Working with Chinese Fabric Mills: Complete Buyer Guide

Finding suppliers: direct mill vs trading company (mills: better pricing, minimum MOQ, technical expertise; traders: lower MOQ, variety, easier communication). Verification: factory audits (check machinery, certifications, production capacity), online verification (business license, export records). Communication: language barriers (hire translator or English-speaking supplier like Huada), time zone (GMT+8), written confirmations essential, technical specs via detailed datasheets. Sampling: request process (provide fabric description, quantity, end-use), lead time 5-10 days typical, sample costs $20-50 refundable on order, approval before bulk production. Ordering: MOQ negotiation (start 500-1000kg for new relationship), payment terms (30% T/T deposit, 70% before shipment standard; L/C for large orders), production timeline 15-35 days, QC checkpoints (greige inspection, dyeing approval, final inspection). Pricing: understand breakdowns (yarn cost 40-50%, knitting/dyeing 30-40%, profit 10-20%), volume discounts (10-15% for 5000kg+), currency (USD standard). Logistics: FOB vs CIF vs DDU, customs documentation, container loading (20ft = 8-10 tons, 40ft = 18-22 tons). Building relationships: consistency, annual commitments, exclusive arrangements. Huada advantages: English sales team, flexible MOQ (500kg new customers), fast sampling, quality guarantee, transparent pricing.