Sourcing
Our China sourcing process is a multi-channel strategy designed to find reliable, high-quality manufacturers. We leverage major online platforms like Alibaba and 1688, attend key industry trade shows, and tap into our private network of trusted contacts. Every potential partner undergoes a rigorous vetting process to ensure they meet our stringent standards for quality, ethics, and reliability.
How We Source Products in China
Finding the right manufacturing partner is the most critical step in bringing a great product to market. Over the years, we’ve developed a comprehensive and robust strategy for sourcing in China, ensuring quality, reliability, and competitive pricing. Here’s a look at how we do it.
Our Sourcing Channels
We don’t rely on a single source for suppliers. Instead, we use a multi-pronged approach to cast a wide net and identify the best possible partners for any given project.
Alibaba & 1688.com: We use these powerful B2B platforms as a starting point. Alibaba is the international-facing portal, excellent for initial discovery and communication with export-ready suppliers. For more competitive domestic pricing and a wider range of options, we tap into 1688.com, Alibaba’s Chinese domestic platform. Navigating 1688 requires local language skills and a Chinese business entity, which our on-the-ground team handles seamlessly.
Trade Shows: There’s no substitute for face-to-face interaction. We regularly attend major industry trade shows like the Canton Fair in Guangzhou. These events allow us to meet suppliers in person, handle products directly, and discover innovative new manufacturers that may not have a strong online presence.
Our Private Network: Perhaps our most valuable asset is our extensive private network of contacts (
guanxi– 关系). Through years of experience and building relationships, we have direct access to factory owners, managers, and industry insiders. This network often leads us to exceptional, off-market suppliers who are trusted and have a proven track record.
Our Vetting & Verification Process
Finding a supplier is easy; finding the right one is hard. Every potential manufacturer, regardless of how we find them, goes through our strict vetting process to ensure they meet our standards.
Initial Screening: We begin by verifying the basics. This includes checking their business license, export history, and relevant certifications (like ISO 9001, CE, or RoHS). We analyze their company structure, scale, and main markets.
Factory Audits & Visits: Once a supplier passes the initial screening, we conduct an on-site factory audit. Our team or a trusted third-party partner visits the facility to assess their production capacity, quality control systems, social compliance, and overall organization. This step is non-negotiable and helps us verify that what we see online is what exists in reality.
Sample Testing: We never proceed to a bulk order without first testing and approving pre-production samples. We meticulously check the samples against our specifications to ensure the materials, craftsmanship, and functionality are all perfect.
This thorough process ensures that we partner only with competent and reliable manufacturers, protecting your investment and guaranteeing the quality of your final product.