Quick answer: A successful Yiwu purchase starts with a product brief, a district plan, comparable samples, written terms, and a quality-control checkpoint before consolidation and export.
Maybe you are wondering what makes Yiwu so important and popular all over the world. If you also want to buy from Yiwu, what should you pay attention to? How to source from Yiwu without traveling in person?
The importance of Yiwu lies in its rich product range, competitive prices, and the convenience of having many suppliers under one roof. If you are planning to source from Yiwu, You will be amazed by the scale of the Yiwu market and the variety of products as well as the price advantage. For those who are unable to travel to Yiwu in person, there are still ways to source from Yiwu.
1. Why Yiwu is so important to China and the World?
Yiwu International Trade City is a global distribution and exhibition center for small commodities. As early as 2005, it was called the world’s largest wholesale market for small commodities by the United Nations, the World Bank and Morgan Stanley, and other relevant authorities. Its influence is worldwide, the local economic development is to play a major role in the role of arteries to small commodity trading business cities derived from many supporting industries.
Yiwu Market is the largest market of its kind in the world, with over 75,000 suppliers selling almost every kind of small commodity you can think of. This market is divided into five main areas, each specializing in a different product category.
Yiwu is often referred to as the “international city without walls” and its market status as a domestic wholesale center makes it well-positioned to be the least expensive and most efficient platform for selling foreign products in China.
In 2022, the busiest city of commerce continues to prove that “Made in China” is in a global trade pivotal position. Christmas supplies alone. For example, from January to April, Yiwu exported 150 million yuan, and April exports rose 2.9 times year-on-year, up 3.3 times. Statistics show that 80% of the world’s Christmas goods are made in China, which in turn is 80% from Yiwu. The United States uses about 80 million artificial plastic Christmas trees each year, 90% from Yiwu.
2. What are the most advantageous industries in Yiwu?
Based on the advantages of the Yiwu Commodity Wholesale Market, Yiwu gradually constructed a “small commodity, large industries, small enterprises, in the cluster” of industrial development pattern. Cultivated clothing, knitting, accessories, color printing, zippers, toys, small hardware, printing, wool spinning, and other advantageous industries and products. The formation of Yiwu as the center of Shaoxing, Taizhou, Lishui, and other places with regional characteristics of a small commodity industry belt, promotes the market Industrial cluster development.
- Jewelry: After more than 20 years of market sharpening, the Yiwu jewelry industry has developed significantly. Has cultivated a large number of large-scale, upscale jewelry enterprises such as Zhejiang Xinguang Jewelry Co.
- Zipper: the city’s zipper production accounted for a quarter of the country, and sales accounted for more than one-third of the national market. Yiwu was awarded the title of “China’s zipper industry” by the expert assessment and appraisal group of the China Hardware Products Association.
- Knitting: The knitting industry, mainly hosiery and seamless garments, has more than 60,000 hosiery machines, including more than 30,000 of the most advanced hosiery machines in the world. Today, the total production accounts for 40% of the country. The seamless garment industry currently has more than 150 manufacturing enterprises with an annual output value of more than 6 billion RMB. More than 80% of the country’s seamless products originate from Yiwu, accounting for 30% of the global share.
- Textile: The textile industry is one of the traditional pillar industries in Yiwu. The industry mainly produces woolen spinning, cotton spinning, and some knitting, and clothing products, accounting for 30% of the total number of similar products. The export products are mainly sold to the United States, Japan, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, and other eight countries and regions.
- Printing: The printing and packaging industry has rapidly developed into a new pillar industry in Yiwu. Yiwu has become the country’s “China Packaging and Printing Industry Base” national industrial base. Relying on the advantages of the Yiwu market, the printing and packaging industry provides very favorable regional conditions. Yiwu has formed a commodity printing and packaging as the main body, the supply of raw materials, and a relatively complete industrial chain.
