Toolbox Directory

China sourcing toolbox and resource navigation

Find built-in sourcing tools, curated external websites, templates and service provider categories. External resources open in a new tab and are listed for sourcing reference only.

45 toolbox entries

Built-in Tool

Built-in Tools

Built-in ToolChina Industrial Belts

Product Origin Finder

Find major sourcing cities, wholesale markets, map links and buyer notes by product category.

Best for
Buyers deciding where to source a product in China.
Use when
Use before choosing Alibaba, 1688, Yiwu, trade fairs or a sourcing agent.
Limitations
Industrial belt information is sourcing reference only; verify supplier addresses and capabilities.
Industrial BeltsProduct OriginChina Cities
Built-in ToolRoute planning

China Sourcing Route Finder

Find the best China sourcing route based on product type, order size and support needs.

Best for
Overseas buyers preparing a sourcing decision.
Use when
Use during supplier research, quotation comparison, payment review, inspection planning or shipping preparation.
Limitations
This tool helps organize decisions but does not guarantee supplier performance.
Route planningBuilt-in Tool
Built-in ToolSupplier check

China Supplier Risk Checker

Screen a supplier before you send money or place a large order.

Best for
Overseas buyers preparing a sourcing decision.
Use when
Use during supplier research, quotation comparison, payment review, inspection planning or shipping preparation.
Limitations
This tool helps organize decisions but does not guarantee supplier performance.
Supplier checkBuilt-in Tool
Built-in ToolEmail template

RFQ Email Generator

Create a clear quotation request with product, packaging, sample and inspection details.

Best for
Overseas buyers preparing a sourcing decision.
Use when
Use during supplier research, quotation comparison, payment review, inspection planning or shipping preparation.
Limitations
This tool helps organize decisions but does not guarantee supplier performance.
Email templateBuilt-in Tool
Built-in ToolFreight calculator

CBM Calculator

Calculate shipment volume, gross weight and rough LCL/FCL suitability.

Best for
Overseas buyers preparing a sourcing decision.
Use when
Use during supplier research, quotation comparison, payment review, inspection planning or shipping preparation.
Limitations
This tool helps organize decisions but does not guarantee supplier performance.
Freight calculatorBuilt-in Tool
Built-in ToolSupplier scoring

Supplier Comparison Tool

Compare up to five suppliers with scoring, warnings and copyable summary.

Best for
Overseas buyers preparing a sourcing decision.
Use when
Use during supplier research, quotation comparison, payment review, inspection planning or shipping preparation.
Limitations
This tool helps organize decisions but does not guarantee supplier performance.
Supplier scoringBuilt-in Tool
Built-in ToolPayment safety

Payment Risk Checker

Check payment risk by method, deposit size, verification, inspection and bank account status.

Best for
Overseas buyers preparing a sourcing decision.
Use when
Use during supplier research, quotation comparison, payment review, inspection planning or shipping preparation.
Limitations
This tool helps organize decisions but does not guarantee supplier performance.
Payment safetyBuilt-in Tool
Built-in ToolShipping terms

Incoterms Responsibility Checker

Compare EXW, FOB, CIF and DDP responsibilities before agreeing to terms.

Best for
Overseas buyers preparing a sourcing decision.
Use when
Use during supplier research, quotation comparison, payment review, inspection planning or shipping preparation.
Limitations
This tool helps organize decisions but does not guarantee supplier performance.
Shipping termsBuilt-in Tool
Built-in ToolPayment document

Proforma Invoice Checklist

Check whether a supplier's PI includes the fields buyers should verify.

Best for
Overseas buyers preparing a sourcing decision.
Use when
Use during supplier research, quotation comparison, payment review, inspection planning or shipping preparation.
Limitations
This tool helps organize decisions but does not guarantee supplier performance.
Payment documentBuilt-in Tool
Built-in ToolShipping template

Freight Forwarder Questions

Generate practical questions before choosing a China freight forwarder.

Best for
Overseas buyers preparing a sourcing decision.
Use when
Use during supplier research, quotation comparison, payment review, inspection planning or shipping preparation.
Limitations
This tool helps organize decisions but does not guarantee supplier performance.
Shipping templateBuilt-in Tool
Built-in ToolChina Industrial Belts

China Product Origin Finder

Search product categories and see major China sourcing cities, wholesale markets and map links.

