How to find the source factory in China？

Here are some tips:

1. Online B2B Platforms (Most Common):

— Alibaba

World’s largest B2B platform with vast supplier coverage across almost all industries. Scrutinize suppliers (check years in business, certifications, reviews, factory audit reports). Use “Trade Assurance” for added protection.

— Global Sources

Established B2B platform focused on exports; generally higher supplier quality.

— Made-in-China

Major domestic B2B platform with extensive supplier resources.

— DHgate

Geared more towards small-quantity wholesale.

— Industry-Specific Platforms

e.g., Zhaogang (steel), ChemNet (chemicals/plastics).

2. Trade Shows (Most Effective for Building Trust)

Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair)—— Largest, longest-running, most comprehensive trade show held biannually in Guangzhou.

Industry-Specific Exhibitions—— e.g., Automechanika Shanghai (auto parts), China Electronics Fair (Shenzhen), Intertextile Shanghai (fabrics). Ideal for direct factory contact, product inspection, and face-to-face negotiation.

3. Sourcing Agents / Trading Companies

Suitable for buyers unfamiliar with the market, lacking language skills, or with smaller order volumes. Agents handle finding factories, audits, negotiation, QC, logistics.

Caution: Select reliable, transparent agents; clarify scope and fees to avoid excessive markups or disguised middlemen.

4. Professional Sourcing Firms / Consultancies:

Offer deeper services like market research, supplier vetting, due diligence, supply chain optimization (higher cost, greater expertise).

5. Visiting Industrial Clusters:

Chinese manufacturing is concentrated in specific regions:

* Shenzhen/Dongguan/Guangzhou: Electronics, 3C products.

* Foshan/Zhongshan: Furniture, appliances, lighting.

* Yiwu: Small commodities, accessories, general merchandise.

* Shaoxing/Keqiao: Textiles, fabrics.

* Wenzhou: Footwear, eyewear, low-voltage electrical.

* Ningbo: Apparel, molds, small appliances.

Visit target clusters; use local chambers of commerce, industry associations, or wholesale markets to find factories.

6. Industry Associations & Chambers of Commerce:

Contact relevant Chinese associations or local chambers for member lists or recommendations.

7. Search Engines & Social Media:

* Use Chinese keywords on Baidu (e.g., Product + “厂家” (manufacturer), “工厂” (factory), “制造商” (maker), “代工” (OEM)).

* Search LinkedIn for Chinese company executives or purchasing managers in your industry.

* Follow industry WeChat Official Accounts and join relevant groups.

Key Supplier Vetting Points:

Factory Certifications: ISO 9001, BSCI, Sedex, etc. (as required by industry).

Factory Audit Reports: Request existing reports or arrange a third-party audit.

Company Verification: Check business license, registered capital, scope, establishment date, shareholders, penalties via the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System.

Sample Quality: Always request and rigorously test samples.

Communication Responsiveness: Assess professionalism and responsiveness.

Production Capacity & Equipment: Understand factory size, production lines, workforce, technical capabilities.

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): Ensure it aligns with your needs.