- Toys: Local production of toy products, mainly plastic toys, plush toys, inflatable toys, pet toys, wooden, electric remote control, alloy toys, and several other major categories. The market share in the domestic and international toy industry is getting higher and higher, and the impression power is getting bigger. 60% of the export containers in Yiwu have toys. Yiwu toy market has become an important purchasing base for domestic and foreign toy buyers.
- Cosmetics: more than 4,000 cosmetic companies in the country, and 80% of them have general agents or general distributors in Yiwu. The products are exported to more than 180 countries and regions, including the main exports to the United States, Europe, Southeast Asia, and other regions. The perfume produced by Yiwu Enterprises has been sold to France, the birthplace of perfume in the world.
- Pen: The pen industry is the first to develop in the Yiwu manufacturing industry. There are more than 30 large-scale pen enterprises, mainly producing ballpoint pens, neutral pens, color pens, pens, and their pen accessories. 70% of the country’s pen refills are purchased in Yiwu, a product export rate of 70%.
- Logistics: Yiwu logistics market and commodity market complement each other, in promoting the small commodity market and even the city’s economic development has played an irreplaceable and important role. Yiwu has formed a regional logistics center in central Zhejiang, attracting goods from Ningbo, Hangzhou, Quzhou, Huzhou, and many other neighboring areas to transit here. The formation of foreign transport has highway, railroad, and aviation as three major modes of transport. Yiwu by accelerating the speed of channel expansion, and constantly strengthening the sea, land, air, rail, network, mail, China-European train, and other logistics support. To further consolidate the advantages of Yiwu cross-border e-commerce highland, cross-border e-commerce to achieve breakthrough development.
3. What type of products you can buy in Yiwu Market?
As the world’s largest distribution center for small commodities. Yiwu International Trade City, currently has 43 industries, 1,900 categories, and 1.7 million kinds of goods. Including almost all crafts, accessories, small hardware, daily-use department stores, and rain gear. Also electronic appliances, toys, cosmetics, literature and sports, hosiery, foodstuffs, clocks and watches, and daily-use industrial products. And needles, and cotton, textiles, ties, clothing, etc. The production and sales of ornaments and toys account for 1/3 of the national market.
Yiwu International Wholesale Market District 1
1F Common toys / Electric toys / Inflatable toys / Plush toys/ Artificial Flower / Flower accessories / Annex building (Toy/ornaments/craft)
2F Jewelry & Ornament / Hair Ornament / Annex building (ornaments)
3F Ornament Accessories / Porcelain & Crystal / Picture Frames / Crafts
4F Factory Outlets (Toy/flower/ornament) / Taiwan Mall (flower/ornament/craft)
Yiwu International Wholesale Market District 2
1F Suitcases & Bags / Umbrella / Rainwear & Pack / Fujian Mall (Umbrellas)
2F Vehicles / Hardware Tools & Accessories / Locks / Electric Products
3F Kitchen & Sanitary hardware / Small Home Appliances / Clocks & Watches / Guangdong Nanhai Mall / Battery/Lamp/Flashlights
4F Anhui Mall / Hongkong Mall / Sichuan Mall / Korean Mall / Electronics / Suitcase & Bags / Clocks & Watches / Hardware & Electric Appliances
5F Export agencies / Featured products
Yiwu International Wholesale Market District 3
1F Eyeglasses / Pen & Inks / Paper Articles
2F Outdoor products / Office & Stationery / Cultural & Sports products
3F Zipper & Button / Apparel Accessories / Cosmetics & Beauty products
4F Factory outlets-cosmetics/beauty / Factory outlets-cultural & sports
Factory outlets-apparel accessories
Yiwu International Wholesale Market District 4
1F Socks/Leggings
2F Daily Necessities / Knitted Products / Gloves / Hats / Earmuffs
3F Sewing Thread & Tape / Shoes / Lace / Tie / Towel
4F Belt &Accessories / Scarf & Shawl / Bra & Underwear
5F Tourism & shopping center / Garments / Shoes / Daily necessities / Frame/accessories
Yiwu International Wholesale Market District 5
1F Garments/Daily consumables / African Products / Jewelry & Handcrafts / Ornaments & Crafts / Food / Healthcare products
2F Beddings / Chinese knot / DIY Handicraft
3F Needle / Knitted cloth / Knitted fabric / Curtains cloth
4F Auto Accessories / Car & Motorcycle Parts / Car necessities
5F Online services
When planning to come to a market the size of Yiwu to make purchases, it is vital to plan your trip in advance. Make a list of the products that interest you and research which areas and stalls of the market offer them. Having a clear plan will save time and effort.
