Top Questions to Ask at Canton Fair: Your Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Here are a few most important questions that you should ask the suppliers at Canton Fair 2024 to make better and informed decisions

 

1. Are you a trading company or a factory?

This question helps you understand the supplier’s business model. If they are a trading company, follow up by asking what their core products are and what they specialize in. This will help you gauge whether they have in-depth knowledge of the products they offer or if they’re simply a middleman.

How it helps: Knowing this will clarify the level of control and quality assurance the supplier has over the products.

2. How many workers are in your factory, and how many units can you produce in a month?

Understanding the scale of production is crucial when assessing whether the supplier can meet your demand. You should also ask where the factory is located to understand logistics better.

How it helps: It ensures the supplier has the capacity to fulfill your order volume and delivers on time.

3. Which markets and brands do you supply?

This question reveals which geographical regions the supplier caters to and the brands they work with. A follow-up question could be: Do you supply any brands on Amazon?

How it helps: Knowing this gives insight into the supplier’s reliability and familiarity with specific market requirements, especially in your country.

4. Do you have any third-party audits or certifications?

Third-party audits or certifications validate a factory’s standards, including product quality, environmental practices, and worker conditions.

How it helps: This gives you assurance about the credibility and quality standards of the supplier.

5. What are your most popular products?

Understanding which products are in high demand helps you choose items that have a proven track record in the market.

How it helps: It assists in selecting products with greater market appeal and helps you make better sourcing decisions.

6.What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for first-time buyers?

MOQs can vary between suppliers, so it’s essential to know the minimum quantity you can order upfront, especially for trial runs.

How it helps: Understanding the MOQ will help you manage costs and minimize risks when placing an initial order.

7.Which countries do you export to, and who are your main customers?

This question gives insight into the supplier’s global reach. If they are already exporting to developed markets, it often indicates a high level of product quality.

How it helps: Knowing their major customers can help you assess their experience with international standards and market expectations.

8.Do you support OEM or ODM?

This question is essential if you are looking to create custom products. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) means the supplier will manufacture products based on your designs, while ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) means the supplier already has products you can rebrand or slightly modify.

How it helps: Knowing whether the factory supports OEM or ODM helps you determine how much control you will have over the design and branding of the product.

To understand more about OEM and ODM ,follow the link :

9. Is it possible to get exclusivity on a certain product or range?

Exclusivity can protect your business from competition in certain regions or markets, giving you an edge.

How it helps: Securing exclusivity ensures that you have unique products, reducing competition.

10. What are the exact specifications and features of the product?

You should fully understand the product’s specifications, from materials to functionality, to ensure it meets your market needs.

How it helps: Clarifying the specifications will help you avoid misunderstandings and ensure product suitability.

11. Can I get the product in a specific color/size, and how much will it cost?

Customization options, whether in size, color, or design, are essential to differentiate your product in the market.

How it helps: Knowing the cost of customization helps you calculate whether it’s a feasible option within your budget.

12.Do you have clients in my country, and can you provide their names?

Asking for existing clients in your country can help validate the supplier’s experience with your market. However, be respectful of confidentiality concerns.

How it helps: This will give you an idea of whether the supplier has a track record in handling orders similar to yours.

13. How is the product packed? What are the package dimensions, and how many items are in each package?

Packaging plays a critical role in shipping, branding, and product safety. Knowing the packaging dimensions and specifications can also help you plan for storage and logistics.

How it helps: This information is essential for calculating shipping costs and ensuring product safety during transit.

14.What are the price terms for your products?

It is essential to understand the price terms of the supplier , whether they offer Ex Works Price or FOB or other Incoterms

How it helps :This question will help the buyer understand the exact pricing structure, including who covers shipping costs and risks, ensuring transparency and avoiding any confusion regarding the total cost of the order.

To understand different types of Incoterms in detail , please visit https://nexofetch.com/blog/a-comprehensive-guide-to-incoterms-simplifying-international-trade-for-your-business/

15. How fast is shipping to my country?

Timely delivery is a key factor in maintaining your supply chain and keeping customers satisfied. Understanding shipping lead times helps you plan your inventory.

How it helps: This ensures you can manage your stock levels efficiently without running into delays that could affect your business.

If you are international buyer who is ready to visit China to attend Canton Fair , register on this  link: https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US/register/index?redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cantonfair.org.cn%2Fen-US%2FcustomPages%2FbuyerGuide%3F_ga%3D2.121061320.1790353605.1725951854-895279840.1725951853#/

If you cannot visit Canton Fair this year, but still want to import consumer goods from China then get in touch with Nexofetch.

Nexofetch will work best to source the products according to your requirement ,please check the website for more details: https://nexofetch.com/