The China Sourcing Blog
Practical breakdowns on sourcing directly from Chinese factories: suppliers, quality control, logistics and project outfitting.
How to Find a Supplier in China: 6 Channels and How to Filter Out Middlemen
How to find a supplier in China and avoid middlemen: 6 sourcing channels, trader red flags, a verification table and a mini-case. For buyers in Thailand, UAE and beyond.
Onyx in Interiors: Types, Backlighting, Slab Thickness and Where People Cut Corners
Onyx in interiors: types, colours, slab thickness, LED backlighting and reinforcement. Comparison table with substitutes — what to pick for hotels and villas.
China Holidays 2026–2027: When Factories Stop and How to Plan Your Orders
China holidays 2026–2027: when factories and ports shut down, how long the post-New Year slowdown lasts, and how to schedule orders so you do not lose 4–8 weeks.
Engineered quartz: compositions, grades and where it beats natural stone — and where not to use it
Engineered quartz explained: composition, quartz content, grades, slab thickness, heat limits and price tiers. Comparison with granite, marble and sintered stone.
Travertine: Types, Surface Finishes, Where It Beats Marble and Where It Loses
Travertine types: cuts, surface finishes, filling, thickness and price tiers. Comparison table with marble and porcelain — how to choose for hotels and villas.
EAC, TISI or CE: Which Certificate Does Your Product Actually Need
EAC, TISI or CE for imports from China: how to tell which certificate you need from the destination country and HS code, what to check at the factory, and where money is lost.
Bidet Sprayer (Hygienic Shower): Built-In, Wall-Mounted or Mixer Type — What to Install in a Hotel or Villa Bathroom
Bidet sprayer types: concealed, wall-mounted or basin-mixer — materials, thermostat, hose, price tiers. Comparison table and how to choose for hotels and villas.
Packing List vs Invoice: 9 Mismatches That Hold Your Cargo at Customs
Packing list vs commercial invoice for China imports: the 9 mismatches that hold cargo at customs, what to cross-check before shipping and what delays cost.
Roller Shutters, Gates and Insect Screens: Which Drive and Material to Choose for a Villa, Hotel or Warehouse
Roller shutters, sectional and sliding gates, insect screens: drive types, materials, wind load and service life — what to choose for a villa or hotel in the tropics.
Letter of Credit, Escrow or 30/70: How to Protect a Prepayment at Different Order Sizes
Letter of credit, escrow or 30/70 when sourcing from China: what to choose for $5,000, $30,000 and $150,000 orders, what it costs and where each one fails.
Bed Bases and Lifting Mechanisms: Slats, Gas Lifts, Lifespan — What to Choose for Hotels and Homes
Bed bases: slatted frame, solid panel, gas lift and lifting mechanisms — how they differ, their lifespan, and what to choose for a hotel, villa or apartment.
Built-in Appliances: Which Niche Dimensions to Check So Everything Fits Without Rework
Niche dimensions for ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, washing machines, and fridges: standards, ventilation clearances, and common sizing mistakes when sourcing appliances from China.