Key insights

• 💼 Global Sources has established suppliers but higher MOQs
• 🌐 Google is good for finding manufacturers in the United States but not for Chinese manufacturers
• 🤝 Attending trade conventions can connect you with suppliers
• 🏛️ Canton Fair in Guangzhou, China, hosts thousands of exhibitors and is an opportunity to meet suppliers in person
• 🔍 Using an import database like Jungle Scout supplier tool helps find competitors' suppliers and track their imports
• 🛠️ Sourcing agents provide expertise, vetted companies, and language support
• 🏗️ Made in China is a contender in the supplier directory market, specializing in construction and industrial suppliers
• 🇺🇸 Thomasnet.com for U.S. manufacturers, largest U.S. supplier database, over 500,000 suppliers, faster turnaround time

Q&A

• What websites are recommended for finding suppliers and why is Alibaba recommended?

  Various websites like China Brands, China Vision, Wholesale Central, and Worldwide Brands are recommended. Alibaba is particularly recommended due to its large supplier database and programs like trade assurance. It's also important to check other platforms for backup options.

• Are there alternative marketplaces to Alibaba, Global Sources, and India Mart?

  Dhgate lacks quality control and is not suitable for private labelers, Tradekey is smaller than Alibaba with an outdated website, Ec21 is smaller than Alibaba and lacks a vetting process for sellers, and 1688.com is specifically targeted to people based in China for buying.

• What are the pros and cons of different supplier databases like Alibaba, Global Sources, Thomasnet, AliExpress, Europages, and India Mart?

  Thomasnet.com is suitable for U.S. manufacturers but more expensive than overseas manufacturing, AliExpress offers lower MOQs and an escrow service but at a higher cost than Alibaba, Europages provides access to European suppliers but at a higher cost and longer lead time for U.S. buyers, and India Mart offers independence from Chinese holidays and backup sourcing but may be more expensive and have longer shipping times compared to Alibaba or Chinese suppliers.

• Should I consider using a sourcing agent or online directory for finding manufacturers?

  Consider using a sourcing agent to find manufacturers in the US or overseas, as they provide pre-vetted companies, quality control, shipping assistance, and language support. However, using a sourcing agent may incur additional costs, limit control, and lead to potential conflicts of interest. There are also online directories like Made in China, which specializes in construction and industrial suppliers and offers verified suppliers but tends to be more expensive than other directories.

• How can I find manufacturers and suppliers other than Alibaba?

  You can find manufacturers and suppliers through methods like Google, attending trade conventions, the Canton Fair, using import databases, and tools like Jungle Scout supplier tool. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.

• What are some alternatives to finding suppliers outside Alibaba?

  You can find suppliers outside Alibaba through platforms like Global Sources and by using Google. Global Sources has established suppliers but higher MOQs, while Google is suitable for finding manufacturers in the United States but not for Chinese ones.

• 00:00 You can find suppliers outside Alibaba, such as through Global Sources and Google. Alibaba has middlemen, slow shipping, and many Chinese suppliers. Global Sources has established suppliers but higher MOQs. Google is good for US suppliers but not for Chinese ones.
• 03:33 Google, trade conventions, Canton Fair, import database, and Jungle Scout supplier tool are ways to find manufacturers and suppliers; each method has its pros and cons.
• 06:53 Considering using a sourcing agent or online directory for finding manufacturers. Sourcing agents provide expertise, vetted companies, and language support, but may incur additional costs and lack direct control. Made in China offers a wide range of products but tends to be more expensive than other directories.
• 10:19 A comparison of different supplier databases - Alibaba, Global Sources, Thomasnet, AliExpress, Europages, and India Mart - highlighting pros and cons for each platform.
• 13:30 India Mart offers benefits like independence from Chinese holidays, backup sourcing, and avoiding products made in China, but it may be more expensive and have longer shipping times. Dhgate lacks quality control and is not ideal for private labeling. Tradekey, ec21, and 1688.com are alternative marketplaces with their own pros and cons.
• 17:05 A review of various websites to find suppliers for your business. Alibaba is recommended due to its large database and programs like trade assurance. However, it's important to check other platforms for backup options.