3 Qualities to Look for in A Promotional Product Supplier in China
When sourcing promotional products from China, finding the right supplier is key. As a distributor, you face long hours, constant customer engagement, and the pressure to stay competitive. The right supplier should lighten your load and boost your efficiency and profitability. Let’s dive into three important qualities to look for in a promotional product supplier that can help you thrive.
Willing to Constantly Cull Your Effort
Being a promotional products distributor isn’t easy. You work hard, make many sales calls, and keep in touch with customers while exploring new projects. Staying current is crucial, or you might miss out on big opportunities. You also spend a lot of time selecting products and talking to suppliers.
So, finding a reliable Chinese supplier who goes the extra mile is a game changer. Here are some questions to consider:
- Do they propose similar products for your inquiry? This can help you discover alternatives.
- Do they offer different shipping options and clear cost breakdowns?
- Do they provide pick-and-pack services if needed?
- Are their quality control processes strong enough to ensure high standards for each product?
The Intangible Cost
When you think about running your business, you likely consider the obvious expenses ᅳ office rent, sourcing costs, payroll, etc. But there’s another layer of costs that often goes unnoticed: the intangible costs such as the time and energy you spend managing supplier relationships and processes. This is especially true when you deal with overseas suppliers.
Many Chinese suppliers solely rely on WeChat messages or emails to process inquiries, orders, and billing even to this day. You feel as though you are their office assistant, sorting through mountains of messages and emails to track progress.
Where is the proposed mockup?
— This one. Aaron shared a JPG file on WeChat on Tuesday.
Wait! Aaron probably has sent a modified version.
— Ah here, he emailed me a new JPG on Wednesday.
How much did Aaron quote? Which PI number?
— Let me see… Here. Aaron shared a PDF quote on Wednesday.
How is the production coming up??
— Hmm, I’d better chase him with another email!
Sounds familiar? Never underestimate the intangible cost of dealing with suppliers who do not have a system.
On the flip side, suppliers who automate quoting, ordering, and billing can help you cut down on intangible costs. When you work with them, you can focus more on growing your business.
Sticking to a Clear Policy
Many U. S. distributors who source from China are dealing with issues on a case-by-case basis.
There seem to be no well-defined policies, procedures, or rules.
Other suppliers, while publishing the policy, don’t actually follow it when situation arises.
As I worked for a few promotional product suppliers in China, I know this is a common thing.
What I would recommend is, do check a supplier’s Terms and Conditions and Refund Policy on their website. Do they appear original? Are they aligned with the impression and persona of the company? Then, start with small orders. If issues arise, open a support ticket and test their customer service, paying close attention how the supplier follows (or doesn’t) the policy.
Conclusion: Look out for These Supplier Qualities to Build a Long-term Partnership
As someone who regularly works with factories, I’ve learned a lot through both good experiences and tough ones. I know how challenging it can be for overseas customers to navigate suppliers with different cultural backgrounds and work habits. But there are good suppliers and agencies out there; you just need to know what to look for.
So, when you’re sourcing promotional products in China—whether directly from a supplier or through a sourcing agency—keep an eye out for these three qualities:
- They are willing to cull your efforts.
- They help reduce those hidden costs that can add up.
- They have a clear policy and stick to it.
Happy sourcing.
