The China Sourcing Blog
Practical breakdowns on sourcing directly from Chinese factories: suppliers, quality control, logistics and project outfitting.
Tile Adhesive and Grout: Epoxy or Cement-Based
C1/C2/R2 tile adhesive and CG2/RG grout compared: how cement-based and epoxy compounds differ, and what to use for pools, underfloor heating and large format.
Pool Equipment: Filter, Pump, Chlorinator — What to Choose
Sand, cartridge, or DE filter, variable-speed pump, salt chlorinator or manual chlorine — what to choose for a villa or hotel pool and where not to cut corners.
Air Conditioning for a Villa or Hotel: Split, Multi-Split, or VRF
Split, multi-split, VRF/VRV, or chiller: which AC system fits a villa, hotel, or restaurant. Inverter compressor, SEER, refrigerant, coastal corrosion.
Blum, Hettich, Häfele or DTC: what actually sets furniture hardware brands apart
Compare Blum, Hettich, Häfele and DTC hardware: country of manufacture, range, price, counterfeit risk in China. Which brand to choose for your project.
Smart Home and Electrical Fittings from China for a Villa or Hotel: Which Protocol to Choose
Zigbee, Wi-Fi, KNX, or Matter: how to choose a smart home protocol from China for a villa or hotel, what Tuya hides, and what to lock into the factory contract.
Sauna vs. Hamam: How to Choose Materials for a Steam Room Without Redoing It a Season Later
Abachi, linden, cedar for saunas and stone, mosaic, waterproofing for hamams: how to pick materials and heater power. What factories in China actually ship.
Fireplace or Bioethanol Fireplace: Which to Choose for a Home, Villa, or Hotel Without a Flue
Wood, gas, electric, or bioethanol fireplace: compared by real flame, ventilation, heat output, and install requirements. What China factories actually ship for villas and hotels.
Bar Counter Materials: Which Countertop Withstands Bar-Level Wear
Bar counter materials compared: engineered quartz, wood, steel, stone, HPL. Edge profiles, drip rails, and resistance to alcohol, acid, and scratches.
Fulfillment and 3PL from China: What a Marketplace Seller Should Choose, and What It Costs
Fulfillment and 3PL from China for Amazon, Wildberries, and Ozon sellers: FBA labeling, consolidating multiple factories, storage rates, and when to switch to direct sourcing.
HoReCa chairs: which frame and upholstery to choose for dining-room load
Types of chairs for restaurants, cafes, and hotels: solid wood, bentwood, metal, polypropylene, rattan. What stacks, what is cheaper to repair, and where to use it.
Machinery and Industrial Equipment from China: What Pays Off and Where You Lose Money
Machinery and industrial equipment from China: landed cost breakdown, HS codes, how to run a FAT before shipment, and why skipping commissioning stalls a machine for months.
Dining Table Materials: Which Tabletop and Base to Choose for Your Project
Dining table materials compared: solid wood, ceramic, sintered stone, glass, marble, metal. What is more durable, what is cheaper, and where to use each.