FAQ
Questions about sourcing from China?
Here are answers to some of the questions buyers commonly have about sourcing, suppliers, orders, quality control and shipping from China.
CATEGORIES
GETTING STARTED
Start with the basics.
What can SOURDEN help me source from China?
SOURDEN can help source a wide range of products, including consumer products, beauty and personal care items, home and living products, packaging, electronics and accessories, industrial products, sports and outdoor products, pet supplies, and apparel, footwear and bags.
If you have a specific product in mind that is not listed on our website, you can still send us a sourcing request. We assess each project based on the product, requirements, quantity and destination.
I already know what product I want. Can you find the supplier for me?
Yes. You can provide the product name, specifications, reference photos, samples, drawings or any other information you have.
We can research suitable suppliers, compare available options and help you evaluate factors such as product fit, pricing, MOQ, lead time and supplier capability.
Can you source a product based on a photo or existing product?
Yes. A reference photo, product sample or existing product can be a useful starting point for sourcing.
The more information you can provide about the product, materials, dimensions, function, quantity and target price, the easier it is to identify suitable sourcing options. A photo alone may not provide enough information to confirm exact specifications.
I don't know exactly what product I need yet. Can you still help?
Yes, depending on how clearly the sourcing goal can be defined.
You can tell us what you are trying to achieve, the type of product you are looking for, your target market, expected quantity or budget, and any examples you have seen. We can then help clarify the sourcing requirements before looking for suitable suppliers.
Do I need to have a company to work with SOURDEN?
No. SOURDEN works with different types of buyers, including small wholesalers, independent retailers, local shops, growing brands and individual buyers.
The appropriate sourcing approach depends on your product, quantity, requirements and destination rather than simply the size of your business.
MOQ & ORDER SIZE
Source at your scale.
Do you have a minimum order quantity?
SOURDEN does not impose its own fixed minimum order quantity.
However, individual suppliers may have their own MOQ requirements depending on the product, customization, production process and order quantity. We can help identify sourcing options that fit your current requirements where possible.
Can you help with small orders?
Yes. We work with buyers who are testing products, starting small or operating at lower volumes.
The available options depend on the specific product and supplier. Some products can be sourced in relatively small quantities, while others may require a larger production run.
Can I start with a sample or small trial order?
In many cases, yes.
A sample or trial order can be useful for checking product quality, specifications, packaging and suitability before placing a larger order. Whether a sample is available depends on the supplier and product.
Can you help if I need to reorder the same product later?
Yes. We can help coordinate repeat orders and communicate with the supplier about the existing product specifications, quantity, packaging and other requirements.
For repeat orders, keeping clear records of the original specifications and approved samples can help maintain consistency.
SUPPLIERS & SOURCING
Finding the right supplier matters.
How do you find suppliers in China?
We research suppliers based on the specific product and sourcing requirements rather than simply providing a generic supplier list.
Depending on the project, we may consider product fit, manufacturing capability, MOQ, pricing, lead time, customization requirements, communication and other relevant factors.
How do you compare different suppliers?
Supplier comparison can include product specifications, quotation, MOQ, production capability, lead time, customization options, packaging, communication and other project-specific requirements.
The cheapest quotation is not always the most suitable option. The goal is to identify suppliers that fit the overall requirements of the project.
Can you verify whether a supplier is suitable for my product?
We can review available supplier information and assess factors relevant to your sourcing requirements, such as product fit, capabilities, MOQ, pricing, lead time and communication.
Supplier verification reduces uncertainty, but it cannot eliminate every sourcing risk or guarantee future performance.
Can you communicate with suppliers on my behalf?
Yes. Supplier communication can include product specifications, quotations, customization requirements, packaging, production progress, order details and other sourcing-related matters.
This allows you to have one point of contact while we coordinate with suppliers in China.
Can you find a supplier that can customize a product?
Yes, where suitable suppliers and production capabilities are available.
Customization can include materials, dimensions, colors, packaging, labeling, product construction or other specifications. The feasibility, MOQ, cost and production time depend on the specific product and supplier.
Can I use my existing supplier and have SOURDEN manage the order?
Yes. You do not necessarily need to use a supplier sourced by SOURDEN.
If you already have a supplier, we may be able to assist with purchasing, supplier communication, production follow-up, quality control and shipping, depending on the requirements of your project.
QUALITY & INSPECTION
Check before the goods leave China.
Can I get a sample before placing a larger order?
In many cases, yes. We can communicate with the supplier about sample availability and coordinate the sample process.
For products where specifications, materials, construction or appearance are important, reviewing a sample before bulk production can be useful.
Can SOURDEN inspect my products before shipment?
