China Direct Buying: The Most Profitable Products to Source from China

“Made In China” goods are all around the world ranging from jeans to television sets. Historically, importers interested in China direct buying sourced mainly petroleum, textiles, and clothing. But nowadays, the export portfolio has increased to leather, travel goods, toys and games, electronics, machinery, footwear, and anything you can imagine.

Product is the key to importing. If the product does not have enough demand, it will likely not be very profitable to import. But there are products out there that can sell for a much higher price than what the buyer pays. Good profit potential is possible when selling in a different country.

But which are the most profitable products to source from China?

• Toys
• Motorcycles
• Furniture
• Sport Goods
• Kitchenware
• Electronic devices and home appliances
• Plastics and articles etc.
• Footwear and parts etc.

You can import many more products from China, but these products typically generate the most profits. Beyond popular goods, profitable sectors include machinery, textiles, beauty products, and more. Despite the increasing wages and costs, China direct buying still holds an advantage in productivity and flexibility. You may find cheaper labor in other South East Asia countries but not many are as well trained. While China is increasingly losing its edge in low cost, China labor is moving up to the value chain and becoming a powerhouse of high-end products.

Never think you have to import from the top products list. It’s almost always better to import a product you’re knowledgeable about and preferably passionate about. To be profitable you need to sell the products. How can you sell anything that you have no connection with? Personal connection facilitates effective selling, as consumers are more likely to trust and engage with a product that the seller genuinely understands and believes in. Sales, profits, and income don’t just come from using the latest analysis tool.

Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published in May, 2013