The China Sourcing Blog
Practical breakdowns on sourcing directly from Chinese factories: suppliers, quality control, logistics and project outfitting.
Track Lighting Explained: System Types, Rails and How to Choose When Sourcing From China
Single-circuit, three-circuit and magnetic low-voltage track, beam angles, rail compatibility — how to choose a track lighting system when sourcing from China.
Customs clearance for China imports: duty, VAT, and brokers explained
How customs clearance works for goods from China: the process, when you need a broker, required documents, and typical duty/VAT rates by destination country.
Roller Blinds and Venetian Blinds: Types, Fabrics, Mechanisms, and How to Choose
Roller blind types (blackout, screen, day-night) and blinds (aluminum, wood, vertical): mechanisms, openness factor, fabrics, and how to choose.
Kitchen Backsplash Materials: Tile, Glass, Quartz, or Laminate
Kitchen backsplash materials compared: ceramic tile, porcelain, tempered glass, quartz composite, MDF and laminate. Heat and moisture resistance, upkeep, price — with a table.
WPC Decking: Types, Density and How to Choose for a Pool Terrace
WPC decking compared: solid or hollow, capped or uncapped, density and fastening systems. Comparison with natural wood decking and a selection table.
Closet and Wardrobe Systems: Types, Components, and How to Choose
Types of closet systems: wire-frame, panel, sliding-door wardrobe, walk-in. Rods, baskets, pull-down rods, doors, lighting. Comparison table and buying guide.
Cargo vs. Official Shipping from China: Risks, the Cost of Getting It Wrong, When to Choose Which
How cargo shipping from China differs from official shipping: who is liable for the goods, how the rate is set, what happens if cargo is seized, and when cargo simply will not work.
Types of Flooring: Comparison for Apartments and Commercial Projects
Types of flooring compared: wood, laminate, SPC, porcelain tile, stone, carpet. Wear class, water resistance, underfloor heating fit. Comparison table.
Engineered Wood, Parquet Board or Solid Wood: How to Choose Flooring
Engineered wood, parquet board and solid wood flooring compared: construction, wood species, Janka hardness, wear layer, underfloor heating fit.
Best China Sourcing Companies 2026: Top 10 Agents Ranked
Ranking of the best China sourcing companies in 2026: 10 proven agents compared by fees, minimum volumes and specialization. How to pick the right partner for your project.
Taobao or 1688: Where to Buy Wholesale from China
Taobao vs 1688: retail vs wholesale, pricing, MOQ, and foreign access. When to use each for sourcing furniture, decor, and building materials.
Oversized and Heavy Cargo from China: How to Ship It On Time
Shipping oversized and heavy cargo from China: open top, flat rack, RoRo, oversize permits, on-site rigging, HS codes, and the mistakes that cause delays.