How to Source Beauty Products from China

 

Are you planning on starting your own beauty shop and do not have an idea of where to get your supplies? This can be a challenge for first-time business owners who are just starting out. There are so many factors to consider when stocking up your store for the first time. 

You have to ensure that you find high-quality products, and at the same time, you want to get the best prices in the market so you can be able to see returns as you resell. Most people prefer to source beauty products from China, where they get fair prices and are assured of quality too. So how do you go about sourcing from China? Read on.

Buy Directly

 

Most importers are trying to source their products directly from manufacturers in China. If your business has the capacity to handle suppliers abroad and you can meet the minimum order quantity (MOQ) set by the different suppliers, then this might be the best option for you. However, if you are just starting out and you do not have any connections to any manufacturers, then this might not work out for you. 

The process is way too demanding as you have to take care of every single step by yourself, from sourcing to sampling to shipping. You might also fall into the hands of untrustworthy suppliers who might end up swindling your money. You will also not be able to supervise the production and packing of your products.

Use Sourcing Agents

 

A sourcing agent will help you find the best suppliers and manufacturers of cosmetic products in China. They handle everything from sourcing to shipping of your products. The best thing about using sourcing agents is that they are on the ground and can make physical visits to the various manufacturers and suppliers. 

Your agent should be able to ascertain the quality of the product before starting the process of purchase; they should be able to send you free samples for you to test and determine if they are premium quality. However, when you are looking for a sourcing agent, you need to be careful not to fall into the hands of unqualified professionals who are out to scam people. Ensure that you conduct thorough vetting before seeking the services of a sourcing company

Use a Trading Company

This is a good option for you, especially if you are looking to purchase a small number of beauty products. Most manufacturers and suppliers have a set MOQ, and they cannot ship to you unless you can meet it. However, a trading company is willing to send you any amount of product that you require. 

The only downside to using a trading company is higher prices. They have to cover the price margin and make profits as well. This is a good choice for small-scale retailers, mainly online vendors who do not stock too much. If you are looking for a wholesale vendor of beauty products, then this might not work for you. 

Use B2B Websites

One of the most common b2b websites for Chinese cosmetic products is Alibaba. Alibaba is equipped with different search engines that help you narrow down to what you need exactly. The website has a secure payment portal where you can deposit your money when making purchases. Most buyers are attracted to this aspect because they do not have to worry about their credit card numbers and their personal information being made public. 

In addition to this, buyers are assured of getting what they pay for because the website has an option for reporting scams, which are usually resolved. Alibaba is easy to use and gets this; ithas a pay later option. You can actually start the process of purchasing even if you do not meet the budget yet. You can also be able to compare different suppliers before making a decision to work with one.

Attend Trade Shows

A trade show provides you with a venue to meet different business people and suppliers in the market. Direct conversations with potential suppliers will enable you to know their company values and their production capacity. You will also be able to test different samples of beauty products from the different suppliers you interact with. 

You do not have to travel to China to meet Chinese manufacturers; you can find them in trade shows in your country. However, you might be out of luck if the products that you are looking for are not showcased in your local trade show. You might also be limited to a small pool of potential Chinese suppliers in local trade shows.

Conclusion

Sourcing beauty products from China can be very complicated, especially for startup business owners. There are so many risks involved, and at times you might end up with very substandard cosmetic products or even get scammed and lose all your money. To be safe, try to talk to other cosmetic business owners and ask them how they went about their first purchase from China. If they have a reliable sourcing agent, they can refer them to you to make things easier for you. Ensure that you conduct thorough research before embarking on this journey.