WELLCARE Blog for Business

It’s no secret that China is one of the easiest places to buy products in bulk. The cost of manufacturing, labour and assembly costs make ordering goods from China relatively easy - and if done well, even quite profitable.

There’s a few rules to follow in doing this - as business partner from across the continent, there are some rules and etiquette that you should follow when buying goods. And that’s not even starting on the question of quality - not all of China’s wholesale manufacturers are the same. So how do you ensure quality while keeping a good business relationship?

It lies in the details

In dealing with any business management, nothing should be left to chance - especially with a foreign business partner. Before embarking on any major deals, you need a definite business contract to present to each other. Given that the language barrier may make it a bit difficult, having an interpreter or native speaker with you can go a long way in helping negotiations.

If you are looking for new and innovative products from manufacturers, you can start a topic of discussion that circles around customer demands and product functions that solve specific problems. Smart manufacturers that are familiar with industry trends should be able to provide answers that are supported with facts and numbers. This is a very good time to inspect and decide if they are the right people that you want to partner up with.

You need to build trust gradually. While you may have gotten their contacts from their products or site (or most ideally, by a trusted recommendation), as your business relationship develops and your purchases from them become more frequent, it’ll be useful to internalise any details that may be helpful, such as their work ethic and how they deal with unexpected scenarios. In particular, China is a country of tradition and respect - minding your manners and being considerate of their culture can help ease relationships.

Finding the best partner

However, not all wholesale suppliers are of the same quality. Some may be excellent for your business requirements but may have a different work ethic, while others could be agreeable but fail to keep up with demand. Taking into consideration cultural differences and business needs, how can you find the best business partner? Here are some points to consider:

• Communication: are they open for communication? Keep in mind that they operate in a different time zone, and some may not be used to communicating with clients overseas. It’s a good idea to see their communication process with you and your business: do they have an official POC? Or a protocol for handling requests?

• Supply capability: one of the most troublesome situations to encounter is when demand far outstrips supply. Before engaging in business, make sure that your counterpart has the means to obtain more of the wholesale product you’re looking for. A good wholesale supplier has the resources and connections needed to adjust to differing demands.

• Cooperative: above all else, both sides must be willing to come to terms with any situation that arises. Thinking about the bottom line should be important, but being able to put aside differences and work through solutions together is the key to getting a good partnership with a wholesale supplier.

Mingle, mingle

Getting a wholesale supplier isn’t necessarily difficult - but getting one of quality and the right fit for your business will be. If you keep these guidelines in your head, you’ll be better equipped to properly discern which supplier can successfully fulfill your needs - and even beyond what you’ll start with.

Where’s the best place to meet and mingle with potential partners and wholesale suppliers? At trade exhibitions, of course - the cocktail parties of the business world. Know more about how you can prepare to meet and greet future relationships by downloading our FREE eBook below.