Yes. We can arrange pre-shipment quality checks depending on the product, order and inspection requirements.
The inspection can help identify issues before the goods leave China and provide evidence such as photos or inspection findings.
What does your quality control process include?
The inspection scope depends on the product and the agreed requirements.
Checks may include quantity, appearance, dimensions, specifications, packaging, labeling and visible defects. Additional checks can be discussed when the product requires specific inspection criteria.
Can you check product quantity, specifications and packaging?
Yes. These are common areas that can be included in a pre-shipment inspection.
The inspection criteria should be agreed based on the product requirements and order details so that the relevant points can be checked before shipment.
Does an inspection guarantee that every product will be perfect?
No. An inspection can help identify problems before shipment, but it cannot guarantee that every possible defect or issue will be detected.
The scope, sampling method, inspection conditions and product characteristics all affect what an inspection can identify.
This is why clear product specifications and agreed quality requirements are important before production.
PURCHASING & ORDERS
One point of contact through the order.
Can SOURDEN place the order with the supplier for me?
Yes. Depending on the project, SOURDEN can coordinate purchasing with the supplier based on the agreed product specifications, quantity, pricing and other order requirements.
We can also coordinate supplier communication and order progress during the purchasing process.
Can you follow up with the supplier during production?
Yes. We can communicate with the supplier regarding production progress, specifications, packaging, timing and other agreed order details.
The level of follow-up depends on the requirements and scope of the project.
Can you manage packaging or labeling requirements?
Yes, where the supplier is able to provide the requested packaging or labeling.
We can communicate requirements such as packaging specifications, labels, inserts, cartons and other order details with the supplier and coordinate them as part of the purchasing process.
What happens if the supplier cannot meet the agreed requirements?
If an issue is identified during the sourcing or production process, we will communicate with the supplier and work through the available options.
Depending on the situation, this may involve clarification, adjustment, replacement, correction or another agreed solution. The appropriate outcome depends on the supplier, product and specific order terms.
SHIPPING
From China to your destination.
Can SOURDEN arrange shipping from China?
Yes. We can coordinate shipping from China as part of the sourcing process and help identify a suitable logistics option based on the shipment and destination.
Available options depend on the product, shipment size, destination and current logistics conditions.
What shipping methods can you arrange?
Depending on the shipment, available options may include courier, air freight, sea freight, LCL or FCL.
The appropriate method depends on factors such as product type, weight, volume, urgency, destination and total shipping cost.
Can you ship directly to my country?
In many cases, yes. We can coordinate international shipping from China to the destination you provide.
The available shipping method and delivery arrangement depend on the country, product, shipment details and logistics provider.
Can you arrange door-to-door shipping?
Door-to-door shipping may be available depending on the destination, product, shipping method and logistics service selected.
Before shipping, we can clarify the available options, shipping terms and any applicable charges.
How long does shipping usually take?
Shipping time varies significantly depending on the destination, shipping method, shipment size, product and current logistics conditions.
Courier and air freight are generally used when speed is more important, while sea freight is often considered for larger shipments where transit time is less critical.
Any estimated transit time should be treated as an estimate rather than a guaranteed delivery date.
Are customs duties and taxes included in the shipping cost?
It depends on the shipping method and terms quoted for the shipment.
Some shipping options may include certain duties or taxes, while others may require the recipient to pay them separately. We will clarify the applicable shipping terms and charges when quoting the shipment.
Customs requirements and taxes are determined by the destination country and applicable authorities.
Can you help me choose between air and sea shipping?
Yes. We can help compare available shipping options based on factors such as weight, volume, destination, urgency and cost.
The final choice depends on your priorities and the shipping terms available for the specific shipment.
PRICING & PAYMENT
Understand the costs before you proceed.
How much does SOURDEN charge for sourcing services?
Service fees depend on the scope and complexity of the sourcing project.
Some projects may involve supplier sourcing only, while others may include purchasing, quality control, order management and shipping. We will explain the applicable service costs before you proceed.
What information do I need to provide to get started?
Start with whatever information you already have.
Useful details include the product you are looking for, reference photos or links, specifications, estimated quantity, target price if available, destination country and any customization requirements.
You do not need to have every detail finalized before submitting a request. We can clarify the requirements with you as the project develops.
CUSTOM SOURCING
Have something specific in mind?
Not every sourcing project fits neatly into a category. If you have a product idea, an existing product, a sample, drawings, reference images or specific requirements, send us the details and we'll assess the available sourcing options.
START WITH A REQUEST
Still have questions?
You don't need to have everything figured out before you contact us. Tell us what you're looking for and what you already know. We'll help clarify the sourcing requirements from there.