Best for
Buyers deciding where to source before contacting suppliers.
Use when
Use before searching Alibaba, 1688, YiwuGo or hiring a sourcing agent.
Limitations
Industrial belt information is reference only. Verify supplier addresses and production capability.
Industrial BeltsProduct OriginChina Cities

External Resource

External Resources

External ResourceSourcing Platforms

Alibaba

Find export-ready suppliers and compare product quotations.

Best for
Overseas buyers who want to contact suppliers directly.
Use when
Use when you want to compare MOQ, price, lead time, product options and supplier profiles.
Limitations
Not every supplier is a real factory. Verify company details, production capability, payment terms and product quality.
Supplier SearchRFQExport Suppliers
External ResourceSourcing Platforms

Made-in-China

Research export suppliers for industrial products, machinery and B2B categories.

Best for
Machinery buyers and B2B importers comparing factory options.
Use when
Use when product specs, certificates, production capability and export support matter.
Limitations
Supplier pages are only a starting point. Confirm specs, warranty, after-sales support and inspection acceptance.
Supplier SearchMachineryB2B
External ResourceSourcing Platforms

Global Sources

Find export-oriented suppliers, products and trade show exhibitors.

Best for
Electronics, gifts and export-supplier research.
Use when
Use when building a supplier shortlist before RFQs or trade fair follow-up.
Limitations
Still verify samples, MOQ, company identity, compliance and payment terms.
Supplier SearchTrade FairExport Suppliers
External Resource1688 & Chinese Search Tools

1688

Browse China domestic wholesale listings and manufacturer-style sellers.

Best for
Buyers using an agent for Chinese communication, payment and consolidation.
Use when
Use when comparing domestic China pricing or finding small factories behind export listings.
Limitations
Most sellers are domestic-facing. Export handling, quality control and after-sales support may need an agent.
1688WholesaleChinese Platform
External Resource1688 & Chinese Search Tools

Baidu

Search Chinese company names, product terms and local market information.

Best for
Buyers checking Chinese-language supplier traces with help from a translator or agent.
Use when
Use when you have a Chinese company name, product keyword or industrial cluster term to research.
Limitations
Search results can be noisy. Do not treat search visibility as proof of legitimacy.
Chinese SearchVerificationSupplier Research
External ResourceTrade Fairs & Wholesale Markets

YiwuGo

Research Yiwu market booths and small commodity categories.

Best for
Yiwu buyers, small-order buyers and mixed-goods wholesalers.
Use when
Use before planning a Yiwu market visit, sample collection or agent brief.
Limitations
Confirm booth status, product quality, export support and consolidation separately.
YiwuWholesale MarketSmall Commodities
External ResourceTrade Fairs & Wholesale Markets

Canton Fair

Official trade fair reference for China export supplier discovery.

Best for
Buyers planning China sourcing trips and exhibitor research.
Use when
Use when checking fair phases, categories, exhibitors and visit planning.
Limitations
Do not place orders without supplier verification, samples, written specs and payment safeguards.
Trade FairCanton FairSupplier Discovery
External ResourceTranslation & Communication

Google Translate

Translate short supplier messages, product terms and screenshots.

Best for
First-time buyers checking basic Chinese communication.
Use when
Use for quick understanding before asking an agent or translator to confirm details.
Limitations
Machine translation can miss technical, legal or payment nuance. Confirm important terms manually.
TranslationCommunicationChinese Terms
External ResourceTranslation & Communication

DeepL Translator

Translate supplier messages, product specs and sourcing notes.

Best for
Buyers preparing clearer cross-language communication.
Use when
Use when comparing translated RFQs, supplier replies or inspection notes.
Limitations
Do not rely on machine translation for contracts, safety requirements or payment terms.
TranslationCommunicationRFQ
External ResourceShipping & Freight

World Freight Rates

Estimate freight context before requesting forwarder quotes.

Best for
Buyers preparing early shipping budget assumptions.
Use when
Use when comparing rough route and shipment cost sensitivity.
Limitations
Treat estimates as rough references only. Ask forwarders for live, itemized quotes.
ShippingFreight EstimateLogistics
External ResourceHS Code / Duty / Customs

World Customs Organization HS Nomenclature

Reference HS classification structure and customs terminology.

