Wholesale Buying directly from China

Buying directly from China can provide significant cost savings for a small-business operator -- up to 50 percent or more. But you face risks and considerations, including the need to understand cultural and language differences and the processes that Chinese factories use to sell to businesses and individuals. For some products, Chinese manufacturers may require a small business to order a minimum number of items -- as many as several thousand units for some items. Small business owners need to understand and negotiate a myriad of cultural, tax and economic issues to successfully buy directly from China.


With a rapidly growing number of wealthy consumers, continued economic prosperity, increasing wages, and improved infrastructure and payment systems, it is easy to see why doing business in China makes increasing sense. Especially for B2C ecommerce operators, the opportunities in China cannot be ignored. With more than 485 million internet users, of which more than 173 million are shopping online, the scale of opportunity is enormous and still growing. Behind Japan, China is already the largest consumer of luxury goods in the world. If you are not already doing business in China, it is time to start thinking about it.


Find a supplier via the Internet. You can do a global search using a search engine like Bing or Google, but you're better off finding a M2B site, such as ciqem.com, that deals with numerous Chinese suppliers and has a vetting process that attempts to weed out unreliable manufacturers. Generally, these sites require you to register, but the process is free. You generally list the search words that indicate what product you want, and screens of suppliers pop up. Correspond with the suppliers directly through email or the text box offered by the search sites. Note that often prices aren't listed, so advise the suppliers of the price you're willing to pay and the number of units you need. Tell suppliers about your business; if you offer unique product channels or product focus, suppliers may want your business -- and may be more willing to establish a relationship and provide discounts and special deals. You'll receive email replies within a day or two, either through an email you set up on the search sites or through your personal email.


Connect with suppliers. Top sellers don’t just get the best wholesale prices over night. Instead, they work hard for it. Aside from obtaining massive orders, top sellers also connect with their suppliers. First time sellers should really do this as a good relationship between the seller and supplier is really an important element in any business. As a new seller, it’s best that you call them frequently. Discuss about new products and your future plans. By doing so, they can see that you really are interested in building and upholding a relationship with them, whether at present or in the future.


No matter how small or meager the amount is, nearly all suppliers still give high regard for your business. 99% of online retailers started out like these. They started out with a smaller amount and eventually got bigger and bigger in business while retaining their loyal customers. In turn, suppliers will also try their best to know you and keep you happy as much as possible so you will keep them as your suppliers in the future. As much as possible, both you and your suppliers have to be able to rely on each other. Whatever actions they show you, you must take these into consideration. When they give time for you, make the most of it by telling about yourself, you family and your future plans for your business. These actions and other means to get to know each other is actually very important so both you and your suppliers will uphold a good relationship in the near future.
Out of the ordinary treatment for overseas suppliers. In dealing with overseas suppliers, language can be your hindrance from getting acquainted and making friends with them. However, you should never give up. Instead, you should try even harder to make friends with them by giving an out of the ordinary treatment. You could send your supplier with local treats that are unique only to your country. Include also written information tackling about you and your business. This is a better idea since non-native speakers find it easier to read than talk.