I�ve a market stall and got the idea to start importing from China as it seems to be the way to go. I did a bit of research here and there but wanted to post on this site for some feedback from others in the business.

Basically, I want to know everything I need to do/think about to prepare for such a venture. Any ideas?

Your first time importing from China will require much research, so it’s a good you’re doing that and not just in one place. It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement of it all and forget that not addressing even the tiniest bit is a risk you cannot afford.

I’ve been successfully importing for a couple years now and have found the following to be a good guideline to start with:

Research your product

• Check the market to make sure there is a demand for what you want to sell.

• Get information about the export market for the product in China.

• Ask every possible detail you can think of.

• Get other opinions or check sourcing publications.

Find a reputable supplier

• Browse companies. Double check their contact info and whether or not they have a proper domain name for their website.

• Make sure the company is registered with their local government.

• Search for testimonials from others in the business.

• Ask retailers who sell your desired product who they use.

• Contact any manufacturers that interest you and be prepared to give them every detail of your business plan. They’ll want to know to take you seriously, as they get flooded with emails and calls from potential partners that end up going nowhere.

• Find out about the company’s warranty policy, payment and shipment options, the dimensions and total weight of goods.

Dealing with your chosen factory

• Hire an honest translator when discussing any terms with manufacturers. Communication is key.

• Get any samples of your product that you can. Be specific when ordering samples so it’ll be as close to the real thing as possible.

• Visit the factory. Legitimate companies with good management will be happy to show you around. Ask the right questions.

• If you can’t visit, hire a third party inspection company to represent you.

• Hiring a third party inspection company is typically worth the money regardless, as they oversee entire production, maintaining your desired quality control until your shipment is ready to go. They also understand the language and business culture of China.

Delivery

• Figure out a shipment plan. Consulting a freight forwarder can give you some estimates.

• Calculating your shipment costs before you put an order in with a factory is the best way to get a fair price. Plus, you’ll know what questions to ask and how to better answer any of theirs.

Estimate total prospective costs

• Have an idea of what everything is going to cost you before you begin.

A good thing to keep in mind is “you get what you pay for.” If you want to go super cheap, expect that to show in the quality of your product.

And remember—anything that sounds too good to be true, probably is.

This is pretty much everything you need to think about when planning a start in importing. I would only add that having a list of general standards you want to adhere to no matter what, can help you as you go along. Standards for product quality, payment, general business practice, etc.

I’ve been in it for a bit myself and wish I’d started a general course of action to follow that I could update as I went along.

Cheers mates. Thanks for the time put into this.

Aboard business looks complicated, but another face is simple also.
Buy those goods can bring profit for you. and understand risk and benefit are twins always.
Find correct man is the key for business. and others are just floating cloud.

Above mentioned pretty enough for what you should think about before starting a importing from China. What I want to mentioned is about shipping and logistics. When you place a enquiry for your supplier,trading terms should be noted, EXW ,FOB,C&F,etc, shipping charges on who's account will be involved in. For a small stall like you have at the beginning, choosing a shipping agent in China will low your transportion cost than choosing one in your end, I think.

You'd better find the real manufacturer from China , from which you will get a much better prcie and will save you a lot of money.

choosing the right Companies to work with I think is the best way forward.
Good Luck.

very useful information