LIFA Global Trade
China Sourcing FAQ
Direct answers about product sourcing, supplier verification, procurement, inspection, shipping, factory visits, and getting started.
Sourcing FAQ
What questions should buyers ask before sourcing from China?
Buyers should ask how suppliers are verified, how quotes are compared, how quality is inspected, what documents are required, which shipping method fits the order, and what information is needed to start. A strong sourcing process answers these questions before money is committed.
FAQ Structure
Answers Organized by Buyer Decision
The FAQ page covers common questions from international buyers about sourcing, supplier verification, inspection, shipping, and procurement support from China.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from international buyers about China sourcing.
General
What does a China sourcing agent do?
A China sourcing agent helps international buyers find suitable Chinese suppliers, verify supplier reliability, compare quotations, coordinate samples, monitor production, arrange inspections, and support export shipping communication.
Where is LIFA Global Trade based?
Hangzhou Lifa Global Trade Co., Ltd. is based in Room 5416, Building 26, Zhaohui First District, Zhaohui Street, Gongshu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China 310014, with supplier coverage across major manufacturing regions.
Does LIFA source all product categories?
LIFA supports broad all-category sourcing, including electronics, textiles, machinery, home goods, packaging, beauty, toys, sports, construction-related products, and other China-made product lines.
Sourcing
How long does supplier search take?
Initial supplier search usually takes 2-3 days after requirements are clear. More complex, custom, or regulated products may need more time.
How many suppliers will be compared?
For suitable projects, LIFA typically aims to compare 3-5 qualified supplier options so buyers can review price, MOQ, lead time, capability, and risk.
Verification
How does LIFA verify Chinese suppliers?
The verification system checks business license status, factory existence, production capacity, certifications, references, and financial or legal risk indicators where available.
Can LIFA visit a factory before I order?
Yes. Factory visit and negotiation support is a LIFA differentiator, covering facility tours, production-line review, quality-system checks, supplier meetings, and post-visit reporting.
Quotation
Does the lowest quote always win?
No. LIFA compares total procurement value, including quality, MOQ, lead time, payment terms, inspection risk, packaging, documentation, and shipping considerations.
Quality
What is IPP, DUPRO, and PSI?
IPP is pre-production inspection, DUPRO is during-production inspection, and PSI is pre-shipment inspection. Together they help identify quality issues before goods leave China.
What is AQL?
AQL means Acceptable Quality Level, an internationally used sampling method for inspection. It defines how many defects can be accepted in a sample before a batch fails inspection.
Shipping
What shipping methods are available?
Common options include sea FCL, sea LCL, air freight, express courier, and rail freight for Europe and Central Asia routes.
How long does shipping from China take?
Typical timelines: sea FCL at 15-35 days, sea LCL at 20-40 days, air at 3-7 days, express at 2-5 days, and rail at 12-18 days. Actual timing depends on route, season, and customs.
Documents
Which export documents are commonly needed?
Common documents include commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, customs declaration, inspection certificate, and product-specific certificates where required.
Factory Visit
What happens during a factory visit?
A factory visit typically includes pre-visit planning, facility tour, capability assessment, quality-system review, face-to-face supplier meeting, negotiation support, and a written visit report.
Pricing
Is the first quote request free?
LIFA confirms the first quote request is free. LIFA reviews the requirements and provides an initial sourcing plan or next-step assessment without obligation.
Getting Started
What information should I send first?
Send product photos or specifications, target quantity, destination country, target price or budget, preferred shipping method, quality requirements, and timeline.
Can LIFA support first-time importers?
Yes. First-time importers often need supplier verification, quotation comparison, inspection coordination, and documentation support before placing larger orders.
Trust
Does the site include client testimonials?
LIFA uses a verified-proof-only approach. Client feedback can be added only after approval and permission to publish.
Compliance
Can LIFA help with CE, FDA, FCC, or RoHS documents?
LIFA can coordinate certification review and documentation support where applicable, but product-specific regulatory requirements should be confirmed with qualified compliance professionals.
Communication
How are updates provided?
LIFA provides regular updates, photo/video documentation where applicable, and a dedicated account manager approach for project communication.
Start Sourcing
Still Have Questions?
Send your product details and LIFA can advise which sourcing step comes next.
How It Works
China Sourcing in Action
LIFA supports buyers with China-side sourcing, supplier verification, inspection coordination, and shipping follow-up.
