Importing from China is a simple way to find a variety of goods that suit your business. There are lower-priced suppliers and competitiveness. There have been many large products recalls for possible unsafe products. These products range from toys, pet food, clothing, electronics, etc. There are many things to consider when importing from international transport, quality and more.

If you’re planning to import from china, read our top 6 tips to assist in getting started.

1.Find a reliable China Purchasing Agent

2. Select Qualified Suppliers

3. Product Quality & Samples

4. Trust Your Gut

5.Obtain a Clear Contract

6. Plan Your Objectives

1.Find a reliable China Purchasing Agent

Need a Chinese procurement agent is very necessary, so you can reduce the risk. China sourcing agent can verify factory, quality control, logistics arrangement and customs clearance service. The purchasing agent can also purchase different products according to your requirements. It also saves you time and efficiency.

2. Select Qualified Suppliers

This step is the most critical. There are unique challenges when importing from a foreign place such as geographic distance, language barriers, and cultural differences. Assessing if the supplier is creditworthy is important. Luckily, there’s tons of reviews available online depending on the supplier. Learning a few short phrases in mandarin (the official language of China) can help jump a few hoops in regards to language barriers, too.

3. Product Quality & Samples

When choosing products it’s always a great idea to spend a little extra money on samples. Investing in samples (even from a number of businesses) can assure you’re getting the best product for your company. Take time to find the products you like the best and what you think people are willing to pay for. Ask questions about the products, research about it and look up reviews.

4. Trust Your Gut

Your intuition is a great tool to have. It’s essentially the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning. Some importers are a little too friendly. Although it may be due to cultural differences if someone’s emailing you daily or even 2-3 times a day it’s most likely a scam. If your gut is telling you not to do something, defiantly listen to it. But, give people the benefit of the doubt.

5. Obtain a Clear Contract

A clear contract is needed to set out payment and delivery terms you’ve agreed with. This can reduce the risk of delivery problems or misunderstandings. If something goes wrong, it’s a good to have for your lawyer too. The contract should cover what payment is required when it’s required and which currency. As well as what payment method.

6. Plan Your Objectives

Before you import, be clear on what you’re trying to achieve. If you’re looking for a cheaper source of supplies, make sure it’s from a reliable source. If you’re looking for items that are not yet sold in your country, make sure they’re legal in your country first.

Additional Tips

• Establish a product recall program. Just in case.

• Check if you are required to have an import license.

• Choose the transportation. Flying is great for quick delivery but shipping is best for large quantities.

Regardless of why or how you outsource your products, be aware of the risks associated. Create a strategy to assess and deal with the risks. Always listen to your intuition, it’s most likely right. Use these tips to avoid any damage to your company reputation.