Find suppliers in China: A complete guide for African importers and e-commerce Businesses
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wangsiqi
Clare Shi
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Key takeaways
If you’re doing research on how to source wholesale from 1688.com, you may have a few questions such as:
If you’re doing research on how to source wholesale from 1688.com, you may have a few questions such as:
If you’re doing research on how to source wholesale from 1688.com, you may have a few questions such as:
For many African importers, e-commerce brands, and retailers, sourcing from China can give access to a wide product range at cost-effective prices. Whether you’re selling electronics, clothing, or beauty products online, you can find the right Chinese suppliers for your business.
The challenge, however, isn’t just finding the right supplier. It ensures your money, margins, and timelines stay protected. Between language barriers, supplier verification issues, and high foreign exchange costs, managing international trade can feel complex.
With a World Account, you can pay Chinese suppliers directly in CNY (RMB) at competitive exchange rates
In this guide, we’ll break down how African businesses can find reliable Chinese suppliers, verify them, negotiate prices, and make fast, secure payments using WorldFirst.
Why source from China?
Despite rising competition from countries like Vietnam and India, China remains the world’s manufacturing powerhouse. From small consumer goods to large-scale machinery, Chinese suppliers offer unmatched diversity, scalability, and efficiency.
Here’s why sourcing from China makes sense for African businesses:
Competitive pricing
China’s vast manufacturing ecosystem keeps production costs low, allowing importers to secure better wholesale prices and enjoy higher profit margins.
Huge supplier network
With millions of verified manufacturers and wholesalers across sectors, from electronics and apparel to auto parts and beauty products. You’ll never run short of supplier options.
Product customisation
Chinese factories often provide private-label and white-label options, helping Nigerian retailers launch unique products or branded collections.
Global logistics network
China’s export infrastructure is among the best in the world. From consolidated shipping to dropshipping and freight forwarding, it’s easy to get products to Nigeria via sea or air.
Step-by-step guide to finding reliable suppliers in China
1. Understand what type of supplier you need
Before you start your search, decide whether you need a manufacturer, wholesaler, or sourcing agent.
Manufacturers/factories: Direct manufacturers offer great prices since there are no intermediaries. However, they usually have higher minimum order quantities (MOQs) and longer lead times.
Wholesalers/distributors: These suppliers buy in bulk from factories and sell in smaller quantities to importers or retailers. MOQs are usually lower, but prices are slightly higher due to the middleman markup.
Sourcing agents: Agents act as intermediaries, helping you find the right factory, negotiate pricing, check product quality, and manage shipments. They charge a commission but save you time and minimize errors, especially if you’re new to importing.
2. Find suppliers on B2B marketplaces
Most African importers begin their search online. Here are the most popular Chinese B2B platforms to explore:
Alibaba
Alibaba is the world’s largest B2B marketplace, connecting global buyers to millions of Chinese suppliers.
It’s ideal for importers who want to order bulk quantities or customize products.
Here are a few tips for finding reliable suppliers on Alibaba:
- Look for “Verified Supplier” or “Gold Supplier” badges. These suppliers have been vetted by Alibaba or third-party auditors
- Order a sample before placing a large order to check quality
- Use Alibaba Trade Assurance, which holds your payment in escrow until you confirm that your order meets expectations.
1688.com
1688.com serves the domestic Chinese market, but international buyers can also use it to find suppliers in China and get access to competitive product prices. However, the website is entirely in Chinese and does not directly support international payments.
However, you can now use World Pay, which is the only authorised international payment solution for 1688.com to pay suppliers.
Here’s how it works
- Create a World Account
- Convert your local currency or USD funds to CNY in your account
- Link your World Account to 1688.com through Cross-Border Pay
- Pay your suppliers in CNY with no double conversions or hidden bank fees
AliExpress
If you’re testing a new product line or want to buy smaller quantities, AliExpress is a great option.
It’s a B2C platform with no MOQ requirements which makes it perfect for e-commerce sellers looking to sample products.
AliExpress also offers buyer protection, verified sellers, and support for international payment methods, ensuring your money is always safe.
3. Attend trade fairs (or explore them virtually)
If you want to meet suppliers face-to-face and assess product quality directly, trade fairs are your best option.
Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair)
The Canton Fair is China’s largest trade event and it is held twice a year in Guangzhou. It features thousands of verified suppliers across multiple categories including electronics, textiles, consumer goods, and more.
African business owners can attend the fair to:
- Discover new product lines
- Meet suppliers directly
- Negotiate better pricing
- Inspect product quality before committing
4. Verify and vet your suppliers
Verification is crucial before sending money to any new supplier. Here’s how you can confirm a supplier’s legitimacy:
Company verification report: Check Chinese government databases or request the supplier’s business registration certificate. This confirms that the company legally exists and has a valid business address.
Factory audits: Hire a third-party inspection company to visit the factory and verify its capacity, safety standards, and production capabilities.
