Sourcing from China can offer huge advantages in cost, capacity, and customization.But for B2B buyers, especially those dealing with industrial equipment, components, or OEM parts, the challenge isn’t just about speaking the same language—it’s about managing complexity.
If you've ventured into sourcing products from China, you're likely familiar with the unique dynamics of working with Chinese suppliers. From cultural differences to business practices, navigating this terrain can sometimes feel like traversing a minefield. However, with the right strategies, you can mitigate risks and ensure smoother transactions. Drawing from over two decades of experience in supplier management, here are some invaluable tips to help you steer clear of common pitfalls and optimize your dealings with Chinese suppliers:
In the world of international trade, the allure of the lowest price can be irresistible. It promises savings, higher margins, and seemingly endless profits. Yet, beneath its tempting facade lies a web of challenges and pitfalls that many buyers overlook in their pursuit of a bargain.
Patience and again patience no matter how tight your schedule is. A spinning head sees nothing.
Sourcing products from China can give your business a competitive edge—if done right. But without experience, many importers fall into avoidable traps that lead to delays, defects, and lost profits.
Sourcing products from China can offer significant cost savings and business opportunities. However, finding reliable suppliers is the first and often the most crucial step to ensuring a smooth sourcing process. Whether you’re using online platforms like Alibaba or attending physical trade shows, each method comes with pros and cons. This article provides a practical guide to help you make smart choices and verify suppliers effectively.
The consulting company I worked before introduced this US client into China market and found a local Chinese manufacturing partner to start OEM mode at the end of last century. But at the beginning the cooperation was very bumpy and the client become uneasy about the big variation in product quality which brought in risk to its 150+ year old brand. The client needed someone to watch over the production and quality of the products made at the Chinese factory. Here I came in as an independent auditor on the client’s behalf in the early 21 century.
When expanding your business to China, finding the right supplier can be a complex and time-consuming process.
As a trusted sourcing agent in China, we specialize in helping global companies — particularly from the U.S. and Europe — find reliable OEM suppliers in China. In this article, we’re sharing a real-life story about one of our longest-standing supplier relationships: a partnership spanning over 10 years with TIANJIN SOCCER SPORTING GOODS FACTORY.
A US food packaging company had a production expansion plan scheduled be realized in 2025. The company needed to add in many types of equipment and among them were large dryers and humidifiers, the combo. Our task was to verify and audit the Chinese manufacturer that was contracted by a trading company that the client found at Alibaba.com. The other optional source was a Malaysian manufacturer. Our finding from the audit and the pricing of the trading company made the buyer give its final choice to the Chinese factory.
At Viotech, we’re proud to support our clients throughout every step of their sourcing journey. Recently, we helped a U.S. company successfully source and ship their first bulk order of PU foam—a total of three 40GP containers—from China.
A U.S. power plant in California needed a massive custom boiler from a Chinese manufacturer—a shipment so large it required 13 containers. Designed for a unique application and assembled by a U.S. engineering company, the boiler was critical for plant operations. However, when the buyer received contradictory shipping dates from the supplier, confusion set in. One week it was ready in September, the next, the new ship date was December.
In the global manufacturing landscape, cost reduction and quality assurance are two constant priorities. But finding reliable suppliers in China—especially for specialized products like carbon fiber parts—can be overwhelming. For one of our industrial clients, the answer didn’t lie in casting a wide net. Instead, it came from a sharper question:
In 2023, we were helping one of my clients to find a rubber flooring supplier in China, I contact many suppliers and Mr.Li is one of them.
The quadruped robot industry is experiencing a swift transition from research labs to widespread commercial adoption, with Chinese companies emerging as global leaders in innovation and deployment. These robots, designed to emulate the movement of four-legged animals such as dogs and horses, combine cutting-edge mechanical engineering, artificial intelligence, and advanced sensor integration to achieve remarkable agility, stability, and autonomy in complex environments.
China’s pump industry is undergoing rapid transformation, fueled by technological upgrades, sustainability regulations, and massive infrastructure demand. In 2024, the market surged to ¥185 billion ($25.5B USD)—a 6.3% YoY increase.
Qiyu, one of suppliers we are managing, founded by Mr. Zuo at his age of 25, represents a story of perseverance, humility, and a commitment to quality. With 15 years of experience in the roller industry, Mr. Zuo’s journey highlights the transformative power of dedication and craftsmanship.
