No matter how the world economy changes in nowadays, we have to admit it that China is still one of the best countries for producing drinkware related products.
Before we had stepped into drinkware industry, we had personally visited and investigated the entire industry many years ago. The entire supply chain is so efficient and impressive that we have to ask ourselves: is there any chance for any other countries to replace China for drinkware production? Well, we think there is very low chance, or it won’t happen for the coming years. It may sound unbelievable, but you might agree with me if you see what I have seen.
There are many reasons behind it. And it is a good topic for another post. But, here what we care, is that China does offer competitive (for most cases) price for the products, but not necessarily by offering the lowest quality. However, it requires skills and experience for buyers to identify the good suppliers. Or it could get very ugly and painful. We’ve seen and heard a lot of stories. And of course, this is usually the most difficult part. That’s why we’ve decided to share things that we know about the industry for those who are dealing or will be dealing with Chinese suppliers.
If you are also looking for some water bottles in bulk from China, but are new to International trade or global sourcing. This article may help.
From this article, you can learn:
A. The whole process of ordering water bottles from China
B. What a buyer needs to provide
C. What a buyer needs to note
A. The whole process of ordering water bottles from China
The process can be split into 5 steps:
1. Inquiry
Buyers can send over an inquiry to your supplier for a quotation. You can tell them all the details of the order as detailed as possible. Your supplier will get back to you with all the information like the quote, lead time, and else.
2. Sample
You can request a pre-production sample before mass production. In general, the sample lead time is 7- 10 days.
Many buyers would love to check samples in person. Some of the buyers would also check samples via pictures and video to save extra time and sample shipping costs.
A small part of buyers would request their unique design. A new mold would be needed and the sample lead time can take up to 2-3 months.
3. Mass production
After you check the sample and confirm the bulk order, your supplier can start mass production. The production lead time will take about 15-30 days. Sometimes it will take over a month, depending on the quantity and the season.
4. Delivery
Your supplier can deliver all items to our designated address. There are 4 most common trade terms for International trade: EXW, FOB, CIF, DDU/DDP. It may be difficult for you to understand the differences between each trade term if you are new to global business. Let me simplify:
EXW: You need a freight forwarder, who can pick up all items from the factory, and deliver everything to your address.
FOB: Your supplier delivers all items to one of the Chinese Ports of Loading, and finishes the Chinese customs declaration paperwork. You need a freight forwarder, who can pick up all items from the port and deliver everything to your address.
CIF: Your supplier delivers all items to the arrival port that the buyer requested and finishes the Chinese customs declaration paperwork. You need a freight forwarder, who can pick up all items from the arrival port, and deliver everything to your address.
DDU/DDP: You don’t need a freight forwarder. Your supplier will deliver all items to your address. The difference between DDU and DDP is that: you need to pay duty tax if you go with DDU, and you don’t need to pay duty tax if you go with DDP.
5. Happy selling or happy gifting 🙂
B. What do you need to provide
Bottle Model:
You need to choose the model you want for your order. You can pick the model from your supplier’s catalogue or any website. As long as your supplier has the mold, they can produce the specific model you want. And of course, you can also create a new model by your designer, and own your private mold.
The shape of the bottle and the lid, the capacity, and the material will be three of the most important factors to confirm the model you will order.
Logo/design:
If you need to add the logo to your bottle, you need to forward an AI file to your supplier. Some of you may not have AI, a PNG or PDF file could also be an alternative option.
Besides, you will need to confirm how you would like the logo to be. It could be the laser, silk screen, heat transfer, or else. The different logos have different effects and prices.
Color:
You can provide the specific Pantone color number to customize the color.
Surface treatment:
There are several surface treatment options for bottles like powder coating, spray paint, water transfer printing, and else.
Address:
An address will be needed for the estimated shipping quote.
Contact info:
Your supplier needs your contact info for customs and delivery purposes.
VAT:
Some countries may require VAT numbers for customs purposes. You can ask your supplier and see whether they need your VAT number.
C. What you need to note
Payment term:
You should confirm the payment term with your supplier before you place an order.
Payment method:
Bank wire transfers, credit cards, and Paypal are some of the common payment methods. If you want other payment methods, you should confirm with your supplier before placing an order.
Production lead time:
You should ask for the production lead time to better arrange your selling period.
Shipment detail:
AIR freight and SEA freight are two of the most common shipment methods. You should ask your supplier or your freight forwarder about the shipment details like the shipment cost, shipment method, and delivery time.
Sourcing drinkware products from China are common and simple. Whether you need promotional bottles for branding or you need to sell bottles for your business, ordering water bottles in China will be your best alternative option.
