Have you found your dream manufacturer? Are you ready to confirm your first order? Here at WeSource we suggest you ask yourself four quick questions before you sign on the dotted line.

Are they communicative and responsive?

Right now, you and your prospective factory are in the early stages of dating, and you are the catch. They should be doing all they can to make you feel like a priority, including answering your calls and replying to your emails in full.

Pro Tip: Communicate briefly and simply. Consider breaking your points into numbered paragraphs. If your requests for information are consistently ignored or you find yourself waiting more than 24hrs for a response, you might want to swipe left.

Do they respect my time?

As a new client, it is unlikely you will be able to impose penalties if a manufacturer fails to meet your deadlines. This means you need to look for other signs that they will deliver on time.

How quickly did you receive your samples? Did they promise to have them to you in two weeks, but take two months? Gather clues and decide if you think this manufacturer respects your deadlines.

Pro Tip: Make sure your quote includes a lead time in writing and emphasis that you are on a tight deadline. Also ask if there are any public holidays that might cause delays. Delays can happen; it is how they are handled that is important. Does their response inspire your confidence?

Am I really happy with the samples?

It is not until you hold a sample in your hand that you know the true quality of your prospective manufacturer's products. What you see here is what you will get, so inspect samples thoroughly for spots of glue, funny smells, poorly sewn seams, etc. How did they factory respond to your feedback on the samples? Were they willing to make any changes you requested, or did they brush off your concerns? Anything less than a total willingness to fix your concerns should set off warning bells.

Pro Tip: Request an additional sample if you are not satisfied. Many manufacturers will ask you to pay for this and we advise that you do so, asking that the fee be absorbed into the cost of the final order. Any sample fee will be a fraction of the final order and it sends the message that you will be paying close attention to the quality of the finished product.

Is the price really right?

Wait, didn’t we agree on this already? Make sure there are no miscommunications when it comes to what is included. Is the price per unit, per color or per design? Is it FOB, EXW or CIF? What is the MOQ, and does your order meet it? Does the price include all packaging? What exchange rate was used to calculate your price, and has it changed since?

Pro Tip: Ask for all of the above information in writing to avoid any nasty surprises down the line. Sometimes, there are many additional costs behind that attractive first price.

Seeing your dream product come to life is such a thrill. Check your excitement for just a second and ask yourself these four questions - they are sure to make your sourcing process a whole lot easier.

Alibaba brings the vast production capabilities and expertise of Chinese manufacturers to small businesses worldwide. However, it can be tricky to navigate.

Once you have found a seller who can produce your product you want to make sure you place an accurate, complete order. Here are 7 tips to help you do it right.

Hit them with your best shots

A picture tells a thousand words, especially when you and your seller don't speak the same language. If you have a sample of your product, send 5-10 clear photographs. Shoot in natural light and be sure to include images of zippers, hardware, joins, seams, studs and buttons.

Pro Tip: Photograph your sample alongside a measuring tape to show scale. China uses the metric system so make sure your measuring tape is in both inches and centimeters.

Link it up

If you are sourcing a product that is sold online, send your seller links to example websites. Not only will the detailed images and specifications save you both time, but the seller will know that you are doing your market research (and offer comparable pricing).

Pro Tip: Make a note of how other online retailers are shipping your product as this will help you design your shipping methods and packaging.

Show your hand

Be honest about the number of units you are looking to source. A seller must decide if your order is worth dedicating their materials, time, equipment and staff. Promising an order of 100,000 pieces when your budget is for 1,000 is a waste of time for all involved.

Pro Tip: If your order quantity is short of their MOQ, ask for the minimum price per unit at which they will produce your order. Some sellers will accept smaller orders for a higher price per unit.

Know the costs

Do your research and know the rough cost per unit before you contact a seller. Check retail websites including Amazon and even brick-and-mortar stores. As a rough guide, to find the cost price of items you find in stores, halve the retail price for the wholesale price, then halve the wholesale price for the cost price. Online sites have lower margins and tend to price somewhere between the retail and the wholesale price.

Pro Tip: AliExpress (AliBaba's shopper-friendly sister site) is your best friend when it comes to per unit costing. If your seller offers a cost price close to the best price available on AliExpress, you are probably getting a good deal.

Pack it right

Know how each unit in your order will be packaged, as well as how the entire order will be packed. The cheapest option per unit is typically a ‘mailer box’; a white cardboard box with no labeling (think Ikea). The cost increases as you add color, vacuum packs and customization. Ask the seller for their recommendation.

Pro Tip: Check how other websites are packing your product. Do they use protective packaging? Do they dismantle longer sections into shorter-sized pieces (e.g. mop handles)? There could be some hard-learned lessons there. Let their experience guide you.

Set the date

A seller might be willing to produce your hexagonal beach towel, but that won't be any use if they can’t deliver until the end of summer. Give the seller the date by which you need your product (typically 3 months before it will go on sale) and have them confirm it in writing.

Pro Tip: Sellers use the acronym 'E.T.D.' in conjunction with dates. Do not confuse this for ‘Estimated Time of Delivery’. It means ‘Estimated Time of Departure’, i.e., the date it will leave China.

Get tested

Have you seen those faulty hoverboard videos? If your product contains electrical components make sure they meet National Standard Testing. An untested product is not only dangerous, it is likely to languish in customs while they figure out if it should be released. Products that have been tested for export come with certification and testing documents - ask for them!

Pro Tip: Do not place an order for uncertified products. A reputable seller will have all the certifications on hand or be willing to get them. Make sure you have copies before you place the order.

When navigated properly, Alibaba is an incredible resource for your business. Make a note of these tips and be on your way to placing accurate, complete orders every time.

Finding a Supplier

Four questions to ask before signing with a manufacturer