The 12-point Canton Fair sourcing checklist

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Your Canton Fair sourcing checklist

Before you fly

• Lock your product categories first. Walk in knowing exactly which halls and exhibitor categories you need, the Canton Fair has 32,000+ exhibitors, you cannot browse it all.
• Get your visa and buyer badge sorted early. Both take time, start at least 4 to 6 weeks before your travel dates.
• Set a realistic budget band per category. Know your target price range before you negotiate, so a smooth sales pitch does not move your number.
• Pre-shortlist and message suppliers. Reach out before you land, confirm booth numbers and English-speaking contacts in advance.

On the fair floor

• Verify before you talk price. Ask for business licence, export licence, and factory audit reports before any serious negotiation.
• Always ask "factory or trading company." Both can be fine, but you must know which one you are dealing with and price accordingly.
• Collect samples, not just catalogues. A catalogue photo tells you nothing about real quality, a physical sample does.
• Photograph and log every booth. Booth number, contact, product, quoted price, and MOQ, in one place, every time. You will forget by day two otherwise.
• Negotiate MOQ before price. A great price at an MOQ you cannot sell through is not a great deal.

Before you pay a single supplier

• Request a proforma invoice in writing. Specs, quantity, price, payment terms, and delivery timeline, all on paper before any advance.
• Never wire the full amount upfront. A standard structure is a partial advance with the balance against shipping documents.
• Get an independent quality check before final payment. A third party inspection before the balance payment catches problems while you can still fix them.