The volume of goods now produced in China is limitless. So is the overseas market for those goods. This boom has brought about the resurgence of an entrepreneurial enterprise that had not seen much activity in recent years: the independent professional importer. While the import/export trade tended to be dominated by larger heavy-hitters in recent decades, the rise of Chinese manufacturing has now opened the doors to independents again, if they have the initiative and information to find the right products and import them to receptive markets. And, if they are willing to put forth the effort to learn how to import from China. Doing business in China presents certain obstacles, it’s true. There are always some risks involved. However, overcoming these challenges is very doable for the motivated independent importer and the associated risks are manageable. Moreover, the opportunities that await those who succeed are very lucrative. Here are some hints for those just beginning to investigate how to import from China.
1. Research your target market. First take into account the level and nature of the demand in your target market. You’ll need a focused picture of what products will sell in the area to which you’re planning to import. Once you've determined the ideal market, put together a formal evaluation of the prospects for importing various products from China. Import market sourcing publications can help you select an appropriate product or you can travel to China to see for yourself and make a decision first-hand.
2. Locate a reliable supplier. Getting this step right is vital to your ultimate success in learning how to import from China. You’ll find no shortage of Chinese companies with very impressive low prices. However, low price must be balanced with a strong track record of dependability in quality control, consistent service and responsiveness. While many companies in China have made great strides in adopting western standards of doing business in this regard, others are still in the learning process and may not provide the level of quality and service to make your import enterprise a success in First World markets. Contact high-level, responsible persons at the supplier and make known to them your concerns that quality and a dependable supply are a priority. Make sure they share your goals and expectations. Remember to ask for (or offer to purchase) a variety of samples taken randomly from production in order to evaluate the consistency of quality.
3. Tour the factory. If your resources permit travel, there’s no replacement for a first-hand inspection of the production process in China along with a face-to-face meeting with potential suppliers. You can always consolidate visits with several suppliers into a single trip. It’s the best way to get a feel for the factory’s production methods and capacity and to compare it other possible suppliers of import products.
4. Verify all shipments. Unfortunately, if problems with suppliers of imports from China occur, they often come about during the shipment phase. Typical shortfalls include the incorrect count of merchandise, the wrong product type or incorrect types mixed in with correct types, insufficient packing for shipping and damaged or unusable products upon arrival. Very often, obtaining replacements or compensation from Chinese companies may involve a major delay. Another option to reduce these complications is to engage the services of a local reputable export agent in China to inspect the products and observe and verify the packing and shipping process all the way to the loading of the shipping container.
