How to Source Small Home Appliances from China: A Buyer's Checklist
Ten points to settle before you place your first order, from voltage and certificates to samples, inspection and shipping terms.
Published · 2 min read · Junora
Sourcing small home appliances from China can be simple and profitable, or slow and expensive. The difference is usually decided before the first order. Use this checklist to brief your supplier and avoid the most common surprises.
1. Define the market first
Voltage, plug type and certification depend on where the product will be sold. A kettle for Germany needs a 230 V version with a Type F plug and CE marking; the same kettle for the United States needs a 120 V version with a different plug and North American safety listing. Tell your supplier the destination country before asking for prices.
2. Ask for model-specific certificates
Certificates are issued for a specific model, not for a factory. Ask for the certificate and test report that match the exact model number you are buying, and check that the name on the certificate matches the product label.
3. Write down the specification
List power, capacity, materials, colors, plug, cable length, packaging and accessories. A clear specification is the basis of an accurate quotation and of every later inspection.
4. Approve a sample before production
Order a sample in the final color, with your logo and packaging if you are customizing. Keep one approved sample, often called the golden sample. Mass production is checked against it.
5. Agree the quantity and lead time in writing
Minimum order quantity depends on the model and on how much you customize. Ask for the MOQ, the production lead time and the sample lead time in the quotation, and plan your launch dates around them.
6. Plan the packaging early
Retail boxes, barcodes, manuals in the local language and warning labels take time to design and approve. Start them while the sample is being made, not after.
7. Inspect before shipping
A pre-shipment inspection checks quantity, appearance, function and packaging on a random sample of finished goods. You can use the factory's inspection report, appoint a third-party inspection company, or both.
8. Choose your shipping terms
FOB means you arrange the sea freight from the Chinese port. CIF includes freight and insurance to your port. DDP means the supplier delivers to your door with duties paid. Each option moves cost and responsibility to a different party.
9. Check the export documents
You will usually need a commercial invoice, a packing list and a bill of lading, and sometimes a certificate of origin or a conformity certificate for your country. Confirm the list with your customs broker before the goods leave.
10. Start with a manageable first order
A first order that tests the product, the packaging and the supply chain is worth more than a large order with unanswered questions. Scale up once the first shipment has sold well.
If you would like help working through this list for a specific product, our export team can prepare a quotation with the voltage, certificates, MOQ and lead time for your market.
