Most problems in China sourcing happen because buyers skip steps. A clear process — run in the right order — reduces guesswork, protects your money, and improves what arrives.
This article sets out the core stages NZ and AU buyers should follow when sourcing from China.
1. Define the product brief before contacting suppliers
Before you reach out to a single supplier, write down exactly what you want. Include dimensions, materials, target price, quantity, packaging requirements, and any compliance considerations for NZ or AU import. Vague briefs produce vague quotes and supplier confusion later.
2. Find and shortlist suppliers
Use Alibaba, Made-in-China, or referrals as a starting point. Shortlist three to five suppliers who appear to match your product type. Look for evidence of actual production capability, not just trading company listings.
3. Check the supplier before paying anything
Before you send a deposit, verify the supplier. Check the Chinese company name against public records. Confirm the payment account name matches the business name. Review what their business scope actually covers. A supplier check at this stage is far cheaper than a dispute after payment.
4. Compare quotes against your brief
Do not choose on price alone. Compare each quote against your specification. Look for what is missing — spare parts, labelling, packing method, freight readiness. A lower quote that excludes basic packing or ignores your label requirement will cost more to fix than the saving.
5. Request a sample before production
For any new product or new supplier, get a sample. Check it against your brief. Confirm materials, dimensions, finish, and packing. Approve the sample in writing before production starts.
6. Plan spare parts before goods leave China
Ask the supplier what wear parts, replacement components, or consumables exist for the product. It is easier and cheaper to source spare parts while the product is still at the factory than after it has shipped to NZ or AU.
7. Confirm packing before freight handoff
Check carton strength, labelling, product protection, quantities, marks, and consolidation needs before the goods move to a freight forwarder. A packing readiness check at this stage prevents problems at the port and on arrival.
8. Coordinate freight handoff
Confirm that all shipping documents match your purchase order. Check the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading for accuracy before goods are released. Errors at this stage can cause customs delays in NZ or AU.
Summary
A structured China sourcing process is not complicated — it is a sequence of steps, each completed before the next one starts. Buyers who follow the sequence make fewer expensive mistakes. Buyers who skip steps pay for it later.
If you need help with any stage of this process, contact ANZSBS with the details and we can advise.