Search Basics
Alibaba lists both trading companies and factories. Start by searching with exact product terms plus materials (e.g., "stainless steel bottle 18/8") to surface specialized suppliers instead of broad traders. Switch to the Manufacturers tab, then scan the company name, business type, and province. Coastal provinces (Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu) often indicate established export capability.
Filters That Matter
- Verified Supplier and Onsite Check reduce risk by requiring third-party validation.
- Response rate/time shows communication reliability; aim for >80% response and <12h.
- Export markets and certifications (ISO9001, CE, FCC, FDA) should match your product category.
- MOQ and lead time: use them as negotiation anchors, not hard limits.
- Past transactions: a steady order history signals capacity and cash flow.
Vetting Factories
Open 8-12 promising listings and read the Company Profile tab: registered capital, staff count, production lines, and photos of machinery. Run reverse image search on gallery photos to confirm originality. Cross-check the Business License number and factory address against China’s enterprise registry. Shortlist 3-5 suppliers, then request a quick video tour to verify they control production, not just sales.
Outreach & Samples
Send a concise RFQ with drawings/specs, target quantity, packaging, quality standards, and delivery port. Ask for:
- Itemized quote by Incoterm (FOB vs DDP)
- Unit lead time and sample cost/credit policy
- Recent client references and audit reports
Move forward with two suppliers in parallel. Order production-grade samples (not showroom pieces), log test results, and confirm that golden samples will be sealed and referenced in the purchase order.