our Incoterms explainer.
12. How much does shipping cost? It varies wildly with size, weight, and destination. Split roughly: air freight is fastest and most expensive per kilo; sea freight (LCL/containers) is cheapest for bulk; courier (DHL/FedEx/UPS) for samples and small parcels. Always get multiple quotes.
13. Will I pay customs duty and tax? Almost certainly yes. You'll owe import duty and often VAT/GST on the value of the goods. The de minimis threshold (below which no duty applies) varies by country. See our duties & taxes guide.
Quality and the day-to-day
14. Should I hire a third-party inspector? For your first real order, yes. A pre-shipment inspection catches defects before you pay the balance and before goods leave the factory. It's one of the cheapest forms of insurance in importing. Our QC guide explains how it works.
15. How do I handle a late shipment? First, build realistic lead time into your plan — Chinese lead times often overrun. Communicate early, keep written records, and include delivery dates in your contract. If a supplier is consistently late before shipping, it's a red flag.
16. Should I brand my products (private label)? Yes, if it fits your business and the MOQ is feasible. OEM/ODM is standard in China: the factory prints your logo, packaging, and follows your spec. Confirm branding costs and MOQs in writing.
17. Can I get the packaging customized too? Usually yes, and it's worth it. Custom boxes and inserts make a huge difference to perceived quality. Just budget for design and tooling/printing costs and longer lead time.
Red flags and final tips
18. What's the #1 scam to watch for? The low-price bait: a quote far below the market to get a deposit, followed by excuses and a vague end-product. Never pay a big deposit to an unverified supplier. More in our scam guide.
19. How long until I receive my goods? Plan on 4–10 weeks total for a typical made-to-order shipment: 2–6 weeks production plus 2–4 weeks ocean freight. Fast-track with air freight if needed, but budget for it.
20. What's the single most important habit? Document everything. Every price, every spec, every promise, in writing. Chinese sourcing goes smoothly when both sides can point back to a clear agreed spec and price — and it protects you if something goes wrong.