China sourcing for small businesses
For small businesses we tell you upfront whether your quantity is realistic, look for factories that accept smaller first orders, verify suppliers before you pay, and inspect goods before the balance, so a first order from China does not put the business at risk.
By the Sino Vorex team · Updated
Buying from China without a procurement team
Large importers have staff in China, buying agents and quality teams. A small business usually has one person doing everything, and one bad order can wipe out a year's margin. You need the same checks a large importer makes, at a scale that suits your order.
What we do for small businesses
- An honest first answer. We tell you whether your quantity and target price are realistic for the product before you spend money on samples.
- Factories that accept smaller orders. We look for suppliers whose MOQ fits, and suggest changes (stock colours, simpler customisation) that bring the MOQ down. See our low-MOQ guide.
- Verified suppliers. Every supplier on your shortlist is checked against the business registry. Our factory audit checklist shows what we look for.
- Samples first. We collect and check samples so you approve the product before the order.
- Inspection before the balance. Goods are inspected before you pay the rest, with photos of what we found.
- Freight that suits small volumes. LCL sea freight or air, and consolidation when you buy from several suppliers.
Know your landed cost before you order
The unit price on a quote is not what the product costs you. Add samples, any tooling, inspection, freight, insurance, import duties and taxes, and the agent's fee. On a small order these fixed costs weigh more per unit. We help you work out the landed cost so you can check the margin before you commit. Our guide to sourcing agent costs includes a worked example.
Products small businesses often source with us
- Packaging: printed boxes, bags, labels and stickers.
- Textiles: uniforms, workwear, tote bags and home textiles.
- Home and kitchen goods: cookware, storage and kitchen tools.
- Hospitality supplies for independent cafés, restaurants and hotels. See hotel and café procurement.
Getting started
Send us your product details: what you want, roughly how many, your target price and where it is going. We reply within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum order size to work with you?
There is no fixed minimum, but each factory sets its own MOQ. We tell you early if a quantity is too small to be practical for the product.
How much will it cost?
We charge a commission on the order value, confirmed in writing in your quote before any work starts. Our cost guide explains how agents usually charge.