Buying from China
What your Chinese supplier actually meant
Most orders from China do not go wrong on price. They go wrong on one sentence that both sides read differently. These guides come from someone who studied in China and sits in on those calls.
Supplier complaint guide
What to Do When a China Order Arrives Wrong
Wrong product, late or short delivery from a Chinese supplier? Here is how to write a complaint that gets resolved, with message templates and Chinese
1688 in Portuguese
1688 com português: what it means and how to use it
1688 com português means using 1688 in Portuguese. Learn what 1688 is, why Portuguese support is limited, and how Renata can help you talk to suppliers
Supplier listings decoded
How to Read a Chinese Product Listing: Key Characters
Learn the Chinese characters that always appear on product listings and what each one means for your order, with clear examples and a phrase table
Supplier communication
How to Use WeChat with a Chinese Supplier: A Practical Guide
Learn why Chinese suppliers prefer WeChat, how to set it up, message them, and read the tone. Practical tips for importers and dropshippers
Supplier Checklist
Questions to Ask Before Placing a China Order
Get a written checklist of questions to ask a Chinese supplier before you pay. Avoid surprises on quality, lead time, payment and shipping
Sourcing Platforms Compared
Alibaba vs AliExpress vs 1688 for Dropshipping
Alibaba is for bulk B2B, AliExpress for single items, 1688 for domestic China prices. Learn audience, MOQ and language for each
Import language traps
Translation Mistakes That Cost Money When Importing
Colour, material, packaging and lead time mix-ups in Chinese-English trade. Learn the words that cost money and how to avoid them
Negotiation guide
How to Negotiate Price with a Chinese Supplier
Stop asking for a discount. Learn to trade volume, lead time and specification. Practical phrases and a realistic approach for importers
Supplier Communication
Why Chinese Suppliers Reply With Short Messages
Short replies from Chinese suppliers are often about register, time zones and WeChat habits, not rudeness. Learn what they mean and how to follow up
Supplier samples
How to Ask a Chinese Supplier for a Sample
Learn how to request a sample from a Chinese supplier
Supplier Communication
Chinese Phrases for Talking to Suppliers: Operational Table
Practical Chinese phrases for talking to suppliers, with characters, pinyin and what each one triggers. Plus how to get live interpreting help
Supplier trust check
How to Tell if a Chinese Supplier Is Trustworthy
Practical signals to check on the platform and what a five-minute video call reveals. No hype, no guarantees, just what you can verify yourself
1688 buying guide
How to Buy from 1688 Without a Chinese Address
Yes, you can buy from 1688 without a Chinese address. Here are the honest workarounds, what an agent really does, and the limits
China sourcing comparison
1688 vs Alibaba for European Sellers: What Changes
1688 is China's domestic market, Chinese only. Alibaba is export-facing. Here's what that changes for price, risk and your workflow
Import planning guide
Chinese New Year Shipping Delays Explained
Chinese New Year shuts factories for weeks, not days. Learn when to order, what to ask suppliers, and how to avoid delays in 2025.
China import basics
What Does MOQ Mean and How to Negotiate It
MOQ means minimum order quantity. Learn why suppliers quote high MOQs first and the specific asks that move them down.
Alibaba Supplier Messaging
How to Message a Chinese Supplier on Alibaba
Learn how to message a Chinese supplier on Alibaba with a copy-paste first message that gets a real quote. Includes the 4 must-have elements.