Outdoor Furniture Wholesale in China: A Complete Guide

China is well-known for being the world’s largest exporter of furniture. Chinese-made furniture is uniquely designed to avoid the use of nails, screws, and glue, and can last for centuries when made from top-quality wood. The country is home to nearly 50,000 furniture manufacturers, most of which are small to medium-sized. These manufacturers produce brandless furniture and, in some cases, branded pieces. If you’re interested in importing outdoor furniture from China, keep reading to learn how to find suitable suppliers, avoid problems, negotiate prices, pay money, and ship goods.

Why Import Outdoor Furniture from China?

Outdoor furniture is a significant cost for any home or commercial space, and buying and importing furniture from China at wholesale prices can significantly reduce this expense. While the prospect of going to China to buy furniture might seem daunting, the prices are substantially lower than retail prices in most countries. China manufactures most of the world’s leading furniture designers’ furniture, and many of these designers are silent about this fact.

Importing Furniture from China

Importing outdoor furniture from China can be a challenging process. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, importers visited China to buy furniture easily, as they could directly visit furniture malls that displayed a variety of furniture with varied pricing structures. However, most sales representatives couldn’t speak English or offer shipment services, leading many importers to hire sourcing agents to handle exportation matters and interpret for them. Typically, sourcing agents charge 3% to 5% of the total purchase value to handle all aspects of shipments.

Since the pandemic, hiring a sourcing company has become even more critical. An increasing number of furniture suppliers are selling online, making it challenging for buyers to identify the best suppliers by only checking their websites. A professional local agent will help importers avoid losses when buying from China.

Alibaba is a top B2B marketplace businesses rely on for cheap and top-quality products, which they can either resell or have their private labels on. Most products and suppliers on Alibaba are from China.

Furniture Fairs

China International Furniture Fair (CIFF) is China’s most established and biggest furniture fair, which occurs every March and September. Guangzhou Canton Fair (CF) occurs every April and October (Phase Ⅱ). It’s essential to note that most furniture manufacturers in China specialize in one furniture category each. If you need bedroom sets, living room sets, and dining room sets, you may need to deal with different sets of suppliers.

The Most Common Types of Outdoor Furniture Manufactured in China

Outdoor Sofa Set

Outdoor Dining Set

Outdoor Lounge

Outdoor Daybed

Patio Swing Chair

Patio Outdoor Fire Pit Table

Garden Rope Furniture

Garden Aluminum Furniture

Outdoor Plastic Wood Furniture

Garden Teak Furniture

Patio Outdoor Wicker Furniture

Minimum Order Quantity

The minimum order quantity (MOQ) is always one of the most important things to consider when sourcing for a China furniture supplier. Most suppliers require a minimum order quantity of 50-100 pieces per product, depending on the product type. However, some suppliers might be willing to negotiate the MOQ, depending on the product’s price and your relationship with the supplier.

China is a great source of outdoor furniture for importers. With the right sourcing agent, you can avoid problems, negotiate prices, pay money, and ship goods without much hassle. With thousands of furniture companies in China, you can find unique and exquisite furniture items that are not available in your local market.

Quality Control

Quality control is essential when importing furniture from China. Before placing an order, you need to conduct a quality inspection of the products. You can hire a third-party quality control company to inspect the furniture on your behalf.

Some of the things to look out for during the quality inspection include the quality of the material used, the finish, and the overall design. It is also essential to check if the furniture meets the relevant quality standards in your country.

Shipping and Logistics

Shipping and logistics are crucial aspects of importing furniture from China. You need to choose a reliable shipping company that will handle the transportation of your goods from China to your country.

When shipping furniture, you need to consider the mode of transportation, shipping costs, and delivery time. You can choose to ship your goods by sea or air, depending on your budget and the urgency of the shipment.

It is also important to ensure that your goods are properly packaged and labeled before shipping. This will help to prevent damage during transportation and ensure that your goods arrive at their destination in good condition.

Payment Methods

When importing furniture from China, you need to consider the payment methods accepted by your supplier. It is essential to choose a payment method that is safe and secure for both you and your supplier.

Most suppliers in China prefer payment methods such as wire transfers, PayPal, and letters of credit. It is advisable to avoid payment methods such as Western Union or MoneyGram, as they are not secure and can be used by scammers to defraud unsuspecting buyers.

Customs Clearance and Taxes

When importing furniture from China, you need to comply with the customs clearance and tax requirements in your country. You need to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation required for customs clearance, such as invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading.

It is also important to factor in the customs duties and taxes applicable in your country when calculating the total cost of importing furniture from China. You can consult with a customs broker or freight forwarder to help you with the customs clearance process.

After-Sales Service

After-sales service is an essential aspect of importing furniture from China. You need to choose a supplier that offers good after-sales service, such as warranty and repair services.

It is also important to maintain good communication with your supplier after the sale to ensure that any issues that arise are resolved promptly.

Conclusion

Importing furniture from China can be a profitable venture if done correctly. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can find a reliable supplier, negotiate a good price, and import high-quality furniture from China at wholesale prices.

Remember to conduct due diligence when choosing a supplier, conduct quality inspections, choose a reliable shipping company, and comply with the customs clearance and tax requirements in your country. With these considerations in mind, you can successfully import furniture from China and grow your business.