Sourcing Intelligence Blog

Practical, actionable guides on verifying Chinese suppliers, reducing sourcing risk, and protecting your profit margin before you send a deposit.

All Sourcing Guides

Pricing Strategy

1688 vs Alibaba: Price Benchmarking Guide

Learn how to use 1688.com to check the "real" factory price and avoid overpaying on Alibaba.

Payment Safety

Best Ways to Pay Chinese Suppliers Safely

Discover the safest payment methods when sourcing from China and learn how to spot bank account red flags.

Verification

How to Check if a Chinese Supplier is Legit

Practical methods to verify if a supplier is legitimate before placing an order or sending deposit.

Verification

Supplier Verification vs. Quality Control

Don't confuse background checks with pre-shipment inspections (QC). Learn when to use each.

Verification

How to Verify a Chinese Supplier (Step-by-Step)

Step-by-step guide covering registration checks, legal records, operational verification and payment risk.

Verification

How to Check Company Registration Records

Learn how to verify official business licenses, operating status, and legal representatives in China.

Legal & Contracts

Why NDAs Don't Work in China (Use NNN)

Protect your intellectual property. Learn why Western NDAs fail and how to use an NNN Agreement.

Sourcing Strategy

Sourcing Agent vs Direct Factory

Should you use a sourcing agent or work directly? Discover the hidden risks of both approaches.

Platform Truths

Alibaba Gold Supplier vs Real Factory

Is Gold Supplier the same as a real factory? Understand the difference between badges and real manufacturers.

Risk Alert

5 Red Flags When Sourcing from China

Identify early warning signs that increase financial and operational risk before sending your deposit.

Fraud Prevention

Top Warning Signs of Supplier Scams

Recognize the most common warning signs of Chinese supplier scams to protect yourself from financial loss.

Fraud Prevention

How to Avoid Alibaba Scams

Learn practical steps and platform features you must use to avoid scams when sourcing on Alibaba.

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