Well, it is an old question. You can find a lot similar articles or “questions and answers” of “how to buy from China” on Google, some is useful while some is theoretical. As a manufacturer and exporter located in China, we would like to give some tips from our point of view to the people who want to purchase from China, especially the one who want to buy the laser cut screens from our factory, lol..

First, don’t take it as a very difficult thing.

You can say that China is so far away, Chinese culture is so different or strange, but buying from China is just like buying from other city or province in your own country. It is normal that you are worried a little when you are buying from a unknown place.

Second, know some basic knowledge.

Know some knowledge of international trading and get some contacts, like the meaning of FOB, payment, the shipping company, the broker for custom clearing, the custom tariff and the tax you may need to pay, etc. It is easy to get this on Google and you will know more of this by asking your supplier, the shipping company or the broker.

The buying process is no big different from other trading:

– Get in touch with supplier

– Confirm price, delivery time and product specifications, shipping – Place the order and arrange payment

– Arrange the shipping when the goods are nearly finished

– Custom clearing with your broker

– Pick up the goods from destination port or wait them deliver the goods

Third, focus on the details and step by step.




Double confirm every detail with your supplier to make sure everything is clear for both of you two sides. Sometimes communicate by language is not enough, the photos or the videos would be very helpful. Communication is much more important when the buyer and seller have different background. You may think it’s cockamamie but sure you will benefit from the good communication.

You will think it is easy and normal when you have one successful experience of buying from China. And definitely you learnt the knowledge of international trading, you can use this to do the importing from other countries as well.