Every day, we would receive some inquiries from business newbies. The thing they have in common is asking how to import Chinese Scarves to start their scarf business. As an experienced scarf exporter, we are always keen to help solve their problems. If you are also a new comer, I believe this article could make your import process easier and safer.
Here is a step by step guide based on our experience. Kindly use the links below to jump to a specific section.
1. Identify the Scarf Types You Want to Sell
2. Source Reliable Chinese Scarves Suppliers
2.1 Chinese Scarves Markets
2.2 China Wholesale Websites
2.3 China Scarf Fairs
2.4 Luuk Sourcing Can Help
3. Confirm Order Details with Suppliers
3.1 Buy Scarves In Stock
3.2 Buy Scarves Not In Stock But Have Ready-made Samples
3.3 Customize Scarves
4. Figure Out Shipping Costs in Advance
1. Identify the Scarf Types You Want to Sell
There are many factors you should consider when identifying the scarf types. For example, the competition of your oriented market, the targeted people age group & customer level, the location and the costs, etc. Therefore, it’s not easy and would expend lots of time & energy.
Before making a decision, you need to conduct a market research as detailed as possible. Only with specific market knowledge in mind, you’ll be able to choose right scarf categories. As follows are some suggestions which could inspire your ideas.
1) Use Trend Tools. Currently, the most popular trend analysis tool would be “Good Trends”. As an example, you search the keyword “silk scarf”and set “United States” as your selling country. In one second, you will see the interest trend as short as in past hour or as long as from 2004. Meanwhile, the interest ranking by USA subregions and related topics & queries would clearly display on the page.
Moreover, it allows to do the trend comparisons between different scarf types. Check the picture below. A big advantage of using this analysis way is to greatly help you determine what and where to sell. According to the info, you would have a rough idea in mind, which could make it easier to proceed next step.
2) Check B2C platforms. Nowadays, B2C platforms, like Amazon.com, AliExpress.com are very prevalent among young people. The hot selling scarves can always indicate the customers’ buying trend. So check the sales ranking and find out potential scarf kinds.
3) Visit Local Markets. Firstly, search online for the local markets which have scarf stores. Secondly, arrange a tour to those markets and conduct a survey on hot selling scarves. Thirdly, talk with the shop owners and inquire about the opening costs, goods costs & where do they buy from, etc. Lastly, make notes of useful info and take them as a reference for your future business.
4) Refer to Industry Leaders. Every industry has its leading companies, who have achieved a dominant position in scarf area. Generally, their designs and styles are constantly staying ahead. The prices, the material and the shapes of their scarves would all have referential meaning for your business.
2. Source Reliable Chinese Scarves Suppliers
As we all know, good suppliers are playing a very important role in importing Chinese Scarves wholesale. When it comes to the issues of product quality, delivery time, etc, a reliable supplier would provide strong support and greatly reduce those problems. Normally, there are 4 ways you could source Chinese Scarves suppliers.
2.1 Chinese Scarves Markets
If you want to directly connect with scarf manufacturers, visiting China Scarf Markets would be a good choice. In a scarf market, you are able to find whatever styles you want. You could swim in the super wide selection and meet various suppliers from different China cities. And most remarkably, the market suppliers are offering factory-direct prices and some of them support low MOQ.
Mainly, there are 5 scarf wholesale markets in China,
2.2 China Wholesale Websites
Under the influence of COVID-19, more and more overseas buyers begin to source suppliers on Chinese Wholesale Websites. With the greatly rising travelling and time costs, people would prefer to contact suppliers online and place orders through emails. Therefore, it could be a convenient and fast way to start your business through Chinese wholesale websites.
If you set up a low budget, I would suggest AliExpress.com and DHgate.com. Cause this 2 sites support very low MOQ and you can even buy 1 piece. However, if you want to buy bulk, sites like Alibaba.com, Made-in-China.com & Globalsources.com would be more suitable. On this 3 sites, you can easily find trustworthy and powerful scarf suppliers.
2.3 China Scarf Fairs
Because of the severe epidemic situation, the fairs are controlled not to open in order to prevent the virus spreading. Thus most buyers would put it aside and turn to other procurement methods. But undoubtedly, if without COVID-19, attending fairs would be a brilliant choice by the reason of its vast product selection and reaching numerous dependable suppliers.
For scarves, there are not many fairs available in China,
2.4 Luuk Sourcing Can Help
Luuk Sourcing was founded as a Wholesale Scarf Supplier in 2017. We are making great efforts to supply various kinds of scarves & accessories to overseas buyers. In past 6 years, we’ve successfully helped over 390+ customers from 60+ countries buy directly from China Scarf Manufacturers. Based on the rich experience in scarves exporting, we have developed a good knowledge in scarf industry. Therefore, definitely we could help you find right suppliers.