4. Why should you buy or not buy from Yiwu?
Each wholesale market and platform has its advantages and disadvantages. It needs to be based on your own needs to see if it’s the right place for your business.
- Millions of products to choose from
- Low MOQ, suitable for small and medium-sized buyers
- One-stop sourcing support, all kinds of products are highly concentrated in one area, effective for a selection
- Fast delivery time, many products in stock can be shipped quickly.
- Comfortable shopping environment, no pressure to buy
- The competitive price is one of the biggest advantages of Yiwu goods
- Most of the products are ordinary mass-market commodities, less novel special products, and hard-to-find niche items.
- The language barrier is the biggest challenge, very few suppliers in the market can speak a foreign language. So it’s hard to deal with suppliers directly by yourself.
- Most of the goods from the Yiwu market tend to be low price, so there may be quality issues, that need to be paid attention to.
Overall, if you run a supermarket, chain store, or local wholesale stall, Yiwu is the perfect place for your sourcing. If you are a new e-commerce seller and are focused on selling novelty, niche products, the Yiwu market maybe not be suitable for you.
5. How to import from the Yiwu market?
After the above introduction to the Yiwu market, you should have a preliminary understanding of Yiwu. Most of the suppliers in the Yiwu market are not good at English. It probably will cause misunderstandings or potential mistakes if you communicate with them by yourself. Moreover, the Yiwu market is very big and has a wide variety of goods, so first-time buyers, they will get lost in this heaven of small commodities.
If you are a first-time visitor to Yiwu, you may be confused. The Yiwu market is huge and diverse, and scheduling the time and arranging the trip is a challenge if you come alone. In fact, importing from the Yiwu market always need the assistance of a local sourcing agent. With their assistance, they will take care of everything for you in Yiwu.Including hotel booking, airport pick-up, and market guide. Also product information recording, sample confirmation, production follow-up, mass production inspection, arranging to ship, and all other matters.
Before you plan your trip, find a professional local sourcing agent in advance and communicate with them before you travel. Inform them of your purchasing needs and make a list of your purchases. They will advise you on how long your trip will take based on your list and help you plan your sourcing route. This will make your sourcing trip more efficient and take the best use of time.
If you are interested in buying from Yiwu without traveling, we can provide a one-stop sourcing service for you. No need to spend time and money on the long and exhausting trip, just contact us and tell us your needs. We will give you detailed feedback within 24-48 hours.
6. Why do you need a sourcing agent if buy in Yiwu wholesale market?
It is necessary to hire a sourcing agent to purchase products from the Yiwu market. The main reasons are as below:
- Market knowledge: The Yiwu market is large and complex. Local sourcing agents have in-depth knowledge of this market. They know where to find the best suppliers for each product, and are familiar with market trends and prices.
- Better communication: Suppliers in the Yiwu market are usually not proficient in English. Also cannot communicate with customers in a direct flow. An English-speaking sourcing agent can communicate with you without barriers and explain your needs accurately and effectively to suppliers. Also, negotiate on your behalf, and prevent misunderstandings.
- Time and cost efficiency: Navigating the Yiwu market and managing transactions can be time-consuming. An experienced sourcing agent can streamline these processes, saving you time and money.
- Quality control: Sourcing agents ensure that the products you purchase meet your quality standards. They will inspect the goods before they are shipped, reducing the risk of receiving defective or incorrect products.
