Your First Step into China Trade: How to Import from China with Confidence
For many entrepreneurs all over the world, importing from China is the logical way to grow their product-based business, but also one of the most intimidating. You might be overwhelmed by unfamiliar platforms, unsure how to talk to suppliers, or confused by terms like FCL, EXW, and HS Code.
If you feel this way, you're not alone. The good news? You don’t need to figure it all out all by yourself.
At FortuneSix, a great mission of ours is to help early-stage companies navigate their China sourcing experience with clarity and confidence.
Why First-Time Importers Struggle
Many entrepreneurs jump into sourcing with excitement, but quickly hit roadblocks. Here is why:
Too many suppliers, but not easy to detect who’s real or reliable
Lack of product clarity, leading to vague requests and mismatched offers
Cultural misunderstandings, hardship in communication with suppliers
Hidden costs, such as unexpected shipping charges or sample fees
According to a 2023 report by Global Sources, nearly 64% of small business importers face delays or losses due to supplier miscommunication or unclear terms in their first attempt.
This isn’t because importing is impossible; it’s because it’s often done without enough clarity or planning.
“Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.” – Confucius
6 Stages of a Sourcing Journey
Here’s what a well-structured sourcing process looks like from first idea to final delivery:
Clarify your product: Define exact specifications, materials, packaging, compliance needs, and visual references.
Shortlist and verify suppliers: Filter based on capabilities, certifications, responsiveness, and past performance. Run background checks.
Request and compare quotations: Collect detailed, comparable offers (ideally 2–3 per product) with clear MOQ, pricing, and lead time.
Order and evaluate samples: Physically verify product quality, packaging, and finish. Request revisions if needed.
Confirm order and monitor production: Negotiate payment terms, shipping method, and delivery time. Track progress and ensure timelines are followed.
Inspect, ship, and follow up: Arrange third-party or in-person inspections, confirm shipping documents, and coordinate delivery. Stay engaged post-shipment for issue resolution or reorders.
Sounds simple? It can be; with the right structure, clarity, and local support at each step. That’s what we aim to provide at FortuneSix.
What Makes China Different?
Sourcing from China offers many advantages: scale, speed, and manufacturing diversity. But it also brings complexity.
Time zone differences delay communication.
Platforms like Alibaba are helpful but filled with vague profiles and misleading data.
“Yes” doesn’t always mean “yes.” Many suppliers will agree to anything upfront to stay in the conversation.
This is where having a local team on your side makes all the difference.
What You Actually Need Before You Begin
Before setting out to this journey, make sure you have:
A product brief or example
Target pricing range
Quantity expectations (even if estimated)
Market you're selling into (for compliance needs)
Visual references or competitor links (optional but helpful)
Trying to skip these steps often leads to delays, misquotes, and frustration.
Why Going Alone May Cost More Than You Think
Many founders believe they’re saving money by doing everything themselves. But in reality:
Choosing the wrong supplier can cost thousands
Poor quality or compliance issues can damage your brand
Delays can hugely affect your launch timeline or create stock-out issues
Partnering with a sourcing expert doesn’t just save time and money, it reduces risk. You gain access to trusted networks, on-the-ground sample handling, and real-time communication that online platforms can't offer.
As we often say at F6:
“Importing from China isn’t just about finding products, it’s about making smart, strategic decisions. That’s hard to do when you’re thousands of kilometers away.”
Take the First Step, the Smart Way
The global trade landscape is full of opportunity but also full of noise. Instead of wasting time chasing the wrong quotes or worrying about what could go wrong, start with structure, support, and strategy.
At FortuneSix, we simplify your first steps in international trade — not by doing it for you, but by doing it with you.
Ready to explore your first real sourcing project with local support on your side?