🚀 How to Find a Reliable Supplier in China: Step-by-Step Guide

A guide to finding and verifying Chinese manufacturers with examples of platforms Alibaba, 1688 and others for industrial equipment.

🗺️ Problem and Solution

Imports from China are growing every year: statistics show that the share of Chinese goods in global trade exceeds 25%, and the number of B2B transactions through platforms like Alibaba and 1688 is growing by 10-15% annually. However, the choice of a reliable supplier remains a serious problem for companies, especially for those working with industrial equipment.

🔑 Step 1: Defining Goals and Requirements for the Supplier

Before searching for a supplier, it is important to understand:

1. What products or equipment you need.
2. Order volume and frequency of deliveries.
3. Budget and payment terms.
4. Quality requirements and certifications.

Tip: Make a checklist with key criteria: production speed, MOQ, ISO certificates, OEM/ODM capabilities. This will help to eliminate non-specialized Chinese manufacturers right away.

📌 Step 2: Choosing Platforms for Search

1. Alibaba

• Main platform for international transactions.
• Over 20 million suppliers, including manufacturers and trading companies.
• There are ratings, reviews, and verification through Gold Supplier.

2. 1688.com

• A Chinese B2B platform focused on the domestic market.
• Prices are often lower than on Alibaba, but the interface is in Chinese.
• Requires an intermediary or translator for purchases.

3. Other platforms

• Made-in-China.com – good for finding industrial equipment.
• Global Sources – focus on verified manufacturers.
• DHgate – for small batches and trial purchases.

Tip: Compare suppliers across several platforms to determine the average price range and delivery terms.

🧩 Step 3: Supplier Verification

What to check:

• ✅ Company registration details (Business License).
• ✅ Real photos of the factory and equipment.
• ✅ Reviews from other buyers and ratings.
• ✅ Possibility to visit the production (or video tour).
• ✅ Quality certificates (ISO, CE, SGS).

Verification methods:

1. Verification services for Alibaba/1688.
2. Online verification through Chinese state registers.
3. Audit through a quality control agency.

Tip: Never agree to prepayment without verifying the supplier. Ideally, payment should be split: 30% advance, 70% after product verification.

📊 Step 4: Comparison and Negotiation

When choosing between multiple candidates, consider:

• Price per unit and shipping costs.
• Minimum order (MOQ).
• Production and delivery timeline.
• Flexibility for orders and OEM.

Tip: Use real market data in negotiations: average price, competitor reviews. This will help reduce risks and achieve better terms.

📝 Step 5: Contract Conclusion and Logistics

• Sign a contract in English and Chinese with a detailed description of terms: deadlines, packaging, responsibility for defects.
• Discuss Incoterms (FOB, CIF, EXW).
• Use the services of logistics operators or freight forwarders to avoid issues at customs.

Tip: Even for small batches, it’s worth checking each delivery through independent quality control.

⚠️ Mistakes to Avoid

• Purchasing from a supplier without verifying licenses.
• Focusing solely on price without analyzing quality.
• Lack of a contract or specified delivery conditions.
• Ignoring cultural and language differences during negotiations.

💡 Practical Tips

• Start with small trial orders.
• Keep all correspondence and contracts in digital form.
• Use escrow payments for transaction protection.
• Regularly monitor reviews about the supplier on Alibaba and 1688.

❓ FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I work directly with 1688 without intermediaries?
   Yes, but knowledge of Chinese or help from an agent is required.
2. What quality guarantees can I get from Chinese manufacturers?
   ISO certificates, CE, SGS, video inspections, and third-party inspections.
3. How to choose between Alibaba and 1688?
   Alibaba is convenient for international transactions with a transparent rating system; 1688 is more economical but requires more attention to verification.