Key takeaways
- Look for manufacturers, not trading companies, when you need custom products, stable quality or the best price.
- Search where the industry is concentrated: Shenzhen for electronics, Zhongshan for lighting, Yiwu for small commodities, Ningbo for appliances and molds.
- Shortlist 3 to 5 suppliers, send them the same detailed RFQ, and compare answers, not just prices.
- Verify the business license, the production site and the certificates before paying a deposit.
Manufacturer or trading company: why it matters
A manufacturer owns the production line. A trading company buys from factories and resells. Traders can be useful for small mixed orders, but for custom products, OEM branding or long-term supply you usually want to deal with the factory: you get direct answers on materials and tooling, fewer communication layers and lower prices.
Signs you are talking to a real factory: the business license lists manufacturing in its business scope, the address is an industrial zone rather than an office tower, the sales team can answer detailed process questions, and they are willing to show the production line on a video call.
Where do buyers find manufacturers in China?
- B2B marketplaces. Large catalogs, but many listings are traders and you will receive many sales emails once you post an inquiry.
- Trade fairs. The Canton Fair in Guangzhou runs every spring and autumn; industry shows in Shenzhen and Shanghai cover electronics, LED, packaging and energy. Meeting suppliers in person is still the fastest way to judge them.
- Industrial clusters. Chinese manufacturing is regional. Shenzhen and Dongguan lead in consumer electronics, Zhongshan (Guzhen) in lighting, Yiwu in small commodities, Ningbo in household appliances and molds. Searching inside the right cluster saves weeks.
- Sourcing request services. You describe the product once and only matching manufacturers answer. When you post a free sourcing request with us, at most 3 checked manufacturers receive your contact details.
How to shortlist suppliers
Aim for 3 to 5 candidates per product. More than that becomes hard to compare; fewer leaves you without a fallback. Check that each one:
- already makes the product type you need (standard product, custom OEM/ODM, module or part);
- has exported to your market and holds the certifications you need, such as CE for the EU or FCC for the US;
- can work with your quantity: many factories have a minimum order quantity (MOQ) per model or per color.
Send everyone the same RFQ
Quotes are only comparable when every supplier answers the same question. Write one request for quotation with specifications, quantity, target market, certifications, packaging and delivery terms. Our guide How to write an RFQ includes a checklist.
Verify before you pay
Before a deposit, confirm the company is registered and that the name on the bank account matches the business license. Ask for samples and test reports, and for larger orders book a factory audit or pre-shipment inspection. The full process is in How to verify a Chinese factory.
Start with the right category
If you already know your product, go straight to its category: Consumer Electronics & Accessories, Commercial Display & LED, Industrial & Energy Equipment or Packaging & Printing. Or browse all categories.
Ready to get quotes?
Post your request for free. Up to 3 checked manufacturers contact you directly.