How to Buy from Alibaba Safely: Supplier Checks, Payments and Freight
A practical Alibaba buying guide covering supplier checks, platform verification, payments, inspections and when to arrange freight independently.
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China Import Guides, Sourcing Tips & Freight Updates
These practical import guides help businesses importing from China, sourcing products, managing suppliers, arranging freight and understanding customs requirements.
China sourcing · Supplier checks · Freight & customs
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China Import Guides
Updated July 2026: A practical guide for New Zealand businesses importing goods from China, covering sourcing, freight, customs clearance, GST, MPI risks, documentation, and final delivery.
China Sourcing
Updated July 2026: This guide explains how to check and verify a Chinese supplier before paying a deposit, including supplier type, business details, factory claims, trading companies, samples, contracts, payment risks, quality control, and warning signs.
Freight & Customs
Updated June 2026: This guide explains the difference between LCL and FCL shipping from China to New Zealand, including when each option makes sense, what costs to expect, and common mistakes NZ importers should avoid.
Latest guides
Production Monitoring in China: Keep Orders on Track
Learn how production monitoring can confirm progress, expose delays and keep supplier milestones aligned before inspection and shipping.
Supplier Verification vs Factory Audit vs Product Inspection
Supplier verification, factory audits and product inspections check different parts of the buying process in China. This guide explains what each one does, when…
Private Label Packaging China: MOQs, Artwork and Cartons
Plan branded retail packaging in China, including artwork files, packaging MOQs, labels, retail boxes and export-carton requirements.
Product Samples from China: What to Check Before Approval
A sample approval checklist covering materials, measurements, function, packaging, labels and the written record needed before bulk production.
China Product Sourcing Brief: Get More Accurate Quotes
Learn what to include in a China sourcing brief so suppliers quote the same specifications, quantities, packaging and commercial requirements.
China Supplier Payment Terms: Deposits, 30/70 and When to Pay
A practical guide to deposits, 30/70 payment structures, bank-account checks and deciding when to release the supplier’s balance.
Factory vs Trading Company in China: How Importers Can Tell the Difference
Learn how to distinguish a Chinese factory from a trading company, what evidence to check and when each type of supplier may be suitable.
How to Source Products from China to Australia: A Practical Guide
A practical guide for Australian importers covering supplier selection, samples, product compliance, quality control, payments and freight from China.
In addition, our articles help New Zealand, Australian and international importers make better decisions before placing orders, paying suppliers or shipping goods. We cover China sourcing, factory checks, product inspections, sea freight, air freight, customs clearance, warehousing, consolidation, trade shows and import risk.
Whether you are importing for the first time or already buying from China, good information matters. As a result, these guides can help you make clearer decisions before you commit time and money.
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