STEP 01
Define the sourcing brief
Document the product, specification, quantity, target market, commercial assumptions, destination, timing and known risks.
YOUR OUTPUTA factory-ready sourcing scope
CHINA SOURCING PROCESS
A six-step China sourcing process from brief to shipment release.
Aupeak's Hangzhou team connects supplier screening, quotations, samples, production follow-up, quality inspection and shipping coordination for SMEs—while the buyer keeps every commercial approval.
SIX VISIBLE SOURCING STAGES
Each stage produces evidence for the next buyer decision.
Supplier information, approvals, changes and findings stay connected in one working record. External costs and commercial commitments move forward only after buyer approval.
STEP 02
Source and screen suppliers
Research suitable manufacturers, check initial fit and organise comparable quotations, MOQ, lead time, capability evidence and open questions.
YOUR OUTPUTA decision-ready supplier comparison
STEP 03
Sample and freeze the reference
Coordinate samples, record revisions and confirm the approved specification, packaging or golden sample before mass production.
YOUR OUTPUTAn approved production reference
STEP 04
Follow production and changes
Track order milestones, material or component questions, approved changes and practical updates from the factory floor.
YOUR OUTPUTA visible production and change record
STEP 05
Inspect before release
Check finished goods against the approved reference and report defects, quantities, packing and corrective-action evidence before release.
YOUR OUTPUTA documented shipment-release decision
STEP 06
Consolidate and hand over shipping
Reconcile final cargo data, quality approval, documents, supplier deliveries and the handover to the buyer-approved freight setup.
YOUR OUTPUTOne coordinated freight handover
FACTORY AUDIT PROCESS
Verify the supplier before the first major commitment.
A factory audit answers a different question from a product inspection: whether the supplier itself appears capable, legitimate and suitable for the planned work.
- 01
Define the risk brief
Confirm the product, target market, order value, required certifications and the questions the visit must answer.
- 02
Verify the business identity
Review the supplier's registered entity, business licence, operating address and the relationship between the sales company and factory.
- 03
Review real production capability
Observe the production lines, equipment, workforce, current work and whether capacity appears suitable for the planned order.
- 04
Check the quality system
Review incoming-material checks, in-process controls, testing equipment, final inspection records and defect handling.
- 05
Review documents and compliance
Check relevant certificates, test reports and document consistency against the product and destination-market requirements.
- 06
Observe the working environment
Record production organisation, material storage, traceability, cleanliness and visible safety or subcontracting risks.
- 07
Build the evidence pack
Capture current photographs, video, document notes and direct answers so the buyer can review what was found remotely.
- 08
Report the decision points
Summarise strengths, red flags, open questions and recommended next actions before sampling or order approval.
BUYER OUTPUTA photo-supported risk summary with red flags, open questions and recommended next actions.
Audit or inspection?WHAT YOU APPROVE
Your commercial decisions stay yours.
01 Supplier shortlist and commercial terms
02 Sample and final production specification
03 Mass-production order and payment milestones
04 Quality decision before goods are released
05 Shipping method and final destination
A STRONGER FIRST BRIEF
What to send before we start sourcing.
- ProductPhotos, links, drawings or an existing sample
- SpecificationMaterial, dimensions, colours, functions and quality expectations
- QuantityTarget order quantity and expected repeat volume
- Commercial targetTarget price, timeline and packaging needs
- MarketDestination country and known certification requirements
- Risk prioritiesAny supplier, compliance, timing or quality concerns we should investigate
Where does a China sourcing project start?
It starts with a written brief covering the product, specification, quantity, target market, commercial assumptions, destination, timing, packaging and known risks. Unknown items are recorded for clarification instead of being silently assumed.
Does Aupeak choose the supplier and place the order for me?
Aupeak researches and screens suppliers, organises comparable information and records open questions. The buyer approves the supplier, commercial terms, purchase order and payment milestones before any commitment.
What happens if a sample or inspection fails?
The findings are recorded and the supplier is asked for corrective action or supporting evidence. The buyer then decides whether to revise, rework, re-inspect, reject or approve before the project moves through the next gate.
Can Aupeak support only one stage of the sourcing process?
Yes. Supplier sourcing, factory audits, product-development coordination, quality inspection or shipping coordination can be quoted as a defined standalone scope. The proposal states the deliverables and applicable costs.
START A CONVERSATION
Ready to share a sourcing brief?
Send us your references, target quantity and destination. We’ll review the brief and suggest the clearest next step.