- Collection of goods and transportation: Usually buyers who come to Yiwu need to purchase a variety of goods from different suppliers. Sourcing agents help you collect and consolidate goods from different suppliers. Also, handle the complex logistics and customs process to ensure that your goods are delivered correctly and arrive at your chosen destination in a timely and safe manner.
Sourcing agents act as your own office in Yiwu Market. With their expertise and local advantage to ensure that the goods you purchase in Yiwu Market reach you safely and securely.
7. Warm tips for buying in the Yiwu market
When you’re in the midst of the world’s largest wholesale marketplace. Face with so many suppliers, you may struggle with who to work with, how to cooperate with them, and what the rules of business are here. Don’t worry, the following tips will help you to import into Yiwu smoothly.
Select the suppliers specialized in a certain category
Some vendors in the Yiwu market are focused on one certain category, while some suppliers do various products at the same time. You can tell from the way they display the samples and their brochures.
The price from the supplier-only wallets normally will be a better price than a supplier selling wallets and handbags at the same time.
Suppliers that specialized in a category will be better in terms of price, quality, or professionalism. The more specialized the product they have, the more familiar they are with the process of production, and the fewer quality problems may occur.
Sample Quality Check
Particular attention should be paid to the quality of the samples before you place an order. If even the sample displayed is found to have quality problems, then it is better not to order it. No matter how much the vendors explain it to you, emphasize how it will improve after you place the order. Because if even the samples presented to customers have quality problems, it is difficult to ensure that they can be improved in the process of mass production. Unless they provide an improved sample before you place an order and proceed to production according to the approved sample.
Especially for customized products, be sure to ask the supplier to send pre-production samples for confirmation before mass production.
Confirm MOQ
In the initial screening of suppliers, it is necessary to ask about their MOQ(Minimum Order Quantity)or stock availability, which is the basic condition to find a suitable supplier based on your needs. Especially for startups and small and medium-sized buyers, higher MOQs are unacceptable and constrain their business growth. So merchants who can offer lower MOQ or have inventory supply are the most suitable candidates.
The vendor quoted in RMB
Like other wholesale markets, most of the suppliers in the Yiwu market do not export directly to overseas buyers. They need to export through sourcing agents or freight forwarders. The majority of them do not have the import and export license, and channels to collect dollars. In this case, the price they quoted is Chinese Yuan(RMB) instead of US dollars(EXW Yiwu price). And only accept payment in RMB.
That’s also one of the main reasons why you may need a sourcing agent to help you arrange payments and shipments
Deposit and payment terms
Most of the suppliers in the Yiwu market accept cash payments and private bank accounts to collect RMB. Very few of them have channels to receive US dollars.
If you buy a small amount of stock, they will require you to pay full payment. Then send goods by express to your agent’s warehouse. If you are placing an order for production, a 30% deposit is usually required. The balance will need to be settled before the goods are inspected and shipped.
Generally speaking, if you are a frequent supplier to the vendors and have a basis of mutual trust with them, you can also try to negotiate payment terms. Therefore, it is also more beneficial for buyers if you can establish long-term cooperation with one or several suppliers. Because prices, payment methods, and cooperation tilted in favor of regular customers. Of course, the prerequisite is that the supplier performs well in all aspects through the first few times of cooperation.
Price Negotiation
Yiwu market is known worldwide for its attractive prices, what you got is already the wholesale prices. However, when your purchase quantity is a lot more than their minimum order quantity, you can always negotiate a better price. Normally, can get 2%-5% off based on the order quantity.
Conclusion
Yiwu market is world famous for its wide range of small commodities and competitive prices. So it is a one-stop sourcing paradise for wholesalers, distributors, and importers from home and abroad.
However, better to pay special attention to the quality of the products and cooperation with suppliers instead of pursuing low prices. It is a wise choice to hire a professional sourcing agent. They can help you avoid risks, control product quality, and reduce your heavy workload. Style Sourcing can be your reliable partner, acting as your eyes and arms, taking care of all the importing processes from A to Z.
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Build an evidence trail
Pair this guide with the Yiwu buyer workflow and record each supplier decision.
