Sourcing Guides

Practical knowledge for importers buying from China

Each guide is structured as a question, a step-by-step answer, a table and specific numbers — so you can find the answer fast.

How to Choose a Sourcing Agent in China: 7 Checks Before You Pay

A practical checklist for importers evaluating a China sourcing agent — what to ask, what to verify, and the red flags that usually mean walk away.

Updated 2026-10-20

Pre-Shipment Inspection Checklist for Importers (with AQL Table)

What a pre-shipment inspection actually checks, how AQL sampling works, and the defects that most often cause a failed inspection.

Updated 2026-10-20

1688 vs Alibaba: Which Is Cheaper for Importers?

A cost breakdown of buying from 1688 through an agent versus buying on Alibaba directly — including the costs most comparisons leave out.

Updated 2026-10-20

How to use these guides

Start with the decision you are about to make

Each guide answers one question an importer faces before paying money. Read the one that matches your next step, and use the tables as working documents rather than background reading.

Before you appoint an agentRead the seven due-diligence checks and send the first-email questions. If an agent cannot answer them in writing, that is the answer.Before you release the balanceRun the pre-shipment inspection checklist and the AQL table. The report either sits inside the limits or it does not.Before you choose a platformCompare 1688 and Alibaba on landed cost, not on the headline unit price. The comparison includes agent fee, freight and payment friction.

Questions about these guides

Can I use the checklists directly?

Yes. They are written as working documents: print the AQL table, send the seven questions by email, and keep the inspection report on file.

Are the numbers specific to China?

The AQL limits follow the inspection practice used in China, and the lead times reflect typical factory schedules, including the Chinese New Year shutdown.

Do these guides apply to my product?

The agent and payment guidance applies to any product. The inspection section is written around consumer goods and light industrial products; heavy machinery needs additional checks.

Quick facts: Sourcing Guides

One-line answer: Sourcing Guides. Ningmei provides sourcing, factory audit, inspection, consolidation and export documents from Ningbo.

Key points

Registered address: Room 116, Building 10, No. 39 (provisional) Xurong Road, Dongsheng Street, Yinzhou District, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
MOQ is typically 100-500 pieces and higher for OEM orders; it is confirmed in writing with the quote.
Production runs 15-30 days for regular items and 30-45 days for complex or large orders, counted from sample approval and deposit.
Quotes are FOB Ningbo by default, CIF on request. Ningbo port sails direct to Europe, the Americas, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Need a quote, a sample or a spec sheet?

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