The China Sourcing Blog
Practical breakdowns on sourcing directly from Chinese factories: suppliers, quality control, logistics and project outfitting.
Laminate Classes, SPC and Quartz Vinyl (LVT): Which Is Stronger
Laminate wear classes AC1–AC6, SPC and quartz vinyl (LVT) construction, water resistance, wear layer thickness and underfloor heating — how to choose flooring.
Tile Types: Rectified Edges, Glaze Finishes, Formats — How to Choose
Rectified vs calibrated tile, glaze finishes, formats from mosaic to slabs, shade variation groups V0–V4 — how to read a spec sheet and choose tile.
Ocean Freight Rates from China Spiked in Summer 2026: What It Means for Sourcing
Container freight from China jumped 70-120% since mid-May 2026. We break down the Freightos Baltic Index numbers, the causes, and the impact on landed cost.
Types of Porcelain Tile and the PEI Wear Rating: How to Choose
Glazed, full-body, double-loading, polished porcelain tile: how they differ, what PEI class 0–5 means, and how to pick tile for the right zone.
Cabinet Hardware: Hinges, Drawer Slides and Brands (Blum, Hettich, DTC)
A complete guide to cabinet hardware: hinge types, drawer slide ratings, cycle life, Blum vs Hettich vs DTC comparison, and what to specify when sourcing from China.
Sofa Transformation Mechanisms: Types, Cycle Life and How to Choose
Euro-book, dolphin, accordion, click-clack, pantograph: how each works, how many cycles it lasts, and what to specify when ordering a sofa from China.
Defective Goods from China: What to Do, How to Return or Replace — 2026 Guide
What to do when goods from China arrive defective: document damage, file a supplier claim, use Trade Assurance, and get compensation or replacement. 2026 guide.
Countertops: Quartz, Acrylic, Laminate, Solid Wood — How to Choose
Engineered quartz, solid surface, post-formed laminate, granite, ceramic slab — a practical guide to countertop types by hardness, heat resistance, moisture resistance and price.
Kitchen Cabinet Front Types: MDF, Acrylic, Enamel, Veneer, Plastic
MDF painted, acrylic, PVC foil, veneer, solid wood, HPL — a practical guide to kitchen cabinet front types: durability, moisture resistance, price and what to order from China.
Sofa Frames and Fillers: What a Sofa Is Made Of
Wood frame or metal, Bonnell or pocket springs, foam density 22 vs 45 kg/m³: a buyer guide to sofa construction and what to specify when ordering from China.
The Dream View client portal: full visibility into your China order
How the Dream View client portal works: live order status, photo and video QC reports, finances and landed cost, samples, documents and logistics tracking. Access opens after the contract is signed.
1688 vs Alibaba vs Direct Factory Contract: Where to Source from China
A breakdown of three China sourcing channels: Alibaba, 1688, and direct factory contracts — pricing, risks, MOQ, and when each option suits your project best.