How to order samples from Alibaba manufacturers step by step
This video explains the sample ordering process after identifying trustworthy manufacturers on Alibaba, including creating a detailed spec sheet with measurements, materials, and Pantone colors. It covers cost, shipping speed, communication channels, and how to track supplier feedback in a spreadsheet.
The lessons
Create a detailed product spec sheet with measurements, materials and Pantone colors before ordering samples
Send your spec sheet to at least four manufacturers to compare
Expect samples to cost more per unit than bulk orders, and air shipping to be pricier but five times faster than sea
Start communication on the Alibaba platform before moving to WeChat or WhatsApp
Track suppliers in a spreadsheet comparing quality, speed, communication and packaging
Questions people ask
How should I compare sample manufacturers?
Send your detailed spec sheet to at least four manufacturers and track them in an Excel spreadsheet. Compare them on quality, how long it took to make, communication, and packaging.
Is it safe to talk to Alibaba suppliers on WhatsApp right away?
It's easiest to communicate through WeChat or WhatsApp, but initially it's safest to talk to suppliers through the Alibaba platform itself.
Transcript
This is how you import products from Alibaba, part three. It's time to order your samples. In parts one and two, we identify the manufacturers with the good trust badges. Now what you want to do is create a very specific product sheet detailing things like measurements, materials, pictures for reference, fonts, Pantone colors, and even things like logo placements.
I want you to send that list to at least four of your selected manufacturers. Here are four things that you need to know about those samples. One, samples cost a lot more than buying in bulk. Number two, when you're given a product cost, that does not include shipping costs or import costs.
Number three, samples will usually be sent by air. Air shipping is very expensive, but it is about five times quicker than sea shipping. Number four, it's easiest to talk to them through WeChat or WhatsApp, but initially, it's safest to talk to them through the Alibaba platform. In an Excel spreadsheet, I want you to list the manufacturers and the date that you sent them the spec sheet.
This Excel sheet will be used to put your feedback in for each supplier. Compare them on these four things, quality, how long it took to make, communication, and packaging. I hope this helps.
