Guides: how to source from Yiwu & China without getting ripped off
Pick by your situation: you suspect agent markup, you’re importing for the first time, or you want to source by category.
Price & agents (worried about markup)
Is your agent overcharging you?
Spot hidden commission and markup — and check the real price.
Verify the real factory price
US$29, 2 real suppliers, on the ground.
How much do agents charge?
Commission vs flat fee.
How “free” agents make money
Kickbacks, markup, inflated freight.
Getting started
How to import from China
7-step beginner flow + traps.
Buy from Yiwu without traveling
Verify, inspect and ship remotely.
The Yiwu market: what it sells
Official 6-district guide.
Using a Yiwu sourcing agent
Agent vs assistant.
Factory vs trading company
Tell them apart, get the factory price.
Verify a supplier & avoid scams
Red flags + in-person checks.
How foreigners buy from 1688
Clear the language/payment/shipping hurdles.
Source by category
Jewelry
District 1 & 6, low MOQ.
Toys
District 1, mind certification.
Phone accessories
Fast newness.
Clothing / knitwear
District 4, small items.
Home & kitchen
Districts 2 & 4.
Hair / wigs
District 5, Africa/US markets.
Cosmetics / beauty tools
District 3, mind the rules.
Shoes
District 4, lots of styles.
Prefer to do it yourself?
The full playbook + templates → “Buy from Yiwu without traveling”
This page covers the key points; the complete steps, inquiry scripts, scam checklist and full process checklist are all in the guide.