It is now common for many enterprises to purchase goods made in China. Today, buyers no longer rely solely on factory visits. Most sourcing now starts online. As a result, B2B platforms are crucial in global trade.

When buyers think about sourcing from China, several platforms usually come to mind. These include Alibaba, Global Sources, Made-in-China, DHgate, and TradeKey. Although many platforms are available, some do not attract serious buyers or reliable suppliers on a regular basis.

Among global buyers, three platforms stand out. These are Alibaba, Global Sources, and Made-in-China. Each platform serves a different type of buyer. In this guide, we focus only on Made-in-China. This article explains how the platform works and how buyers can use it safely and effectively.

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As a buyer, if you want to trade with Chinese suppliers, the platforms that come to mind first might be Alibaba.com, Global Sources, Made-in-China, DHgate, TradeKey, etc.

Although there are many B2B platforms in China, few truly generate significant traffic, customers, and orders. Here we recommend for you the three most commonly used platforms by global buyers: Alibaba（http://alibaba.com）、MIC（http://Made-in-China.com）, and GlobalSources（http://GlobalSources.com.cn). We previously introduced Alibaba. Today, let’s focus on “Made-in-China”.

 

What is “Made-in-China”?

Made-in-China.com is a well-known global B2B e-commerce platform established in 1998, meaning it has over two decades of experience in international trade. It serves as a comprehensive foreign trade service linking Chinese producers to customers worldwide.

Unlike other B2B platforms, this one focuses on industrial goods, which it sees as its strength. Such products comprise machinery, equipment and related components. As a result, the site attracts buyers who are, in most cases, professionals rather than those who are just buying for fun.

Supplier Entry Requirements

Made-in-China applies strict entry requirements and review mechanisms to safeguard buyers. These checks help buyers avoid sourcing scams by ensuring that suppliers have provided all necessary documents, such as a valid business license, proof of a fixed office or factory, and complete trade documentation.

In addition, suppliers are required to undergo on-site inspections by accredited agencies. Some industries may need additional prerequisites for approval especially those under high surveillance.

Membership Levels on Made-in-China

There is a tiered membership system for manufacturers on Made-in-China.com. A quick look at the supplier’s credibility is made possible by this system.

The platform provides for three primary membership levels:

Free Members

Although it is free of charge to sign up for the platform as a free member, they do not have certification marks. Therefore, buyers often place a lower level of trust in these suppliers.

Gold Members and Diamond Members

The membership is paid for both Gold and Diamond members. Although they have different charges and platform privileges, there is something common to both. A supplier will only be considered qualified if he/she pass an on-site audit conducted by a reputable third-party agency like SGS.

Every audited supplier gets a special certificate report number. Purchasers may check this information on the official websites of SGS, TÜV, or BV. In addition, certified suppliers have been seen using certification marks on Made-in-China. These marks distinguish reliable suppliers.

 

Why choose “Made-in-China”?

1. Supplier Quality Assurance

The manufacturers listed on Made-in-China.com are carefully examined and evaluated to ensure they meet specific standards. This is important for ensuring the quality of the suppliers is maintained throughout the website.

Approximately 94% of these suppliers have the star certification. For a supplier to obtain this certification, they must pass three types of reviews, including an evaluation of the business license, production capacity, and trade record. On top of that, they should undertake on-site inspection from reputable bodies like SGS, BV, and TÜV.

To further minimize risks for overseas customers, some suppliers also provide VR factory inspection services. By using these virtual tours, buyers can inspect the factory’s environment from a distance before they make any purchases and it is fascinating.

2. Precise Supplier Resources

The platform is popular for its focus on industrial products and raw materials, especially those that are within the vertical industries.

It caters to various sectors, with over 3,600 product subcategories, including machinery, electronics, construction materials, and chemicals. Due to its broad but specialized nature, it is effective for purchasing goods on a massive scale through B2B.

Most buyers looking to manufacture in industries will prefer to use made-in-China options when sourcing.

3. Efficient Procurement Process

In cases where purchasers do not specify a supplier or brand, the AI can automatically suggest appropriate suppliers based on procurement needs, much like buyers post RFQs for targeted quotes.

Communication with the selected supplier is one-on-one. The buyer sends their questions straight to the supplier via email. This measure ensures that confidential information does not reach rivals and also protects buyers’ privacy during their purchasing processes.

4. Low Transaction Costs

Made-in-China does not apply any transaction fees. The buyers incur only a 0.1 percent withdrawal charge.

It is cheaper than in other platforms. To illustrate, Alibaba International Station usually charges about 2-3% and also has higher withdrawal fees. As time goes by, such a difference may lead to a decrease in total purchasing expenses.

5. Order Guarantee Service

Made-in-China developed an all-round order assurance system to keep buyers safe in B2B transactions. This includes escrow, manual checking, compulsory inspection, and shipment tracking.

How the order guarantee works:

  • The platform temporarily withholds the funds until the supplier ships the goods. 
  • The deposit is released as soon as the supplier uploads valid shipping documents.
  • Upon receipt of the goods by the buyer, the rest of the money is automatically paid out, provided that there were no complaints during the seven days.
  • When there is an issue with what has been ordered, buyers have the option of freezing the rest of the balance and making an application for arbitration.

