Can a first-time importer start small?

Yes. Starting with samples and a small test order, then scaling once demand is proven, is the lowest-risk approach. Small orders usually mean higher unit and freight costs, though.

How do I know a supplier is reliable?

Look at sample quality, how specifically they answer on specs and timelines, and whether they actually have production capacity. A local sourcing partner who visits the stall or factory makes that judgment much easier.

Who does PTO China work with?

Importers, wholesalers, retailers, e-commerce brands and promotional product companies buying from China for business. We don't handle personal shopping for individual consumers.

China Sourcing for First-Time Importers

When you start sourcing from China, “where do I find it?” matters less than “where does it go wrong?” Suppliers are easier to find than you'd think. The usual problems are production that doesn't match the sample, missing certifications that stop clearance, and freight left out of the costing. Here's what a first-time importer should work through, in order.

Step 1: Define the product and the numbers

Before you look for suppliers, pin down what you're buying, at what price and in what quantity. Without that, quotes can't be compared.

Specs: material, size, color, function, packaging
Target unit cost, selling price and the minimum margin you can live with
First order quantity and expected reorder frequency
Certification and labeling rules in your market (CE, FCC, UKCA and so on)

For regulated products, testing and certification add cost and time. Check electronics, children's products and food-contact items before you order.

Step 2: Find suppliers and get samples

Channel	Best for
1688	Repeat wholesale buying of standard products
Yiwu market	Many SKUs in small quantities, seasonal and promo items, unlisted products
Partner factory OEM	Your own brand or specs, with steady volume

Shortlist at least two or three suppliers and compare samples. The approved sample becomes the quality standard for production, so keep photos and specs on record.

Step 3: Order, inspect, export

Confirm order terms

Put unit price, quantity, packaging, lead time and payment terms in writing.

Check during production

Follow progress and catch schedule changes early.

Pre-shipment inspection

Check quantity, appearance, function and packaging against the approved sample. This is the cheapest place to catch problems.

Export documents and freight

Prepare the commercial invoice and packing list and ship by sea or air through a forwarder.

Import clearance

Your customs broker files the import declaration and you pay duty and VAT or sales tax before delivery.

Cost it as landed cost

Pricing off the factory quote alone almost always goes wrong. Work out your unit cost by adding everything below and dividing by the quantity.

Product cost plus sourcing and inspection fees
Inland freight in China, international freight and insurance
Import duty and VAT or sales tax (reclaimable VAT is still cash out at clearance)
Brokerage and local delivery
Certification costs and a buffer for defects or damage

Our Yiwu office handles sourcing, inspection and export coordination, and we also run OEM with partner factories and consolidate shipments. Tell us the product and quantity and we'll send a quote.

China sourcing for first-time business importers