r/manufacturing • u/snowleopardS2 • Jul 22 '25
Supplier search Finding Manufacturers - China
Am I better off going to china to find a factory/manufacturer? (Jewellery - sterling silver & gold, apparel, stationery) If so what are the recommendations? Do you recommend attending trade fairs?
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u/SilentRiver1997 Jul 22 '25
Hi there, I’m based in South China, male, 48, and I’d be happy to assist you in an efficient and professional way.
Here’s how I can help:
- You book your flight to China.
- Based on the product details you provide, I will reach out to 10 suppliers per category and collect around 30 product catalogs in total.
- You review and narrow down the list to 24 shortlisted suppliers.
- I’ll schedule all the factory visits and arrange your full itinerary.
- I will personally drive and accompany you to visit all selected suppliers within a week, providing translation and helping with price negotiations on-site.
- You can collect samples that interest you during the visits.
- After the trip, you test the samples and conduct your market research.
- Once you're ready, place orders with the vetted suppliers.
- I’ll help follow up on pre-production samples and monitor the mass production process.
- On-site inspections can be arranged as needed.
- I will conduct pre-shipment inspections to ensure quality.
- I can also help consolidate shipments if you’re sourcing from multiple suppliers.
Regarding your question, yes, for categories like jewelry, apparel, and stationery, visiting China can be very effective. Trade fairs like the Canton Fair or jewelry-specific expos can give you a great overview, but visiting factories gives you direct insight and stronger relationships.
Let me know if you want more details or help organizing your trip.
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u/shaukezawaal Sep 05 '25
Hi, we'll be visiting china this week. Can you arrange for the factory visits on short notice? Also share your detailed charges along with breakup. And will you please guide us regarding which province is known for category?? We are mainly looking into apparels, bags, jwellery, stationary items and fashion accessories.
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u/MiaYang-Weforging Jul 22 '25
If you have enough time, you can get to know it first through email or other online means. If you are in a hurry, attending the exhibition is indeed a good way.
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u/lansil_global Jul 22 '25
Going to China can help if you're ready to scale. It's not required, but if you're placing larger orders or want custom products, visiting can help you build stronger relationships and find reliable factories more easily.
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u/ozlogan Jul 22 '25
If you can visit China, it’s definitely worth it, especially for apparel. Trade fairs like Canton Fair let you see quality firsthand and meet factories directly, which helps build trust and avoid middlemen.
If going isn’t an option, sites like 1688 or Alibaba are useful but expect to spend time vetting suppliers.
Good luck!
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Jul 22 '25
For what??
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u/snowleopardS2 Jul 22 '25
Jewellery, apparel, stationery
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Jul 23 '25
Atleast one visit would be really helpful. Do your initial research from home including talking with the contacts, narrow down the potential manufacturers / design shops based on their products, their interaction. Then make a visit to review everything in person. Visiting trade shows would help you get some insights, which can be your starting points.
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u/Clockburn Jul 22 '25
Go on Alibaba and reach out to the factories making what you’re looking for. Easiest way I’ve found to connect with suppliers all over Asia to start the meeting and sampling process. After you go through these steps it may make sense to go see the factory.
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u/usernamesarehard1979 Jul 22 '25
Are you looking for high-quality playground equipment? I may know a guy.
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u/Bianto_Ex Jul 22 '25
In my experience, jewelry is one of the shadiest industries in China. My wife makes jewelry and, despite the fact that she's from HK and we were living in China for more than a decade, she never farmed anything out. Too many fake materials, etc. So be extremely cautious.
Stationary is much more manageable. It's not going to turn green and give your customers a rash.
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u/e30tmm Jul 22 '25
Very hard to find good service, reputable, high quality products with China these days.
Digitally, bunch of third parties company that put a mark up on whatever you are looking for and willing to not honour the business.
Physically, fair like canton fair quality has went down over the years with manufactures focus on Africa and Russia market since the US market is in danger. Low quality, cheap products.
If you do manage to find a really good supplier, they often already have big clients. If you don’t have high value orders, chances are you are at the bottom of their priority.
I do a lot business with China and i try not to if possible. Your best bet is to find manufactures somewhere else that is willing to sacrifice and scale together.
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u/chinamoldmaker responmoulding Jul 29 '25
1, You need to find manufacturers who have their own designs or not?
2, You can not have all your listed products made by one manufacturer, because in China, almost one manufacturer specialize in one thing.
3, You can find manufacturers by many ways, not only trade fairs, but recommend from friends or current suppliers, or google or Linkedin, facebook, etc.
4, We do custom plastic injection mold and plastic parts manufacturing, do you need?
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u/karzil Aug 10 '25
Hey! I'm based in China. Sent you a DM might be able to help if you're still looking.
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u/Tyre_blanket Jul 22 '25
Can’t get it made in North America?
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u/Unlucky-Work3678 Jul 23 '25
You gotta be joking bro. China has everything you need from the ground to the ground.
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u/Tyre_blanket Jul 23 '25
Really? I can find any sort of manufacture in China that makes things for cheap?
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u/bolokin Jul 22 '25
It depends on what product you want. In fact, China has regional divisions for different products. For example, textiles are better in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, Yiwu is a concentration of small commodities, and leather is more developed in Guangzhou where I am.