Best for
Importers discussing HS codes with brokers or forwarders.
Use when
Use when preparing questions about customs classification and duty checks.
Limitations
HS classification is country-specific in practice. Confirm with your broker or customs expert.
HS CodeCustomsDuty
External ResourceInspection & QC

QIMA Resources

Read inspection, audit and product quality control references.

Best for
Buyers learning inspection scope and QC terminology.
Use when
Use when preparing inspection requirements before production or final payment.
Limitations
Educational content does not replace an agreed inspection scope or independent review.
InspectionQCFactory Audit
External ResourceInspection & QC

AQSIQ / Standards Search Reference

Use standards and compliance references as a starting point for product checks.

Best for
Buyers preparing compliance questions for suppliers or testing labs.
Use when
Use when a product may need safety, labeling or market-entry testing.
Limitations
Standards change and differ by destination market. Confirm with a qualified testing lab.
InspectionComplianceTesting
External ResourcePayment & Contracts

PayPal Buyer Protection

Review PayPal buyer protection basics for eligible transactions.

Best for
Small sample orders or early-stage buyer-supplier transactions.
Use when
Use when evaluating payment method options for low-value orders.
Limitations
Protection rules have limits and exclusions. Read current terms before relying on them.
PaymentBuyer ProtectionSamples
External ResourceProduct Research

Google Trends

Check search interest patterns for product categories and seasonal demand.

Best for
Amazon, Shopify and wholesale buyers researching demand signals.
Use when
Use before selecting product categories or planning sample orders.
Limitations
Search interest is not proof of product profitability, supply quality or compliance.
Product ResearchDemandTrends
External ResourceProduct Research

Amazon Best Sellers

Browse marketplace product demand signals and category examples.

Best for
Amazon sellers and product researchers.
Use when
Use when collecting product ideas before searching China sourcing routes.
Limitations
Popular listings may be competitive, patented, restricted or hard to source profitably.
Product ResearchAmazonDemand

Service Category

Service Provider Categories

Service CategoryService Provider Categories

Inspection Companies

Independent inspection providers check product quantity, appearance, packaging, labeling, function and loading evidence before shipment.

Best for
Buyers who need support with factory audit or pre-shipment inspection.
Use when
Use when internal preparation is not enough and you need independent support.
Limitations
Verify scope, fees, references, responsibilities and communication process before hiring.
Service ProviderFactory auditPre-shipment inspectionContainer loading check
Service CategoryService Provider Categories

Freight Forwarders

Freight forwarders coordinate China export handling, air or ocean freight, customs paperwork, consolidation and destination delivery options.

Best for
Buyers who need support with sea freight or air freight.
Use when
Use when internal preparation is not enough and you need independent support.
Limitations
Verify scope, fees, references, responsibilities and communication process before hiring.
Service ProviderSea freightAir freightDDP
Service CategoryService Provider Categories

China Sourcing Agents

Sourcing agents help overseas buyers identify suppliers, request quotations, follow production and coordinate communication in China.

Best for
Buyers who need support with supplier search or rfq follow-up.
Use when
Use when internal preparation is not enough and you need independent support.
Limitations
Verify scope, fees, references, responsibilities and communication process before hiring.
Service ProviderSupplier searchRFQ follow-upProduction tracking
Service CategoryService Provider Categories

Yiwu Market Agents

Yiwu market agents support buyers visiting or ordering from Yiwu wholesale markets, including translation, samples and consolidation.

Best for
Buyers who need support with market translator or sample collection.
Use when
Use when internal preparation is not enough and you need independent support.
Limitations
Verify scope, fees, references, responsibilities and communication process before hiring.
Service ProviderMarket translatorSample collectionOrder consolidation
Service CategoryService Provider Categories

1688 Purchasing Agents

1688 purchasing agents help overseas buyers order from 1688 sellers that may not support English, export handling or international payment.

Best for
Buyers who need support with 1688 ordering or domestic payment.
Use when
Use when internal preparation is not enough and you need independent support.
Limitations
Verify scope, fees, references, responsibilities and communication process before hiring.
Service Provider1688 orderingDomestic paymentWarehouse receiving
Service CategoryService Provider Categories

Business Translators

Business translators support supplier calls, factory visits, market trips, trade fairs and document communication.

