How To Save Money When You Order Products In China

Can you really save money when ordering products from China, or is it just a myth? 

Well, spoiler alert — you absolutely can! 😉 

If you know the right strategies, you can trim costs without cutting corners. 

Trust me, I’ve been in the Amazon FBA trenches for over eight years, and I’ve learned a thing or two about stretching every dollar while sourcing from overseas.

And let me tell you – whether you're ordering product samples, looking for the best factories, or figuring out how to handle shipping, the tips in this article can help you save more than you might think.

Recently, I had a chat with Jane from Chinese Tiger, a company that specializes in helping businesses like yours source, inspect, and ship products from China. 

She shared some fantastic advice, and I’m here to break it down for you in the same easy way. 

Oh, and a little bonus — if you decide to use Chinese Tiger’s services, just mention my name, and they’ll throw in a free product sample inspection. 

Mention My Name (Vova Even) & Get a FREE Product Inspection In China from Chinese Tiger!

Cool, right?

Let’s dive in and see how you can make smarter choices and keep more money in your pocket when ordering from China!

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Save Money When Ordering Products from China

Vova: Jane, when we order products from China, especially samples from different factories, how can we save money? 

For instance, when we’re checking prices on various platforms or comparing factories, what’s the best approach to ensure we’re getting a good deal? 

What do you think?

Jane: Well, building a good relationship with your supplier is really important. 

When you establish a friendly connection, you’re more likely to negotiate better prices. 

A supplier who sees you as a partner rather than just a customer may be more willing to offer discounts or work with you on costs.

Another tip is to think about the additional items you might want for your product. 

For example, let’s say you have a main product and want to add extras, like a custom box or additional accessories.

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Instead of asking your main supplier to source those extras, try to order them directly from the factories that specialize in making those specific items.

Here’s why: Your main supplier would likely buy these extras from another factory and then sell them to you at a higher price. 

They’d add their own profit margin, which increases your costs. 

So, if your product needs wooden accessories, for example, it’s better to find a factory that produces wooden items directly. 

The same goes for boxes — order them from a factory that specializes in making packaging. 

This way, you avoid the extra markup and keep your costs lower.

Vova: That’s a smart approach. 

Anything else?

Jane: Yes, shipping is another area where you can save money. 

When you’re sending your products to Amazon, you can split your shipment into two parts. 

For example, if you’ve ordered 300 pieces, you could ship 100 pieces by air and the remaining 200 pieces by sea.

Learn More About Chinese Tiger: Chinese Tiger Company Services Review - A to Z Partner In China

Here’s how this helps: The air shipment is faster, so those 100 pieces can arrive quickly, letting you start selling and promoting your product sooner. 

Meanwhile, the 200 pieces shipped by sea will take longer but cost less. 

By the time the sea shipment arrives, you’ll already have some sales data and can plan your next order accordingly.

This strategy helps you manage costs while also getting your product to market faster. 

Plus, it’s a good way to test demand without committing to expensive shipping for the entire batch.

Vova: That makes a lot of sense. 

It’s like balancing speed and cost to get the best of both worlds.

Jane: Exactly! By planning your orders and shipments carefully, you can save money and stay ahead in the process.

Vova: Jane, what about comparing prices on different Chinese platforms? 

Should we check prices on places like Alibaba or maybe use other options? 

Or would it be better to work with sourcing agents who can help with this? 

What’s the best way to go about it?

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Jane: That’s a good question. 

As I mentioned earlier, being able to communicate in Chinese is a big advantage, and it’s one of the ways we help our clients get better deals.

When it comes to platforms, there are two popular ones worth mentioning: Alibaba and 1688. 

Both are widely used for sourcing products, but they cater to slightly different audiences.

Alibaba is designed for English-speaking customers. 

It has an English interface, and many of the suppliers on the platform have English-speaking managers. 

This makes it user-friendly for people who don’t speak Chinese. 

However, prices on Alibaba are usually higher. 

Many of the suppliers you’ll find there are middlemen rather than factories, which means they add their own profit margin on top of the factory price.

On the other hand, there’s 1688, which is a platform in Chinese. 

This one is geared towards local Chinese businesses and buyers. 

It’s known for offering lower prices compared to Alibaba because it connects you more directly to factories. 

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However, there’s a tradeoff — it’s harder to use.

The interface of 1688 is very different from what most of us are used to. 

It’s packed with bright colors, animated icons, and a lot of Chinese characters. 

It can feel overwhelming, especially for someone who doesn’t read Chinese. 

But if you can navigate it or work with someone who can, it’s a great way to find lower prices.

Another tip is that even on 1688, you might be able to negotiate an even lower price once you connect with a supplier. 

When you start building a relationship with them and discussing your order in detail, they may be more flexible with pricing.

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Vova: So, even though 1688 is trickier to use, it’s worth the effort because the prices are better, right?

Jane: Exactly. If you’re serious about saving money and finding the best deals, it’s a good idea to explore 1688 or work with someone who understands the platform. 

Using the right tools and building strong relationships with suppliers can make a big difference.

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Final Thoughts

To wrap things up, ordering products from China can be more affordable if you approach it the right way. 

Building a friendly relationship with suppliers is key. 

It can lead to better prices and smoother communication. 

Also, be smart about where you source your products. 

Platforms like Alibaba are convenient but often pricier since many suppliers there are middlemen. 

If you’re comfortable navigating a more challenging platform, 1688 can offer lower prices because it connects you directly to factories.

And don’t forget, working with a sourcing agent or someone who speaks Chinese can make a big difference, especially when it comes to negotiating prices and understanding the local market. 

Mention My Name (Vova Even) & Get a FREE Product Inspection In China from Chinese Tiger!

Whether it’s splitting shipments between air and sea or ordering parts from specialized factories, these strategies can save you money and help you manage your orders better.

I hope this helps you make smarter decisions for your sourcing needs!