How to Import from China

Both American and International companies have been turning to China for decades to source, manufacture, import, and export products and parts. Sourcing products from China provides businesses many advantages including lower costs and higher production rates without compromising world-class standards. Despite the long history of American traders using Chinese manufacturing companies, understanding the intricacies of importing and exporting from China is still hard to grasp. Lack of understanding in this field may lead to time wasted, frustration, and lost hope in the possibility that their product ideas could come to life. Here at China Sourcing International, we aim to bridge that knowledge gap and help companies all around the world better understand how to import from China.

Understanding What to Import  

Importing from China is broad so it can be difficult to know where to begin. While you can technically source just about anything from China, it may not make financial sense to import certain products from China. The most useful products to import from China will be high volume and low cost. The key is to calculate the amount of money you may save through overseas manufacturing and compare it against that which you will have to spend on shipping.  It’s also useful to manufacture in China if you want to build a product that doesn’t yet exist in the market – creating and innovative products (from sample stages through product generation iterations to testing, creation, and mass manufacturing) is instrumentally cheaper in China than in other parts of the world.

The best products to import from China are typically those which are unique and occupy niche areas in the market. They tend to be more expensive to manufacture at home, which means manufacturing them in China would yield maximum benefits. Custom products across many industries such as electronics, toys and games, As Seen on TV, sports equipment, furniture, watches and clocks, cosmetic tools, packaging, and many others make up just some of the best types of products to import from China. 

Researching Best Importing Practices from China

Before getting started with importing from China, it’s critical to do your homework on margins, manufacturers, and the competition so you know what is acceptable and what may be a rip off. When comparing prices between different Chinese manufacturers, you’ll want to come equipped with as much information as possible so you can make an educated judgment call when you finally choose the best sourcing and manufacturing partner in China. Here’s a tip: use product prices from online traders like Alibaba to get an approximate idea of unit prices. Then compare unit prices from manufacturers to those online to get a rough idea of what to expect. You could also visit tradeshows and factories in China if you’re interested in getting hands-on experience and learning about product quality, pricing, the ins and outs of cost and terms negotiations, and more. 

Payment and Shipping

Part of importing from China is understanding how payment and shipping works. Most Chinese manufacturers will ask for around a 30% down payment on an order with the remainder to be paid prior to shipment. Bank transfers are the most common form of payment, although other forms may be discussed for smaller orders.

As for shipping, there are various options including courier, airfreight, sea freight, and more. Courier is best for small orders whereas sea freight will be the more cost effective solution for low-cost bulk shipments. Airfreight is usually best for high-cost goods that need to be delivered fast.

Hiring a trustworthy, reliable sourcing agency like China Sourcing International is the best way to navigate the process of importing products from China. We have experienced professionals here to negotiate on your behalf, help with the production process, and see to it that your items get successfully shipped from China to the U.S.

China Sourcing International is a one-stop solution for all things importing from China. Our importing specialists have helped countless product inventors and distributors successfully source, manufacture, and purchase goods in China. Don’t trust your company’s products to anyone else. Let China Sourcing International show you the best way to import products from China.

ny advantages including lower costs and higher production rates without compromising world-class standards. Despite the long history of American traders using Chinese manufacturing companies, understanding the intricacies of importing and exporting from China is still hard to grasp. Lack of understanding in this field may lead to time wasted, frustration, and lost hope in the possibility that their product ideas could come to life. Here at China Sourcing International, we aim to bridge that knowledge gap and help companies all around the world better understand how to import from China.