How to find a reliable factory in China.

THE CHECKLIST

9 steps to a factory you can trust

 

1. Write a clear product spec

Before you contact anyone, write down materials, dimensions, colours, packaging, labelling, target price, order quantity and the safety or compliance standards your market requires. Factories quote against what you send them, so a vague brief gets vague prices and surprises later.

 

2. Tell factories from trading companies

Many suppliers on B2B platforms are traders, not manufacturers. Ask for the factory address, a live video walk-through of the production floor and photos of the machines that make your product. A real factory can show you its lines; a trader usually cannot.

 

3. Check the business licence

Ask for the business licence (营业执照) and look up the company on China's National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (gsxt.gov.cn). Check that the registered name matches the supplier, that the company is still active and that its business scope includes manufacturing your product type.

 

4. Compare at least three quotes

Send the same spec to at least three suppliers and compare unit price, minimum order quantity, lead time, tooling or mould costs and payment terms side by side. A price far below the others usually means cheaper materials, a missed requirement or a trader in the middle.

 

5. Order and compare samples

Order samples from your shortlist and test them against your spec. Once you approve one, keep a signed golden sample as the reference for mass production and later inspections.

 

6. Audit the factory

Before a large order, have someone visit the factory to check production capacity, equipment, the quality control process and working conditions. If you sell to big retailers, ask which certificates and audits the factory already holds, such as ISO 9001 or amfori BSCI.

 

7. Put the terms in writing

Confirm everything in a proforma invoice or purchase contract: the approved spec, golden sample, quantity, unit price, Incoterms such as FOB or EXW, lead time, payment terms and what happens if the goods fail inspection. A deposit with the balance paid before shipment is common.

 

8. Inspect before the final payment

Book a pre-shipment inspection when production is finished and before you pay the balance. Inspectors check a random sample of cartons against your spec and golden sample, usually using AQL sampling based on ISO 2859-1.

 

9. Plan shipping and customs early

Confirm the HS code, duty and import rules for your market with your customs broker before production starts. Then book sea or air freight and make sure the commercial invoice, packing list and any certificates are ready when the goods leave the factory.

 

Need help with any step?

ENA has handled these steps for importers since 2015, from our sourcing base in Shenzhen. Email enquiry@enacnk.com or message us on WhatsApp at +852 5423 5284 with your product, target price and quantity.