How do I find reliable factories in China?
Gather candidates from several sources — B2B platforms, trade fairs such as the Canton Fair, specialized markets, and referrals — then filter them by verification: that the company exists and what its licence covers, whether it is a real factory, samples, a bank account in the company’s name, and a factory audit for larger orders. Reliability is proven by checks, not by listings.
Read more: How to verify a Chinese supplier →
What’s the difference between Alibaba, 1688 and Made-in-China?
Alibaba.com is an international, English-language, export-oriented platform with both factories and trading companies. 1688.com is China’s domestic wholesale platform — in Chinese, priced in yuan, and aimed at buyers inside China — so you usually need someone in China to buy and consolidate. Made-in-China.com is another international platform, known especially for industrial products. On all three, you still need to verify the supplier yourself.
How do I make sure a Chinese supplier isn’t a scam?
Check the company’s business licence and registered scope, and that the same name appears on the contract, the invoice, and the bank account. Ask for samples, compare several suppliers, be wary of prices far below the market, and never pay into a personal account or an account in a different name. For large orders, consider a factory audit.
Read more: How to verify a Chinese supplier →
Is the supplier a real factory or a trading company?
Check the business licence — manufacturing usually appears in its scope — ask for the factory address and live photos or video of the production line, and ask about capacity and equipment. A visit or factory audit is the sure way. Remember that products on the Decree 43 list must come from the registered factory or brand owner.
Read more: How to verify a Chinese supplier →
Is there a company that can find a factory in China for me?
Yes. We can discuss your product requirement and help determine the supplier-search, verification, and import-support steps needed for your request.
Read more: Request a quotation →
Can I ask for samples before buying in quantity?
Yes, and you always should. Most suppliers send samples, sometimes for a fee and shipping cost that may later be credited against the order. Keep the approved sample as the reference (the “golden sample”) for production and inspection, and mention it in the contract.
How do I negotiate price with a Chinese supplier?
Compare quotes from several suppliers on the same specification and Incoterm, ask for price tiers by quantity, and negotiate payment terms, packing, and lead time — not only the price. Be careful about pushing the price too hard: it can come back as cheaper materials and lower quality.
Is there someone who can inspect goods in China before shipping?
When a request requires a qualified inspection, testing, audit, or other specialist service, Pacific can help coordinate an appropriate external provider and include the agreed scope and cost in the quotation.
Read more: How to verify a Chinese supplier →
What do I do if the factory shipped different quality from what we agreed?
Document the problem immediately with photos and video, compare it with the approved sample and the written specification, and negotiate a remedy with the supplier: rework, replacement, or a discount. Prevention works better: inspect before shipment, link the balance payment to the inspection result, and write quality criteria into the contract.
Is it better to buy at the Canton Fair or on Alibaba?
Each has its role. The Canton Fair lets you see products and meet dozens of suppliers face to face in a few days, but it needs travel and fixed timing. Alibaba is available all year and makes first comparisons easy. Either way, verifying the supplier afterwards is what protects your deal.
Read more: The Canton Fair: a practical guide for Egyptian importers →