Product samples: Always order samples before committing to bulk orders. Use them to check product quality, packaging, and labeling accuracy.
References and reviews: Ask the supplier for references or check feedback from previous buyers on marketplaces
5. Negotiate prices and payment terms
Price negotiation is standard practice when sourcing from China. Even small discounts can make a big difference in your profit margins.
Here are some tips to negotiate payment terms
- Emphasize long-term partnership potential
- Discuss bulk order discounts.
- Negotiate on deposit terms (common structure: 30% upfront, 70% before shipment)
- If possible, offer early payments in exchange for lower prices (You can use WorldFirst to send same-day payments to suppliers in China and establish trust)
6. Choose a reliable shipping partner
Shipping products from China to Africa involves planning around routes, timelines, and customs clearance.
Here are the main shipping options available
- Air freight: Fastest (7–10 days), ideal for smaller or urgent shipments.
- Sea freight: Most cost-effective for bulk orders, though it can take 4–6 weeks.
- Courier or express services: Suitable for samples or small-volume shipments.
Freight forwarder: They work as your shipping partner in China and handle the entire end-to-end shipping on your behalf
What to watch out for When importing from China
Even experienced importers face occasional challenges. Here are a few to prepare for — and how to manage them effectively:
Scams and fake suppliers: Only pay verified suppliers. Use Trade Assurance on Alibaba or WorldFirst’s 1688 Cross-Border Pay for added protection.
Quality inconsistencies: Never skip sample testing or third-party inspections before shipment.
Shipping delays: Plan for buffer time around Chinese holidays like Lunar New Year, when most factories close for weeks.
Hidden fees: Always confirm total costs, including freight, customs, and FX fees, before finalizing any order.
Making payments to Chinese suppliers: Challenges for African importers
Even after you’ve found the right supplier, making payments often becomes the most complicated part of the process.
Here are the common challenges African importers face:
High FX conversion costs: Traditional banks or remittance services charge hidden fees and inflated exchange rates with markups, eating into profit margins.
Slow payment processing: Cross-border wire transfers can take several days to clear, delaying supplier shipments.
Limited access to CNY (RMB): Many local bank accounts can’t hold or send CNY, forcing double conversions, which further increases costs.
Payment security: Sending funds to a supplier you’ve never met involves risk, especially if the supplier isn’t verified or uses nonstandard banking channels.
How WorldFirst simplifies payments to Chinese suppliers
With WorldFirst, you can manage supplier payments faster, cheaper, and more securely–all from a single online dashboard.
Pay suppliers directly in CNY
Open a World Account and set up local currency accounts in over 15+ currencies, including CNY, USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, and more. You can hold and send funds in your supplier’s preferred currency, avoiding costly double conversions.
Use World Pay for 1688.com payments
If you’re sourcing from 1688.com, WorldFirst is the only approved payment partner. You can pay suppliers directly in their local currency, and stay fully compliant with Chinese regulations.
Competitive exchange rates and low fees
WorldFirst offers competitive exchange rates and transparent pricing, which means you’ll always know exactly how much your supplier will receive before confirming payment.
Faster settlements
Send same-day or next-day payments (cut-off times apply). That means suppliers get paid sooner, and your orders get processed faster.
Protect your profit margins
Lock in FX rates for up to 24 months with forward contracts to manage currency volatility and plan cash flow confidently.
Instant payments between World Accounts
If your supplier also uses WorldFirst, payments are instant and free, helping both sides avoid delays and costs.
Secure, compliant transactions
WorldFirst safeguards customer funds in segregated accounts with leading global banks. You also receive end-to-end support for all your queries.
Simplify global sourcing with WorldFirst
Finding a trustworthy supplier in China can open new opportunities for African businesses, from lowering costs and expanding product ranges to improving profit margins. But to truly benefit, you need a payment solution that’s as efficient as your sourcing strategy.
With WorldFirst, you can pay Chinese suppliers faster, safer, and smarter–all the while keeping more of your profits. Whether you’re ordering from Alibaba, 1688.com, or attending trade fairs like the Canton Fair, WorldFirst ensures your cross-border payments work seamlessly.
Open a World Account today and make sourcing from China simple, secure, and profitable.
FAQs
How do I verify a Chinese supplier?
Request their business license, verify their address, check trade history on B2B platforms, and ask for references. Third-party inspection agencies can also perform on-site audits.
What’s the safest way to pay a supplier in China?
Use WorldFirst, which allows you to pay suppliers in CNY, USD, or EUR securely at competitive rates. For 1688.com transactions, WorldFirst’s Cross-Border Pay is the only authorized international payment method.
Should I pay the full amount upfront?
No. The standard practice is 30% deposit and 70% before shipment after quality inspection.
How long does it take for payments to reach China?
WorldFirst payments typically clear within 1 business day (depending on cut-off times).
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