3. Confirm Order Details with Suppliers
Without no doubt, it’s also a critical step to communicate all details of the order with your suppliers. In general, there are 3 conditions below,
3.1 Buy Scarves In Stock
No matter you buy from the market or website suppliers, the process would be relatively easier since you can clearly see the ready-made samples. And the MOQ can be as low as 100-200pcs per style with mix colors. You would need to inform the supplier following info,
- Styles Item No. or Pictures
- Quantity Need for Each Style
- Shipping Mark Details
- Expected Delivery Time
- Delivery Address
Normally, for small quantity under 600pcs per style, the suppliers would not be willing to change the hangtag, care label and packaging. Then you can only use their default types. So confirm with the suppliers first if you have other requirements.
3.2 Buy Scarves Not In Stock But Have Ready-made Samples
In this case, the suppliers have ready raw material and can produce in a short time. The MOQ would be higher, usually 600pcs per color of one style. Based on the quantity, you could ask the supplier to make your own hangtag, care label and packaging type. Kindly inform the supplier following info,
- Styles Item No. or Pictures
- Quantity Need for Each Style
- Hangtag, Care Label Details
- Packaging Details, Opp Bag or Color Box, etc.
- Shipping Mark Details
- Expected Delivery Time
- Delivery Address
3.3 Customize Scarves
Comparatively, the process would become far more complicated if doing customization. If you buy from the market, you would need a professional agent to deal with the suppliers who have low English level. The agent would help clearly convey your requirements to the suppliers and proceed the samples & bulk production.
Commonly, there would be no communication barriers if you buy from wholesale websites suppliers cause their English level are much better. Different from above 2 conditions, the MOQ can be as high as 1200-2400pcs per color for one style. And there is more info you should inform the supplier,
- Scarf Style, Size, Material
- AI or PDF Files For Logo & Printing
- Quantity Need for Each Style
- Hangtag, Care Label Details
- Packaging Details, Opp Bag or Color Box, etc.
- Packing Requirements, Shipping Mark Details
- Expected Delivery Time
- Delivery Address
4. Figure Out Shipping Costs in Advance
After order volume & weight confirmed, the next step would be calculating the shipping costs. Usually, the shipping fee should be figured out before order so that you can know the total import costs and control the product unit price & profit.
For air shipping way, suitable for low CBM & Weight, just advise the total quantity CBM & weight & delivery address to your forwarder or supplier. They will work out the total shipping charge and tell the most cost-effective channel.
For sea shipping way, suitable for total goods volume over 26 CBM. If you work with the supplier in EXW terms, kindly note that apart from sea freight, you’ll need to pay inland costs. Averagely, based on US dollar/RMB exchange rate 1/6.3, the inland cost would be 640 USD for one 20ft container and 1120 USD for one 40ft container. If using FOB terms, you’ll only need to pay sea freight on your part.
5. Place Orders and Proceed Bulk Production
Before placing an order, you should double confirm with the suppliers that the product quality of bulk production must be strictly same with the samples. Moreover, notify the suppliers your expected delivery time and double confirm that they will not delay.
Normally, after you confirm the samples and pay the order deposit, the suppliers would proceed the bulk production. Most suppliers would use T/T in advance payment terms. That is, 30% deposit payment in advance, 70% balance payment against the bulk production. You’ll need to negotiate with the suppliers if you want to use other payment terms.
6. Inspect Goods and Arrange Shipping
Usually, the suppliers would notify you ahead when the goods production is almost finished. You could entrust the third party, that is external inspection company, to inspect the goods. Certainly, our company would help inspect the goods for free if you are working with us.
Goods inspection is an important step cause no customer expects to receive the bad quality products. Therefore, we always pay attention and spend lots of time working on the inspection. Furthermore, our company is providing free warehousing service and can help collect goods. It’s welcomed by our clients cause most of them are buying various scarves & accessories from different suppliers.
The last step would be arranging goods shipment when you ensure the inspection well done. You’ll need an experienced shipping forwarder to help deal with. Do not worry if you don’t have a forwarder cause our company can recommend some forwarders who have competitive prices.
At present, we are working with some qualified forwarders in Yiwu City. We’ll make detailed comparisons and help you find the most acceptable one.
The End
Thank you for coming with me here. I hope this article can help you carry out scarf business and learn more about Chinese Scarves Import. Feel free to send an inquiry if there is any question. Leave a comment below and we will get you in touch as soon as quickly.
