The China Sourcing Blog
Practical breakdowns on sourcing directly from Chinese factories: suppliers, quality control, logistics and project outfitting.
Sourcing tile and porcelain from China: save up to 70%
How to source tile, porcelain and stone from China direct from factories: types, how to judge quality, calculate quantity with a cutting allowance, check tone and batch, arrange shipping.
Sourcing plumbing fixtures from China: save up to 60%
How to source bathroom and plumbing fixtures from China direct from factories: what to ship, how to pick a supplier, check quality and certificates, estimate delivery. Save up to 60%.
Sourcing textiles and curtains from China: for homes, villas and hotels
How to source textiles and curtains from China direct from factories: what to ship, fabric composition and density, custom tailoring, hotel requirements, quality control and logistics. Savings at volume.
Sourcing agent or DIY: which to choose for buying from China
Honest comparison: China sourcing agent vs doing it yourself. What the service covers, what it costs, and when a 10% commission beats the hidden losses of self-sourcing — with a real case.
Shipping from China to the UAE and Dubai: routes, timelines and customs
How to ship goods from China to the UAE and Dubai: by sea via Jebel Ali or by air, timelines and cost, 5% duty and 5% VAT, free zones vs mainland, HS codes and documents. A practical breakdown.
Incoterms explained: EXW, FOB, CIF and DDP for importers
What Incoterms are and how EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP and DDP differ when sourcing from China: who pays for shipping and bears the risk, which terms to choose and where hidden costs hide. With real numbers.
Custom kitchens from China: how to order without mistakes
How to order a custom kitchen from China direct from the factory: cabinet and door materials, hardware, how to take measurements, check quality and ship without defects. Save up to 50%.
Lighting and décor from China: how to source for interiors and projects
How to source lighting and décor from China direct from factories: what to ship, voltage compatibility and certificates, how to check quality and pack fragile items, logistics.
Minimum order quantity (MOQ) at Chinese factories: what it is and how to lower it
MOQ is the minimum order quantity a Chinese factory will accept for production. Why factories set it, typical thresholds by category and 7 working ways to lower it.
Furniture from China: how to buy and ship direct — 2026 guide
How to order furniture from China direct with up to 80% savings: Foshan markets, quality control, foam density, HS codes, customs and logistics. A step-by-step 2026 guide.
Shipping from China: methods, timelines and how the cost is calculated
Shipping cargo from China: sea, rail, road and air — timelines and price, volumetric weight, FCL vs LCL, cost structure and customs. How to calculate and not overpay. 2026 guide.
How to vet a supplier in China and avoid scammers
A checklist for vetting a Chinese supplier: factory vs trader, business licence, export rights, red flags and the bank-detail swap scheme. With a loss case study and FAQ.