Free Tool

Fulfillment Readiness Check

Are you actually ready to place your first China bulk order? Work through this checklist and find out what is still missing.

Click each item you have already completed. Takes about 3 minutes.

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Supplier & Product

I have at least 3 verified supplier quotes for this product

Compare at least 3 quotes. Single-source pricing gives you no leverage.

I have verified the supplier's business license or factory address

Alibaba Gold Supplier status, CNAS audit, or a verified address from a third party.

I have received and approved a physical product sample

Ordering bulk without a physical sample is one of the most common and costly mistakes.

I have a signed and dated pro-forma invoice or purchase order

Do not wire any money without a written agreement.

Quality & Compliance

I know which certifications my product requires for my destination market

CE (EU), FCC (US), RoHS, REACH, CPSC, etc. — depends on product category.

I have received actual certificate files (not just claims)

Ask for PDF originals. Verify expiry dates. Many suppliers share outdated or modified certs.

I have arranged a pre-shipment inspection with a third-party QC company

SGS, Bureau Veritas, QIMA, or a local inspector. Usually $250–$400 for a day inspection.

I have a written quality spec or golden sample the factory must match

Without a written spec, the supplier decides what "acceptable quality" means.

Packing & Labeling

I have specified the export carton dimensions and weight limits

Oversized or overweight cartons cause customs delays and extra freight charges.

I have confirmed label requirements: language, barcode format, country of origin

US FDA and EU require specific label formats. Amazon FBA has strict barcode requirements.

If selling on Amazon, I know the FBA prep requirements for my product

Poly bagging, bubble wrap, FNSKU labels, suffocation warnings — depends on category.

Shipping & Logistics

I know my Incoterms and what they mean for my cost and risk

FOB, EXW, DDP — each changes who pays for freight, insurance, and customs clearance.

I have calculated my real landed cost per unit (not just FOB price)

Include shipping, duties, VAT, inspection, and customs clearance. Use our Landed Cost Calculator.

I have confirmed the HS code for my product and the applicable import duty rate

Wrong HS code = wrong duty rate. This is a common and expensive mistake to fix after clearance.

I have a freight forwarder or logistics partner arranged for this shipment

Do not rely on your supplier to arrange freight. Use your own freight forwarder for better rates and control.

Finance & Payment

I have verified the supplier's bank account name matches their business name

Fraud happens when payment goes to a personal account. Always verify the company name on the bank details.

I have agreed on payment terms: deposit % and balance release trigger

Standard for first orders: 30% deposit, 70% after inspection approval. Never 100% upfront.

I have enough working capital for the full landed cost — not just the factory price

Budget for: factory payment + freight + duties + inspection + unexpected delays. Add 20% buffer.