Yiwu / Procurement visit guide
Plan a Yiwu market visit around the products you need to buy
A useful Yiwu buying trip starts with a procurement list and ends with a comparable supplier file. Prepare product references, quantities, destination, appointment needs and sample decisions before allocating time at the market. This guide helps importers organise the buying work and request visit coordination where needed.
A buyer's Yiwu visit worksheet
| Product / decision | What to specify | What to compare |
|---|---|---|
| Before the visit | Product references, SKU list, quantity ranges, target market, dates and languages. | Separate ready-made assortment buying from products needing custom development or factory review. |
| First comparison session | Selected product groups and a consistent supplier-question sheet. | Record booth or supplier identity and connect each quote to the product photo or sample. |
| Sample and quote review | Reference number, sample cost, quantity basis, packaging and open questions. | Set aside time to compare the collected information before placing orders. |
| Supplier or factory appointment | Visit objective, supplier contact, location and requested evidence. | Confirm the appointment and access; a market visit does not automatically include factory entry. |
| After the visit | Shortlist, sample decisions, revised quotations and the person responsible for each follow-up. | Keep pickup, inspection and shipment preparation as explicit next steps. |
Build the market route by product category
For toys, keep intended age, materials and sample requirements visible. For makeup brushes and beauty goods, separate finished products from custom branding, formula work and packaging. For mixed household or seasonal goods, focus on SKU identity, quantity per item, repeat availability and carton information.
- Use the official Chinagoods directory as a starting point for current market and supplier research.
- Reconfirm locations and appointments for your dates instead of relying on an old floor guide.
- Move technical, custom or supplier-verification questions into a separate factory or specialist review where needed.
A flexible sourcing itinerary, not a fixed tour package
Use the worksheet as a sequence rather than a promised number of days: prepare the brief, compare relevant suppliers, review samples and quotes, then revisit the strongest options or hold arranged supplier meetings. The time needed depends on the number of categories, appointment availability, translation needs and travel between locations.
Questions to ask at each supplier meeting
Confirm the supplier's role and contact details, whether the item is stock or made to order, quantity and colour minima, sample terms and quote validity. Record what changes are possible, who makes the product and what product information is available. Keep the packaging and domestic pickup basis with the price.
- Attach the quote to a photo, product code or sample identifier.
- Ask how the same specification can be reordered and what could change between batches.
- Leave a written list of unanswered questions rather than relying on a spoken promise.
Keep procurement moving after leaving China
Assign follow-up for samples, revised quotes, packaging approval, purchase decisions and supplier pickup. The visit notes should become a sourcing file that another team member can understand. For managed follow-up, define which tasks need support and which remain with your buying team before agreeing the service scope.
Procurement questions
Should I visit Yiwu before sending a product list?
A product list makes the visit more useful. Even a shortlist of references, quantities and target markets helps determine which suppliers and buying routes deserve time.
Can I combine a market visit with factory meetings?
Include that request in the plan. The relevant supplier, location, travel time, visit objective and appointment access need to be confirmed separately.
Can I source remotely if I cannot visit?
A remote sourcing request can use the same product and quantity brief. Ask for the sample, quote comparison and follow-up scope suitable for your project.