Logistics and shipment verification:

  • For a shipment to be considered valid, it must have the proper documentation; hence, suppliers should upload authentic logistics certificates from well-known providers.
  • Through the platform, buyers can follow up on their deliveries live since it is integrated with logistics systems.
  • There are various ways of shipping, like fast delivery, cargo by air, or sea.

Dispute handling and resolution:

  • Customers with products that have not met the required standards can upload their evidence and lodge complaints on the website.
  • Made-in-China intervenes within 72 hours to facilitate negotiation.
  • When there is no consensus reached, third-party testing and SGS arbitration take place.
  • The final arbitration outcome determines when funds will be released or refunded.

6. Trading Permissions and Penalties

Online trading services can only be activated by Diamond members or Gold members who have been in service for over 2 years so as to minimize the risk of fraud. This policy reinforces a systematic sourcing process for buyers seeking to engage with reputable, experienced suppliers.

Penalties are charged by the platform if a supplier delays shipment. Suppliers might have to compensate buyers with 0. 5% of the daily order value in case of delayed deliveries. The accounts of suppliers who commit serious offenses may be closed.

How to buy products through “Made-in-China”?

 

How to find products?

The following are ways through which buyers can get products from Made-in-China:

  1. Search using keywords: To begin with, input keywords at the homepage of MIC. Following the search, buyers may select how they would like the results displayed. They could choose among product listings, supplier profiles or factory listings for this purpose. By doing this, they will be able to narrow down on their options very fast.
    Made-in-China
  2. Browse by product categories: Buyers can see a list of product categories on the left-hand side of the website. It is appropriate in cases where one knows exactly what they want to buy, but there is no complete information about it in the offer.
  3. Post a Request for Quotation (RFQ): A buyer has the option of posting an RFQ, which stands for Request for Quotation, so that suppliers can provide them with their price offers. To obtain relevant quotations from suppliers after posting the RFQ, it is essential to include all necessary details about the products and to make the requirements clear enough. As a result, suppliers will be able to offer favorable prices with less effort spent on sorting through irrelevant bids.

 

How to screen suppliers?

When procuring goods from China, it is essential to screen the suppliers. Various instruments on Made-in-China can help buyers make better choices.

Analyze Industrial Clusters

Specialization and economies of scale lead to clustering of manufacturing activities in certain parts of China. 

For instance, there are many electronics manufacturers in the Pearl River Delta and the Yangtze River Delta. The production of textiles is also standard in areas such as Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Fujian. However, some sectors are beginning to expand into the central and western regions, e., Henan and Xinjiang.

The presence of all suppliers in one area implies the availability of a complete industrial chain in that area. As a result, this will enhance production efficiency as well as the quality level.

Check Membership Levels

A supplier’s credibility and experience are reflected in their membership level. Buyers should prioritize suppliers with the TOPRANK or Diamond badges. Such suppliers have undergone platform audits and certifications.

Identify Manufacturers Versus Intermediaries

It is important for buyers to look at the range of products offered by suppliers carefully. Suppliers specializing in a single product line are mostly manufacturers. On the other hand, those with multiple unrelated products could be middlemen.

Better prices and communication can usually be achieved through direct work with manufacturers.

Review Factory Evidence

Factory photos and workshop videos are also helpful in assessing a supplier’s strength. Through these visual aids, buyers can comprehend the level and working environment of production.

How to contact the supplier?

If you wish to contact a supplier on Made-in-China, click the product listing for which you need information. Once on the product page, choose “Contact Supplier” or initiate chat through the chat icon.

Communication skills：

1. Ask clear and professional questions

If you have any questions or doubts, talk to the supplier. By asking detailed, professional questions, one can better understand a product’s specifics and assess the supplier’s knowledge. Most of the time, reliable suppliers will respond with patience offering some good advice. A supplier that takes too long to reply or fails to answer your questions should not be considered. The way in which services are offered is key to ensuring there is no friction between the involved parties.

2. Compare quotations carefully

Buyers should gather quotations from various suppliers, compare them thoroughly, and then choose the best one. They should avoid prices that are too low or too high. The average cost is usually found between the two extremes. Price variance may as well serve as grounds for engaging the preferred seller in a bargaining process.

There may be cases where certain suppliers offer quotations with discounts. When this happens, buyers need to check the supplier’s credibility first before making any purchases. Before making any substantial investment, it is highly advisable to buy some samples first to ascertain the quality of the product to be purchased in bulk later on.

Conclusion

Made-in-China is an excellent platform for buyers worldwide who engage in B2B purchasing. It is most appropriate when buying goods for industrial and manufacturing use. The site is dedicated to providing customers with quality services, including verified suppliers, secure payment options, and effective customer interactions.

To reduce sourcing risks and improve their decision-making process, buyers need to know how to use the platform. With proper supplier screening and clear communication, Made-in-China can become a dependable way to reach out to Chinese manufacturers.

Buyers who feel they require additional protection beyond the platform can engage in extra activities, such as working with sourcing partners like SourcingXPro. Supplier verification, quality control as well as order follow-up are among the roles played by experienced sourcing teams. When combined, buyers can source confidently while avoiding the typical hazards of cross-border procurement.