There will come a time when every dropshipper needs to make a purchase from a Chinese supplier. Profit margins can be improved by making purchases in China, but doing so is not without its difficulties.
Learning how to get things from China and sell online is essential if you’re looking for cheap prices or large quantities.
We’ll go over everything you need to know, from locating the best source to overcoming language difficulties, shipping options, and minimum order requirements for many products.
Then let’s get started with studying Chinese import practices.
What Is the Best Website to Buy from China?
Low-priced consumer goods can be found on a wide variety of Chinese websites.
Some of these sites, like Alibaba, are Chinese wholesale marketplaces with low unit prices but high minimum order quantities. When starting out as a dropshipper, B2C platforms like AliExpress are preferable because you may place individual item orders.
AliExpress, Alibaba, Global Sources, Chinabrands, DHgate, Banggood, Made-in-China, etc. all feature some of the best products to come out of China.
There are two more popular websites among Chinese dropshippers, Taobao and 1688.com, for those who are ready to begin working with a dropshipping agent in China who can assist you overcome the language barrier.
If you’re looking for wholesale pricing on Chinese imports, go no further than these two sites. The websites are available in their entirety in Chinese, but you will likely require the assistance of your dropshipping agent to make use of them.
How Do I Buy Directly from Chinese Suppliers?
As a dropshipper, you can typically make direct purchases from Chinese suppliers or factories through one of three channels:
Make a purchase on a Chinese online marketplace (B2B or B2C) like AliExpress or Alibaba;
Get in touch with Chinese manufacturing and wholesale suppliers by visiting trade fairs and markets in China;
Hire a sourcing agent in China to help you bargain with manufacturers and acquire goods;
You can get your Chinese supplies in one of those three ways. Starting with a single item order from AliExpress is a good option if your online shop is brand new and you haven’t yet tried any products.
But if you’re getting consistent daily orders for a product that’s been shown to be popular, then it’s time to start collaborating with a dropshipping agent who can help you expand your operations and boost your productivity.
What Products Would You Not Buy from China?
When it comes to most goods, China is a dropshipping paradise. However, there are a few products that you should never consider purchasing from China.
Among the worst items to dropship from China are:
Equipment for safety
Certain levels of safety must be assured when using protective gear like helmets and shields.
There’s no way for you to know the product’s quality or materials as a dropshipper who has never handled it in person. Therefore, you should not and cannot guarantee anyone’s safety.
You should stay away from dropshipping such products if possible.
Various consumables
Food and drink sourced from China may not be the greatest option due to the long shipping and delivery times and the fact that you are selling across borders.
To begin, proper upkeep of some of these objects requires specialized environments. The second issue is that they might get harmed in transit.
Nutritional complements and complementary and alternative medicine
Advertisements including health claims are strictly prohibited on Facebook and other social media platforms.
One thing you can’t do is market herbal supplements that might aid with weight loss with information that guarantees an unachievable result.
Brand knockoffs and imitations
Although it may seem like a good idea at first, dropshipping counterfeit goods can cause challenges with international customs clearance and perhaps legal trouble for you or your online store.
If you haven’t told your buyers that the goods they’re buying is a replica, you’ve also got a moral problem on your hands. This can be an effective strategy for rapidly losing patronage.
Sizeable objects
Dropshipping furniture (couches, tables, etc.), despite the huge profit margin, can be a logistical nightmare.
We do not recommend dropshipping any major items from China to the United States or Europe due to the high cost of delivering these commodities.
What Are the Best Products to Buy from China and Sell Online in the USA?
For your dropshipping company to be profitable, you must first select the correct products to offer.
Keep in mind that we are discussing international dropshipping when purchasing goods from China for sale in the USA. As a result, there are requirements that the products you select must meet:
Products are in high demand, are on-trend, and are either novel or innovative.
They hold up well in transit and do not spoil quickly;
Their profit margin is quite high;
Specifically, you’re able to connect with the people who are most likely to buy your wares;
These products fall within the cheap to moderate price range, making them accessible to a wide market.
Useful kitchen gadgets, mobile phone accessories, smartwatches, LED mirrors, small beauty tools, laptop accessories, water bottles, Bluetooth speakers, and one-of-a-kind clothes, pet supplies, and more are just some of the things you may buy from China and sell online.
All of these items share a few commonalities, including their low prices, originality, practicality, and small size.
The search bar on Alibaba can help you locate hot items to sell by suggesting the most popular search terms.
Is There a Minimum Order Quantity When You Buy from China?
It is up to the discretion of each individual vendor to determine whether or not a minimum order quantity applies to a given product.
Online B2B wholesale marketplaces like Alibaba typically have a greater minimum order quantity (MOQ) but lower unit price.
But B2C marketplaces like AliExpress have no minimum order quantity and typically charge a little more per item. That’s why AliExpress is the best place to start if you’re new to drop shipping.
Can I Buy a Small Order from China?
Yes, without a doubt!
If you choose to work with a dropshipping agency, you should make sure they are friendly to small businesses and offer full dropshipping services, even for low-volume orders.
