Sourcing basics
MOQ, Samples, and Trial Orders from China
MOQ is not just a supplier excuse. It is tied to materials, machine setup, packaging, and margin. Learn how to negotiate trial orders without creating hidden risk.
Read the guideChina sourcing / Knowledge
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Build your understanding, from the first supplier quote to the final shipment.
Reference library
All sourcing guides.
66 guides · Latest first
Suppliers & quality
How to Verify a Chinese Supplier Before You Pay
Before you send a deposit to a Chinese supplier, check more than price. This guide shows how to verify identity, factory claims, samples, invoices, and payment risk.
Read the guidePayments & costs
Landed Cost Meaning: The Real Unit Cost After Importing
Landed cost is the number buyers should compare, not just factory price or freight price.
Read the guideSuppliers & quality
Quality Control Meaning in Sourcing: How Buyers Turn Specs Into Proof
Quality control is the bridge between what the buyer approved and what the factory actually ships.
Read the guideSourcing basics
Sourcing Agent Meaning: What a China-Side Buying Operator Actually Does
A sourcing agent is most valuable when they control the buying process, not just introduce a factory name.
Read the guideProduct development
Private Label Meaning: Selling a Supplier-Made Product Under Your Brand
Private label sounds simple, but the real work is controlling branding, packaging, specs, and repeat quality.
Read the guideProduct development
ODM Meaning: How It Differs From OEM and Private Label
ODM can shorten product development, but buyers still need to verify design rights, customization limits, compliance, samples, and competitor overlap.
Read the guideProduct development
OEM Meaning in Manufacturing: Custom Production Under Your Brand
OEM is where sourcing becomes specification control, not just picking a supplier's existing product.
Read the guideSourcing basics
Lead Time Meaning in Sourcing: The Clock Behind Samples and Production
Lead time is not one date. Buyers need to know which clock the supplier is quoting.
Read the guideLogistics & documents
Bill of Lading Meaning: The Shipping Document Buyers Must Respect
The bill of lading is not just a receipt. It can control release of the cargo.
Read the guideLogistics & documents
What Is a Packing List? Shipping Fields, Example and Template
A packing list maps physical cartons to quantities, weights, dimensions, shipping marks, inspections, and customs documents.
Read the guidePayments & costs
Proforma Invoice Meaning: The Quote Before the Real Trade Document
A proforma invoice helps both sides align before production or payment, but it is not the final customs invoice.
Read the guideShowing 13–24 of 66