Blog: practical notes for buying from Yiwu
Short, practical notes for importers: what things cost, how quality checks work, how to combine suppliers, and how to start small. For quick reference pages on Yiwu market districts, typical MOQs and shipping options, see our Yiwu buying guides.
Are Yiwu market booths factories or traders? How to tell and why it matters
Check who makes your product, compare factory and trader offers, and confirm responsibility before ordering.
Read the guide →How do you negotiate prices at Yiwu market?
Compare supplier quotes, negotiate the full order, and confirm specifications before paying.
Read the guide →Custom keychains from Yiwu: materials, logos, MOQs and lead times
Compare materials, logo methods, setup costs and sample checks before ordering custom keychains.
Read the guide →How do you visit Yiwu market? A first-timer’s guide for buyers
Getting there from Shanghai or Hangzhou, opening hours, how many days to plan, what to bring and what to do after your visit.
Read the guide →When does Yiwu market close for Chinese New Year, and how should you plan orders?
Opening hours, recent Chinese New Year closure and reopening dates, what to expect for 2027, and when to order.
Read the guide →How do you handle product packaging and labeling when buying from Yiwu?
Retail packs, barcodes, language labels, custom boxes and master carton marks — what to specify before you order.
Read the guide →How do you avoid scams when buying from Yiwu?
Common scam patterns, payment red flags, how to verify suppliers and agents, and safer payment habits.
Read the guide →How do you order product samples from Yiwu market?
Stock vs custom samples, typical cost ranges, timeline, what to check, and how an agent ships samples by express.
Read the guide →What documents do you need to import goods from Yiwu, China?
Invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, test reports and what you need on your side.
Read the guide →Canton Fair or Yiwu market: which is better for buying from China?
When each runs, who you meet, typical order sizes, and how to use both.
Read the guide →How do you pay a Yiwu sourcing agent and suppliers safely?
Bank transfer vs. PayPal, deposits, invoices, and how to avoid payment scams.
Read the guide →How our sourcing fee works: flat 10% of the goods value (US$50 minimum)
Our flat 10% service fee on goods value, the US$50 minimum, worked examples, and what is billed separately at cost.
Read the guide →How to check quality before your goods leave Yiwu
Samples, live video, carton checks and photos before shipping — what to ask for.
Read the guide →How to combine goods from many Yiwu suppliers into one shipment
Collecting goods from many booths into one shipment, and what drives the freight cost.
Read the guide →How to place a small trial order from Yiwu market
Testing a product with a small first order: minimums, samples, mixing items, real costs.
Read the guide →Yiwu sourcing agent vs. buying directly on Alibaba
When ordering directly makes sense, when a local agent helps, and how to combine both.
Read the guide →