Alternative suppliers with lower minimum order quantities include online marketplaces like AliExpress and DHgate.
You should verify with the provider that they are willing to drop ship the product before placing an order on such a website. White labeling, or putting your logo and branding to an existing product, are examples of services you should inquire about in advance.
How Can I Private Label or White Label the Products I Buy from China?
If you search marketplaces like Alibaba or AliExpress, you might locate a manufacturer who is willing to white label their products for you.
To white label a product with your logo, you might look for a manufacturer on trade platforms like Alibaba or AliExpress that is willing to put your label on the box.
However, it can be difficult to connect with a Chinese factory that would make the precise product you require when it comes to private labeling.
Dropshipping name-brand items is easiest if you can team up with a Chinese dropshipping agent.
As a result of their connections in the industry, your dropshipping agent can speak with multiple manufacturers, negotiate rates in their native tongue, and provide you with competitive bids. In this way, your dropshipping agency doubles as a procurer of the goods you sell.
And if you’re having the product private labeled, your agent can run a factory audit to make sure everything is being made to your exact specifications.
Your dropshipping service should do a quality check soon after product arrival to make sure everything is as expected.
Therefore, a dropshipping agent that can serve as your middleman in China is your best bet if you want to expand your business and raise brand awareness.
How Can a Dropshipping Agent Help You Buy from China?
There are many ways in which a dropshipping agency might facilitate goods sourcing from China on your behalf.
They can place orders on popular marketplaces like AliExpress, DHgate, or Made-in-China, then dropship the goods to you.
They can save money by shopping on Chinese-language websites like Taobao or 1688.com;
If you need white labeling or private labeling done in quantity, they can contact Chinese companies directly; they can attend trade events and find the products you require;
Whether you’re just starting out in dropshipping or you’re an established business looking to expand, working with a reliable agent is a must.
What Are the Advantages of Buying Products from China?
Drop shipping companies can benefit greatly from sourcing their products from China. Some examples are as follows:
Wholesale pricing reductions; increased margins on resale;
several shipping choices available;
Possibility of free shipping
Variety of markets and items available;
There are literally thousands of vendors from which to pick;
ability to place individual or wholesale orders;
Agents and businesses that specialize in drop shipment are readily available;
What Are the Disadvantages of Buying Products from China?
Now that you are aware of the benefits, it is important to highlight the challenges you may have while making purchases from China.
There is a chance that you will purchase shoddy goods;
Sometimes it’s difficult to communicate because of a difference in language;
Minimum order quantities (MOQs) might be prohibitively high for certain items, especially when purchasing in large quantities.
Specifications and features of the product must be described in detail. If you don’t, you might get something else entirely;
Without a dropshipping agent, it may be difficult to manage;
How to Buy from China and Import Products to My Online Store?
When it comes to finding products and importing listings, having a seamless, automated connectivity with your Shopify or WooCommerce business is invaluable.
Shopify, WordPress + WooCommerce, eBay, Amazon, etc. are all viable options for dropshippers. Therefore, the import procedure for products will be different depending on the kind of shop you run and the online store or dropshipping service you use to acquire them.
How to Get a Better Price When Buying Products from China?
You can often negotiate a lower price with Chinese vendors if you buy in large quantities or visit their booths at trade events and factories in person.
Sites like AliExpress cater specifically to final consumers and allow you to purchase individual items. Therefore, bargaining is out of the question.
However, on B2B platforms like Alibaba that cater only to wholesale and bulk purchases, you will be able to communicate with the suppliers, giving you the opportunity to negotiate the price and the minimum order quantity.
When making large purchases in China, having a sourcing agent to handle negotiations on your behalf can be a huge time saver.
What to Be Careful of When Buying from China?
There are a few things to watch out for if you wish to import goods from China:
You should check the supplier’s reputation and feedback to make sure they’re trustworthy;
Sample orders should be placed routinely in order to verify promised delivery dates and product quality;
Don’t buy in bulk until you’ve given the product a thorough try;
You shouldn’t buy anything from China if it has a short shelf life, if it’s excessively big, if it’s harmful, or if it makes bogus medical or health claims;
Before signing on with a dropshipping agent, do some research online. Google “best dropshipping agent in China” and see what you find;
Give your supplier or dropshipper as many details as possible about the product, including the color, material, and other aesthetic choices you’ve made. That guarantees you’ll get the high-quality goods you’re after;
The price and minimum order quantity are always open to discussion;
Think about the fact that a quality inspection can be performed by a dropshipping agent in China;
If you’re worried about customs, don’t buy name-brand items from China because they’re usually fakes.
The price and shipping options should be discussed in advance.
Just So We’re Clear
Buying from China for the purpose of dropshipping can result in very high profit margins and earnings if done correctly.
Purchasing from China can rapidly expand the size of your eCommerce company. This may sound daunting at first, but it isn’t if you do your homework and choose a reliable dropshipping agency.
With any luck, our comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide will make your purchases from China a breeze. You may start building your brand and consumer loyalty by dropshipping the high-quality products you’ve always desired.
We are always available to serve as your China dropshipping agent of choice. Register now for no cost, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
