Articles
Articles
Guides for buying from China.
Patio umbrellas from China: what to check before you order
Ordering patio umbrellas or striped canopies from China? Check the fabric weight, the stitching at stress points, the frame and the packing — and keep a sealed sample to compare bulk against.
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Supplier wants bank transfer instead of Alibaba: what to do
Paying the balance outside the platform is not automatically a bad deal — but it removes the written record, so the contract, the bank account name and the inspection have to do that job instead. Tie the balance to an inspection, match the contract to the account, and pay in stages.
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Supplier won't send a sample until you commit to an MOQ?
A supplier who holds the sample until you commit to an MOQ is usually protecting sampling time, not hiding a bad product. The fix is to turn the sample into written terms: what you get, who pays, how long it takes, and whether the fee comes off the bulk order.
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DDP shipping from China: why customs documents aren't in your name
Most DDP shipments from China are cleared by the forwarder as importer of record, often consolidated with other buyers' cargo, so there is no customs declaration or MRN in your company's name. Here is why that happens, what it blocks, and what to ask before you book.
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Can you buy from 1688 directly without an agent?
You can buy from 1688 without an agent, but only if you already have a verified Chinese account, a domestic payment method, a Chinese delivery address and Chinese-language support. Most foreign buyers do not, and that is where direct orders stop.
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Why is shipping from China so expensive for small orders?
Small orders cost a lot to ship because couriers charge for the space your parcel takes up, not just its weight — and most factories quote fast commercial express by default. Get the weight and volume first, then ask for quotes that cover the same service and the same delivery point.
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