LiSY / Resources
China sourcing guides
Practical checklists for your next supplier conversation. These guides explain general purchasing steps, not individual factory certifications or client case studies.
Prepare a useful sourcing brief
A comparable quote starts with a consistent brief. Include the product name, intended use, specification or reference, estimated quantity, destination and requested timing.
- Specification: materials, dimensions, tolerances, finish, packaging and acceptable alternatives.
- Commercial basis: currency, quantity breaks, sample and tooling costs, validity and delivery terms.
- Compliance: destination market, required tests and documentation; distinguish mandatory requirements from preferences.
- Uncertainty: mark estimates and unresolved decisions instead of presenting them as approved specifications.
Compare quotations on the same basis
The lowest unit price is not necessarily the lowest total cost. Compare the same specification, order quantity and delivery term.
- Separate unit price from service fees, packaging, samples, molds, inspection, freight, insurance, duties and taxes.
- Check payment stages, quote validity, proposed substitutions and the named delivery location.
- Compare estimated production time separately from transit and customs clearance.
- Document assumptions and exclusions so revised offers remain comparable.
Approve samples and quality checkpoints
An approved sample is useful only when both parties understand what it represents. Record the sample version, date, specification, approval conditions and permitted deviations.
- Define critical dimensions, functions, appearance and packaging checks.
- Agree inspection timing, sample size, defect criteria, responsible provider and reporting format before production.
- Confirm whether laboratory tests or market-specific assessments are needed in addition to visual or dimensional checks.
- Record deviations, corrective action and who authorizes payment or shipment release.
Start with your sourcing brief.
Product, estimated quantity, destination market and timing. We reply within 2 business days.