Best for
Buyers who need support with factory visit translation or fair interpretation.
Use when
Use when internal preparation is not enough and you need independent support.
Limitations
Verify scope, fees, references, responsibilities and communication process before hiring.
Service ProviderFactory visit translationFair interpretationNegotiation calls
Service CategoryService Provider Categories

Trade Fair Support

Trade fair support providers help buyers plan visits, collect supplier notes, translate meetings and organize post-fair follow-up.

Best for
Buyers who need support with canton fair planning or supplier notes.
Use when
Use when internal preparation is not enough and you need independent support.
Limitations
Verify scope, fees, references, responsibilities and communication process before hiring.
Service ProviderCanton Fair planningSupplier notesFollow-up organization
Service CategoryService Provider Categories

Compliance Testing Labs

Testing labs help buyers review certification, product safety, labeling and market entry requirements before shipment.

Best for
Buyers who need support with product testing or certification review.
Use when
Use when internal preparation is not enough and you need independent support.
Limitations
Verify scope, fees, references, responsibilities and communication process before hiring.
Service ProviderProduct testingCertification reviewLabel compliance

Template

Templates

TemplateTemplates

RFQ email template

Copy a structured RFQ with product, quantity, packaging, certification and inspection requirements.

Best for
Buyers who need a clear message, checklist or comparison structure.
Use when
Use before contacting suppliers, approving PI details, arranging inspection or requesting freight quotes.
Limitations
Adapt templates to your product, destination market and supplier situation.
TemplateChecklist
TemplateTemplates

Supplier comparison sheet

Compare supplier price, MOQ, lead time, payment terms and risk notes.

Best for
Buyers who need a clear message, checklist or comparison structure.
Use when
Use before contacting suppliers, approving PI details, arranging inspection or requesting freight quotes.
Limitations
Adapt templates to your product, destination market and supplier situation.
TemplateChecklist
TemplateTemplates

PI checklist

Check legal names, bank details, Incoterms, payment terms and inspection terms.

Best for
Buyers who need a clear message, checklist or comparison structure.
Use when
Use before contacting suppliers, approving PI details, arranging inspection or requesting freight quotes.
Limitations
Adapt templates to your product, destination market and supplier situation.
TemplateChecklist
TemplateTemplates

Pre-shipment inspection checklist

Prepare quantity, packaging, labeling, function and report checks.

Best for
Buyers who need a clear message, checklist or comparison structure.
Use when
Use before contacting suppliers, approving PI details, arranging inspection or requesting freight quotes.
Limitations
Adapt templates to your product, destination market and supplier situation.
TemplateChecklist
TemplateTemplates

Freight forwarder question list

Ask about included fees, customs, insurance, hidden charges and documents.

Best for
Buyers who need a clear message, checklist or comparison structure.
Use when
Use before contacting suppliers, approving PI details, arranging inspection or requesting freight quotes.
Limitations
Adapt templates to your product, destination market and supplier situation.
TemplateChecklist
TemplateTemplates

Yiwu trip checklist

Plan market districts, translator, sample collection and consolidation.

Best for
Buyers who need a clear message, checklist or comparison structure.
Use when
Use before contacting suppliers, approving PI details, arranging inspection or requesting freight quotes.
Limitations
Adapt templates to your product, destination market and supplier situation.
TemplateChecklist
TemplateTemplates

Machinery purchase checklist

Check technical specs, FAT, spare parts, warranty and installation support.

Best for
Buyers who need a clear message, checklist or comparison structure.
Use when
Use before contacting suppliers, approving PI details, arranging inspection or requesting freight quotes.
Limitations
Adapt templates to your product, destination market and supplier situation.
TemplateChecklist
TemplateTemplates

Sample approval checklist

Document sample quality, specs, packaging and approval conditions.

Best for
Buyers who need a clear message, checklist or comparison structure.
Use when
Use before contacting suppliers, approving PI details, arranging inspection or requesting freight quotes.
Limitations
Adapt templates to your product, destination market and supplier situation.
TemplateChecklist

External resource disclaimer

External resources are listed for sourcing reference only.

CN Sourcing Tools is not officially affiliated with these websites unless stated. Buyers should verify information before making sourcing decisions.