What to ask a Chinese supplier before placing an order
Before comparing suppliers by price, you need to know exactly what they are offering. These are the questions worth answering from the first contact to avoid surprises later.
Finding a supplier in China is relatively easy. The difficult part is knowing whether their offer actually fits your product, quantity, and the way you want to import. Before discussing samples or placing an order, there are several questions you should answer. The goal is not to interrogate the supplier, but to get the information you need to compare options properly.
1. Start with MOQ and customization
The first question should be direct: what is your MOQ? MOQ, or Minimum Order Quantity, is the minimum quantity the supplier is willing to produce or sell. But do not stop there. Also ask what the MOQ is if you want to customize the product with your logo. These can be two completely different numbers.
A supplier may have standard products available in relatively small quantities, but require a larger production run if you need to change colors, print a logo, modify the packaging, or manufacture a specific part for you. That is why you should explain from the beginning what you want to customize.
Once you know the MOQ, ask for the unit price for that exact quantity. Do not simply ask how much the product costs. Ask how much each unit costs if you buy the minimum quantity you are considering. This allows you to compare different suppliers under the same conditions.
2. Confirm what the price actually includes
One of the most common mistakes when comparing suppliers is focusing only on the number shown in the quotation. Before deciding that one supplier is cheaper, ask which trade term they are using for that price. You need to know whether you are receiving an EXW, FOB, DDP, or another type of quotation.
This changes what is included in the offer and how far the supplier's responsibility extends. Two suppliers may appear to offer the same product at different prices while actually quoting under different terms. If you do not clarify this point, you will be comparing numbers that do not represent the same thing.
3. Ask about production, stock, and location
Next, you need to understand how long the supplier will take to prepare your order. Ask about their production lead time, meaning how much time they need from the moment you confirm the order until the goods are finished.
It is also worth asking whether they currently have the product in stock and, if so, how many units are available. This is especially important if you need the goods quickly or if you are buying a standard product that does not require customization.
Also ask where their factory or warehouse is located. This is not a minor detail. Knowing the city of origin helps you understand which port may be closest and how the goods will need to move before leaving China. This information is also important if you plan to consolidate products from several suppliers in the same warehouse.
4. Get the information you need to calculate logistics
Before you can estimate what it may cost to move your goods, you need to know the volume and weight of the order. Ask the supplier approximately how many CBM and kilograms your order will occupy once packed.
Ideally, this information should correspond to the quantity you are actually considering buying. The size of the product alone is not enough. You need to know how it is packed, how many units fit in each carton, and what the total shipment volume will be.
You can also ask whether the supplier already works with a freight forwarder that ships to your country. This does not mean you necessarily have to use their logistics option, but it can give you another alternative to compare.
Finally, ask them to share the HS Code they use for that product. The tariff code will be relevant when you need to review the product classification and prepare the import process at destination.
5. Clarify payments and experience before moving forward
Before placing any order, ask which payment methods the supplier accepts and whether they can receive international bank transfers. You also need to understand how they structure their production payments.
Ask what percentage they require as a deposit before starting production and when they expect to receive the remaining balance. You can ask whether they work with deposits of 10%, 20%, or 30%, but do not assume every supplier uses the same terms. The important thing is to know how much you need to pay before production and how much remains due once the order is finished.
It is also useful to ask whether they have previously worked with customers from your country, either by shipping goods there or customizing products for that market. This does not guarantee that the supplier is suitable, but it can help you understand whether they already have experience with orders similar to yours.
Finally, before making a decision, ask for current product photos, technical specifications, and any documents that help you confirm exactly what you are buying. A nice catalog photo is not a substitute for a technical specification sheet or a clear explanation of materials, dimensions, functions, and features.
The cheapest supplier is not always the best. First, make sure everyone is quoting the same product, the same quantity, and the same terms.
wearejds
You do not need to ask a hundred questions in your first message, but you should leave the conversation with enough information to know whether that supplier truly fits your project.
At wearejds, we help structure these conversations, compare suppliers, and review products, terms, and logistics before you move forward with your order.