Trade Consulting
We provide free guidance to help businesses better understand how importing and trading with China works. If you have general questions about sourcing processes, production timelines, shipping methods, or trade practices, our team is happy to help. This service is designed for general advice, not operational requests such as supplier sourcing or freight quotations.
1- What You Can Ask:
- How does the sourcing process in China work?
- What production lead time should I expect?
- What is the difference between EXW, FOB, and CIF?
- How do quality inspections work?
- What documents are required for international shipping?
2- What This Service Does NOT Include:
- Finding specific suppliers or factories
- Requesting product quotations
- Shipping bookings or freight quotations
- Full project sourcing or procurement
4- Common Questions About Trading With China: *5 Mistakes New Importers Make Importing from China can be highly profitable, but new buyers often face avoidable problems. Here are five common mistakes:
- Choosing suppliers only based on price The lowest quote is not always the best option. Quality, experience, and reliability matter just as much.
- Skipping product samples Always confirm samples before production to ensure materials, dimensions, and functionality meet your expectations.
- Not defining product specifications clearly Unclear specifications often lead to misunderstandings between buyers and manufacturers.
- Ignoring quality inspections A pre-shipment inspection helps detect defects before goods leave the factory, reducing costly surprises.
- Underestimating shipping and logistics Freight costs, customs requirements, and documentation should always be considered when calculating total costs. Planning carefully and working with experienced partners can help avoid these issues
*EXW vs FOB Explained
When importing from China, two of the most common trade terms are EXW (Ex Works) and FOB (Free On Board). EXW – Ex Works The supplier makes the goods available at their factory. The buyer is responsible for pickup, export clearance, shipping, and all logistics. FOB – Free On Board The supplier handles local transport to the port and export clearance. The buyer takes responsibility once the cargo is loaded onto the vessel. Key Difference: EXW puts more responsibility on the buyer, while FOB includes export-side handling by the supplier. Many international buyers prefer FOB because it can feel simpler. However, EXW is often the most transparent for pricing, since you see the exact factory price separately from logistics costs. At Mundo, we frequently quote EXW + domestic China delivery (to the warehouse/port) as two clear line items—so you get a transparent cost breakdown and a clearer view of your total landed cost, with no hidden markups.
*Typical Production Timelines in China
Production time in China depends on the product type, order size, and factory workload. However, most orders follow a similar timeline. Sample development: Usually 3–10 days, depending on product complexity. Mass production: Typically 15–35 days after sample approval and deposit payment. Quality inspection and shipment preparation: Around 1–3 days before goods are ready to ship. Seasonal demand, holidays, and material availability can sometimes affect production schedules, so it is always recommended to plan orders in advance.