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How most Amazon sourcing deals go wrong in China

Posted on by SellerBites

Sourcing from China sounds easy—until you’re ghosted, overcharged, or sent the wrong product. One China-based sourcing expert has seen it all, and they’re spilling the hard truths most sellers don’t hear until it’s too late. 

Thinking of placing that first order? You’ll want to read this first.

  • Don’t let cheap fool you 💾
  • Walmart + WFS = rapid growth brew ☕
  • Thought of the Day 🍮

SELLER CONFESSIONS

An ecommerce seller (OP) confessed: They’ve helped dozens of first-time importers source from China, and they still see the same mistakes.

If you’ve ever sourced products from China, you’ve probably heard the horror stories: shady suppliers, ghosted messages, quality control nightmares.

But for one seller who actually lives in China and helps clients source low-MOQ products like toys and accessories—it’s not just talk. It’s their daily reality.

💬 Negotiating lower MOQs

Most suppliers will say no if you dive straight into a low-order request—but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. 

  • Know when to ask. Reach out at the end of the Chinese workday (5–7pm local time), when sellers are more relaxed.
  • Show your roadmap. Share your branding materials, website, or past sales volume. Credibility moves the needle.
  • Tap into their network. If you’ve built trust, factory reps may refer you to others who are more flexible. Guanxi (relationships) goes a long way in China.

🏭 “Factory” or just a middleman?

Don’t just take their word for it—verify every supplier.

  • Ask upfront. Check if they’re a manufacturer or a trading company—but follow up with proof.
  • Do your research. Search their name + 淄掂 (factory) on Baidu or 1688.
  • Check their license. Use the Chinese business registry (ć·„ć•†çł»ç»Ÿ) to confirm legitimacy.

Note: Trading companies aren’t always bad. But if they mislead you from the start, consider that a red flag.

💾 The real cost of cheap

A “great deal” on Alibaba can turn into a five-figure mistake.

  • Always order a sample. Paid or free, just don’t skip it.
  • Use third-party QC before the final payment. Local inspectors who speak the language can verify product quality and packaging.
  • Know your terms. Misinterpreting words like “ć‡șćŽ‚ä»·â€ (ex-factory price), â€œć«çšŽâ€ (tax-included), or â€œć«èżâ€ (includes shipping) can swing your margins by 10–30%.

đŸ“± WeChat wins business

Most new sellers rely on email, and that’s exactly why they get ghosted.

  • Use WeChat. In China, real business happens here. You’ll get quicker updates, better relationships, and easier negotiation.
  • Connect with decision-makers. Email often routes you to junior sales reps; WeChat connects you to the real shot-callers.
  • Ask for real-time proof. Request for photos, samples, and factory footage. It’s faster and more transparent than back-and-forth emails.

Sourcing from China is about navigating a deeply nuanced system built on relationships, communication, and cultural fluency. A little local knowledge goes a long way. 

In this space, how you ask matters just as much as what you ask for.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

Behind every good sourcing deal is a great relationship. You don’t need to be fluent in other languages, but you do need trust, clarity, and the right questions.

TOGETHER WITH WALMART MARKETPLACE

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Lavazza, a coffee brand, saw more than 200% growth in Walmart Marketplace sales within 18 months of leveraging Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS).*  

*Data provided by Lavazza.  

Since joining WFS, Lavazza has: 

  • Improved efficiency 
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Let WFS do the heavy lifting while you focus on scaling your way.

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