Topics
The four pillars of China importing — each topic bundles articles on one aspect of the import process.
Finding and verifying suppliers
How to tell manufacturers from middlemen, check Chinese business registers, read Alibaba profiles, spot warning signs, prepare factory visits, evaluate samples, and verify certificates.
Importing from China safely
Payment methods and deposits, a realistic look at Trade Assurance, Incoterms for beginners, common scams, communicating with Chinese suppliers, contracts and specifications.
Products, packaging, quality
Pre-shipment quality control, understanding AQL and sampling, defining packaging and labeling, barcode and Amazon prep, product safety and CE marking, writing accurate material specifications.
Logistics, customs, and costs
Sea freight vs. air freight, calculating freight costs, customs and import VAT, what an import really costs, realistic lead time planning, Incoterms in practice.