The China Sourcing Blog
Practical breakdowns on sourcing directly from Chinese factories: suppliers, quality control, logistics and project outfitting.
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.
Commercial Kitchen Equipment: Combi Ovens, Cooking Lines, Cold Storage — What to Choose for a Hotel or Restaurant
Boiler-based or direct-injection combi ovens, induction vs gas, cold storage climate class — how to choose commercial kitchen equipment for a hotel or restaurant sourced from China.
Office Chairs: Tilt Mechanisms, Mesh or Fabric — How to Choose
Office chair mechanisms compared: synchro, multi-block, knee-tilt, gas lift class, mesh vs fabric backs — how to choose, and where factories cut corners.
Customs broker or self-clearance: which is cheaper at your volume
When hiring a customs broker pays off versus self-clearing China shipments: registration requirements, real costs, and the break-even volume.
Insulation and Soundproofing: Mineral Wool, XPS, Spray Foam — What a Hotel Actually Needs
Mineral wool, EPS, XPS, spray foam: thermal conductivity, fire rating, and sound absorption — what actually goes on a roof, room-dividing walls, and floors.
DALI, KNX, or Zigbee: How to Choose a Lighting Control System
DALI, KNX, and Zigbee compared: how to choose a lighting control protocol for a villa, hotel, or restaurant — install cost, reliability, certification.