01
Supplier sourcing
A considered starting point for your next product. Turn your requirements into a focused supplier search.
- Product requirements & supplier research
- Shortlisting & initial questions
- Supplier communication & samples
LOCAL FOCUS. INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE.
Sourcing support
in Guangdong, China.
Source Pilot China.
Your sourcing partner.
Supplier research, sourcing trips and order coordination for small businesses and first-time importers.
GUANGDONG, CHINASUPPLIER RESEARCH / VISITS / ORDER SUPPORT
Featured guideCanton Fair 2026: a first-visit guide
A CLEARER WAY TO SOURCE
Big possibilities.
A practical place to start.
Finding a product is one thing. Knowing which questions to ask, who to speak to and what comes next is another. Source Pilot China helps you define a sourcing project around your business, whether you are placing your first order or exploring a new category.
01 / HOW WE CAN HELP
From your brief.
To your next move.
Three ways to move your sourcing project forward. One scope, agreed around your needs.
02
Sourcing trips
Put the right meetings on your itinerary. Plan your time around the products and suppliers that matter.
- Factory & showroom appointments
- Meeting support & translation
- Itinerary & transport coordination
03
Ongoing order support
Keep the conversation moving after the shortlist. Agree the support you need through the next stages.
- Supplier communication & follow-up
- Samples & production updates
- Inspection & freight coordination
Availability, deliverables and third-party costs are confirmed in your proposal before work begins.
02 / OUR REGIONAL FOCUS
Start with Guangdong.
A region of distinct manufacturing specialisms. Your product helps determine where the search begins.
FoshanFurniture & home
GuangzhouApparel & accessories
Shenzhen / DongguanElectronics & accessories
ZhongshanLighting
PRODUCT-LED. REGION-FOCUSED.
These are regional research starting points, not confirmed service coverage. Share your category, including products beyond these examples, and we will assess the fit for your brief.
03 / THE APPROACH
Clear steps.
Considered decisions.
No need to have every answer before you begin. We start with what you know and define the next steps together.
- 01
Start with your brief
Tell us about your product, timing and the support you need. Undecided details are welcome.
- 02
Agree a clear scope
We review fit and availability, then outline deliverables, fees, expenses and next steps.
- 03
Explore your options
Move into supplier research, conversations or visits with the support agreed for your project.
- 04
Take the next step
Review samples and continue with supplier communication and order coordination as scoped.
ILLUSTRATIVE PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY04 / SOURCING TRIPS
Make every
supplier visit count.
Less guesswork. More purposeful conversations. Build your trip around the suppliers, samples and questions that matter to your business.
- 01Factory & showroom appointments
- 02Meeting support & translation
- 03Itinerary & transport coordination
Illustrative itinerary: a furniture brief might begin with Foshan research, followed by supplier appointments and a sample review. Your actual itinerary depends on supplier acceptance, locations and agreed support.
Plan a sourcing trip05 / GUIDES
Before you brief us
Practical, sourced guides on sourcing from Guangdong, China.
Latest guides
First-time importer
How to write a sourcing brief
What to include in a sourcing brief for a Chinese supplier, with a free template covering product, quantity, price, timing and specifications.
First-time importer
Do you need a sourcing agent? When it helps and when it doesn't
An honest look at when a sourcing agent is worth the cost for a first-time importer, and when finding suppliers yourself works just as well.
Guangdong
Sourcing in Guangdong: which city makes what
A sourced guide to Guangdong's manufacturing specialisms by city: Guangzhou, Foshan, Shenzhen, Dongguan and Zhongshan.
06 / GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you begin.
Every project is different.
Here are a few useful starting points.
Do I need to travel to China?
No. Your brief can focus on remote sourcing support or an in-person trip. We will confirm what is possible for your product and the locations involved.
What if I am sourcing for the first time?
Share what you know, even if your quantity, specifications or target price are still undecided. The brief is a starting point for discussing your requirements.
Which products and regions can you help with?
We focus on Guangdong, China and surrounding areas. Requests in nearby areas are assessed case by case. We review your product, destination market and the support required before confirming availability and agreeing an engagement.
How much does the service cost?
Fees depend on the work required. A tailored proposal will set out the agreed deliverables, service fees, third-party expenses and expected schedule before work begins.
What do supplier checks include?
The scope and depth of any checks must be agreed for your project. Initial research does not guarantee product quality or future supplier performance. Specialist inspections and compliance assessments need their own agreed scope.
Can you help with inspections and shipping?
Inspection and freight support are coordination services, subject to the agreed engagement. The provider, responsibilities and additional charges are specified separately.
07 / LET'S START WITH YOUR IDEA
What would you
like to source?
Tell us about your product and the support you need. We will review your brief and contact you to discuss what comes next.
Early-stage idea or detailed specification, share what you know. You do not need a confirmed quantity or target price to get started.
[email protected]A CONVERSATION STARTS HERE
Submitting a brief is an enquiry. Scope, availability and fees are agreed separately before work begins.