Reliable Supplier in China - How to Find, Verify, and Choose | ChinaGlobal Hub

15.09.2025
Finding a reliable supplier in China is a key step for successful business and stable supplies. When choosing a Chinese manufacturer, it’s important to consider product quality, delivery times, legal verification, and reviews from other clients. Searching for a supplier in China requires a systematic approach: using verified platforms, personal factory inspections, and analyzing contract terms. By following these steps, you can minimize risks, ensure reliable supplies from China, and choose a partner that meets your business standards.
  • 🚀 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.
    1. 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.
    1. 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.