Importing from China is currently a popular trend, especially in online business, e-commerce and retail. With the advantages of low prices, abundant goods and a wide variety of designs, China has become a top choice.
For beginners, however, importing from China is far from simple. You may run into a range of problems: not knowing how to find reliable suppliers, being unclear about the ordering process, and struggling with payment and shipping.
That's why, in this article, we'll walk you through the China import process from A to Z, helping you understand each step and avoid common mistakes.
Overview of the China Import Process
The China import process usually involves 6 main steps:
- Find the source of goods
- Evaluate the supplier
- Place the order
- Make payment
- Ship the goods
- Receive the goods
Step 1: Find Chinese suppliers
This is the most important step, as it determines product quality and price. Popular platforms:
- 1688.com (wholesale prices, ideal for large-volume orders)
- Taobao.com (diverse, great for retail)
- Alibaba.com (international, suited to export)
Sourcing tips:
- Choose shops with high ratings
- Prioritize shops with many transactions
- Look at real product photos
- Compare multiple suppliers
Step 2: Evaluate the supplier
Not every shop is reliable, so you need to check carefully. Key criteria:
- Rating score
- Years in business
- Customer feedback
- Real photos
Step 3: Place the order
Once you've chosen a product:
- Select the design and quantity
- Check the product details
- Send your request to the shop
There are 2 ways to order:
- Order it yourself
- Order through an intermediary
Step 4: Make payment
This is the step many people find difficult. Common methods:
- Alipay
- WeChat Pay
- International bank transfer
Common problems:
❌ Not having a payment account
❌ Difficulty verifying the transaction
Step 5: Ship the goods from China to Vietnam
🔹 Within China
The shop sends the goods to a warehouse in China
🔹 International shipping
- By road
- By sea
- By air
📌 Transit time:
- Express: 3–5 days
- Standard: 5–10 days
⚠️ Risks:
- Lost goods
- Damaged goods
- Extra costs
Step 6: Receive & inspect the goods
When the goods arrive in Vietnam:
- Check the quantity
- Check the quality
- Reconcile against the order
If there's a problem, address it immediately with the supplier or the shipping provider.
Risks of Importing from China
Beginners often run into these problems:
- Goods that don't match the description
- Poor-quality goods
- Slow delivery
- Extra costs
How to reduce the risks
- Choose reputable suppliers
- Don't order large volumes on your first order
- Inspect the products carefully
- Use a professional logistics provider
Simple Solutions for Beginners
If you have no experience, the best option is to use a full-service China import solution. The benefits:
- No need to know Chinese
- No need for international payments
- No shipping worries
- Risks kept to a minimum
>>>See More: Professional Import-Export Staff Leasing for Businesses
What Do Import Costs Include?
When importing, you need to account for:
- The product price
- Domestic fees within China
- China–Vietnam shipping fees
- Service fees
- Taxes (if any)
Calculating these in advance helps you protect your profit.
Current Trends in Importing from China
Today, importing from China is no longer just for businesses—it's also popular among:
- Online sellers
- TikTok Shop, Shopee
- E-commerce startups
It's a big opportunity if you know how to tap into it properly.
Conclusion
The China import process isn't overly complex if you understand each step and prepare carefully. In short:
- Find reliable suppliers
- Vet suppliers carefully
- Choose the right shipping method
- Calculate costs clearly
If you want to simplify everything, use a full-service import solution to save time and maximize business efficiency. Contact Embassy Freight now via Hotline: 0936911656 for the earliest possible advice and quotation!
Contact for consultation:
- 0936911656 (HCMC) – Embassy Freight Services (VN), Southern Vietnam
- 0937361637 (Hanoi) - Embassy Freight Services (VN), Northern Vietnam
Need a shipping & import-export quote?
Embassy Freight provides ocean freight, air freight, customs clearance and turnkey import-export desk rental. Get a free quote or explore our services.