China Sourcing & Suppliers
Can I source directly from Alibaba instead of using a sourcing partner?
Yes. The key question is who will manage the work between finding a product and receiving the agreed supply.
Read AnswerRESOURCES · SOURCING Q&A
Sourcing Q&A
Practical answers to common questions about sourcing, custom manufacturing and project supply from China.
Based on real questions we hear from Australian businesses working with suppliers in China.
Featured Q&A
A useful place to start.
Working with TL
Can I communicate directly with the factory?
Direct supplier communication is part of a transparent working relationship, with TL supporting the discussions and follow-through.
Read AnswerChina Sourcing & Suppliers
How do I know if a Chinese supplier is legitimate?
Check the company’s identity and then assess whether its actual capability matches your project.
Read AnswerCustom Product Development
Can TL develop a completely custom product?
Custom development starts with the intended use and a manufacturing approach that can meet the requirement.
Read AnswerQuality & Compliance
Can TL help with Australian standards and compliance requirements?
Identify the applicable product and project requirements early, then connect them to the supplier, documents and production scope.
Read AnswerChina Visits & Trade Shows
Can TL support factory visits and trade shows in China?
A productive visit connects preparation, supplier discussions and the follow-up needed to turn meetings into a workable project.
Read AnswerAll questions
30 questions
Working with TL
How does working with TL work from first enquiry to delivery?
Start with your requirement. The sourcing and coordination scope follows from what your project actually needs.
Read AnswerWorking with TL
Can I communicate directly with the factory?
Direct supplier communication is part of a transparent working relationship, with TL supporting the discussions and follow-through.
Read AnswerWorking with TL
How does TL charge for sourcing projects?
The service structure depends on the work involved, rather than a single published rate for every project.
Read AnswerWorking with TL
What types of sourcing projects are a good fit for TL?
TL supports briefs that need practical sourcing and execution across products, suppliers or manufacturing categories.
Read AnswerWorking with TL
Can TL work with a supplier I have already found?
You can bring an existing supplier relationship and engage TL for the stages that need local support.
Read AnswerChina Sourcing & Suppliers
Can I source directly from Alibaba instead of using a sourcing partner?
Yes. The key question is who will manage the work between finding a product and receiving the agreed supply.
Read AnswerChina Sourcing & Suppliers
How do I know if a Chinese supplier is legitimate?
Check the company’s identity and then assess whether its actual capability matches your project.
Read AnswerChina Sourcing & Suppliers
What is the difference between a factory and a trading company?
Both models can serve a useful role. The right choice depends on manufacturing needs and the supply scope.
Read AnswerChina Sourcing & Suppliers
Can TL source products that are not shown on your website?
The projects on our website show examples of capability, rather than a complete list of products.
Read AnswerChina Sourcing & Suppliers
What should I consider when paying an overseas supplier?
Keep the supplier identity, agreed scope, payment stages and recipient details connected before payment is arranged.
Read AnswerCustom Product Development
Can TL develop a completely custom product?
Custom development starts with the intended use and a manufacturing approach that can meet the requirement.
Read AnswerCustom Product Development
What information should I provide when requesting a custom product?
A useful brief explains the product’s purpose, essential specifications and the practical constraints around supply.
Read AnswerCustom Product Development
How does sampling and pre-production approval work?
A sample is useful when everyone understands what it proves, what remains open and what production is approved to follow.
Read AnswerCustom Product Development
What is an MOQ, and can it be negotiated?
Minimum order quantities reflect manufacturing economics. Flexibility depends on the product, supplier and customisation.
Read AnswerCustom Product Development
Can TL help with custom packaging and branding?
Packaging development brings together the product, material, artwork, manufacturing method and intended presentation.
Read AnswerQuality & Compliance
How does TL manage quality control before shipment?
Useful quality checks start with agreed requirements and a clear inspection scope before the goods are ready to ship.
Read AnswerQuality & Compliance
Can TL help with Australian standards and compliance requirements?
Identify the applicable product and project requirements early, then connect them to the supplier, documents and production scope.
Read AnswerQuality & Compliance
What certifications or documents should I ask a supplier for?
Ask for evidence that relates to your product and application, rather than collecting certificates without checking their scope.
Read AnswerQuality & Compliance
What happens if a product does not pass inspection?
Document the finding, compare it with the agreed requirement and review corrective action before the next project stage.
Read AnswerQuality & Compliance
How do you maintain quality across repeat orders?
A repeat order still needs a controlled specification, a current reference and attention to supplier or material changes.
Read AnswerProduction & Delivery
What is the typical process from brief to delivery?
A project can move through nine clear stages, with the detail and responsibilities adapted to the requirement.
Read AnswerProduction & Delivery
How long does a sourcing or custom manufacturing project take?
The useful timeline is the one built around your product, approval steps and delivery requirements.
Read AnswerProduction & Delivery
Can TL consolidate products from multiple suppliers?
Multi-category supply needs a connected view of supplier readiness, packaging, quantities and the delivery plan.
Read AnswerProduction & Delivery
Can TL arrange freight and delivery to Australia?
Freight coordination should be planned around the goods, packing, approval needs and final delivery conditions.
Read AnswerProduction & Delivery
What happens if there is a problem after the goods arrive?
A clear issue record helps the client, supplier and coordination team assess the problem and possible next steps.
Read AnswerChina Visits & Trade Shows
Can TL support factory visits and trade shows in China?
A productive visit connects preparation, supplier discussions and the follow-up needed to turn meetings into a workable project.
Read AnswerChina Visits & Trade Shows
Which trade shows should I visit when sourcing from China?
Choose the event for the product category and supplier conversations you need, rather than its size alone.
Read AnswerChina Visits & Trade Shows
Can TL arrange factory visits before or after a trade show?
Factory visits can add useful context when the suppliers, locations and meeting objectives are planned realistically.
Read AnswerChina Visits & Trade Shows
Do I need to speak Chinese when visiting suppliers or trade shows?
You do not need to speak Chinese, but the quality of the technical and commercial communication still matters.
Read AnswerChina Visits & Trade Shows
What happens after I meet a supplier at a trade show?
Turn the contact into a structured follow-up: clarify the offer, review capability and agree what needs to happen next.
Read AnswerHave a sourcing requirement in mind?
Tell us what you need, from an individual product to a multi-category project.