Prepare Like a Pro Before You Place That First Order
Before sourcing from China, every smart buyer asks these 10 key questions. From quality to communication, learn what to ask, why it matters, and how to avoid rookie mistakes.
Why These Questions Matter
Sourcing from China offers massive opportunities—but it also comes with complexity. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or scaling up, asking the right questions upfront:
- Prevents miscommunication
- Saves time and money
- Filters out unqualified suppliers
- Builds a smoother sourcing process
Let’s dive into the most essential questions every buyer should ask before moving forward.
1. What’s Your MOQ and Can It Be Lowered?
MOQ = Minimum Order Quantity. Many factories in China expect high-volume orders.
Ask:
- What is your MOQ for [product]?
- Can I mix SKUs or colors?
- Can I place a smaller trial order?
2. Can You Provide a Copy of Your Business License?
A legitimate supplier should have no issue sending their Chinese business license (营业执照).
Check:
- Legal company name (in Chinese)
- Registered capital
- Business scope matches your product
Or let SourcingBRC verify it for you.
3. Can I Get a Sample First?
Before any mass production, request a sample for quality and function checking.
Ask:
- How long for sample production?
- Will the sample be free or paid?
- Can you match this sample quality in mass production?
4. Are You a Factory or a Trading Company?
Many suppliers on Alibaba are actually traders. That’s not always bad—but it’s important to know.
Ask:
- Can I visit your factory or get a video tour?
- What products do you specialize in?
5. What Materials and Components Do You Use?
Know exactly what you’re paying for. Cheap materials = product returns and bad reviews.
Ask:
- Can you provide material specs or data sheets?
- Are your materials certified (FDA, CE, RoHS, etc.)?
6. What Is the Production Lead Time?
Time = money. Missed deadlines can destroy seasonal sales.
Ask:
- How long from deposit to delivery?
- Do you account for holidays like Chinese New Year?
- What’s your capacity during peak season?
7. What Quality Control Processes Do You Use?
Quality control should be systematic, not just “don’t worry.”
Ask:
- Do you follow any ISO standards?
- Can I inspect before shipping?
- What’s your defect policy?
SourcingBRC can manage QC on-site for you.
8. What Are Your Payment Terms?
Never pay 100% upfront unless you love high risk.
Ask:
- Do you accept 30% deposit + 70% before shipping?
- Can I pay via Trade Assurance, PayPal, or LC?
- Who is the account holder? (Must match company name)
9. Can You Help with Certifications or Compliance?
Different markets require different certifications.
Ask:
- Do you have existing CE, FDA, FCC, etc. for this product?
- Can you provide test reports?
- Can you work with a 3rd party lab?
10. What Shipping Options Do You Offer?
From EXW to DDP, make sure you know who’s responsible for what.
Ask:
- Do you offer FOB, CIF, or DDP pricing?
- Can you arrange shipping to [your country]?
- What logistics partners do you use?
How SourcingBRC Helps You Get Clear Answers
We don’t just ask these questions—we verify them, negotiate them, and translate them into action.
With SourcingBRC, you get:
- Verified supplier profiles
- Full background checks and audits
- QC inspections, sample collection, and logistics support
- Clear bilingual communication with suppliers
Summary: Buyer Question Checklist
| Question | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| MOQ? Can it be lower? | Ensures cost alignment |
| Business license? | Confirms legitimacy |
| Sample available? | Checks quality before mass order |
| Factory or trader? | Sets expectations |
| Materials used? | Avoids quality issues |
| Lead time? | Prevents delays |
| QC process? | Ensures consistency |
| Payment terms? | Reduces financial risk |
| Certifications? | Avoids customs issues |
| Shipping options? | Clarifies logistics responsibility |
Final Words
Asking the right questions isn’t about being difficult—it’s about being smart.
Set the tone early, and your sourcing experience will be faster, safer, and more profitable.
Contact SourcingBRC and get a team that handles all the answers for you.