The Process
A system built to remove
every sourcing risk.
Most sourcing mistakes happen because there is no system. Wrong supplier. Missed specs. No one on the ground. No QA.
ChinaDirect Sourcing runs a structured, managed process across every project, from the first conversation to final delivery. Here is exactly how it works.
Same rigour. Two ways to engage.
Whether you want to be on the ground in China or manage everything remotely, the system behind both paths is the same.
China Buying Trip Path
You fly to China with our team. Visit factories. Meet suppliers. Validate quality in person. Place orders on the ground.
- On-the-ground factory validation
- Direct supplier relationships
- Same-day negotiation and order placement
- Sample collection on site
- Ideal for high-volume or complex sourcing
Managed Procurement Path
Stay in Australia. Our team handles everything in China on your behalf, supplier research, negotiation, QA, and logistics.
- No travel required
- Full supplier transparency
- Remote approval at every stage
- Ideal for repeat orders or single categories
- Scalable across multiple projects
From first conversation
to final delivery.
Every ChinaDirect Sourcing project follows this structured process. No shortcuts. Each step has a defined check.
Discovery & Feasibility Review
We start with a focused conversation about your project, timeline, budget, and what you want to source. We review whether China sourcing makes commercial sense for your specific situation, and which categories will deliver the strongest return.
Product List & Sourcing Strategy
You provide your product list with specs, quantities, photos, and target pricing. We review it, identify the strongest sourcing categories, and map out a strategic approach, whether that is a buying trip, remote procurement, or a staged combination of both.
Supplier Research & Vetting
Our team researches and shortlists manufacturers from our database of 30,000+ vetted suppliers. Every potential supplier is assessed on export history, certifications, production capability, client references, and compliance with Australian Standards before being presented to you.
Itinerary or Remote Sourcing Plan
For buying trips: we build a day-by-day factory itinerary, coordinate accommodation, transport, and interpreters, and brief you before departure. For managed procurement: we build a remote sourcing plan with clear timelines, deliverables, and approval checkpoints.
Negotiation & Order Placement
Our team negotiates on your behalf, whether you are in the room or in Australia. We secure competitive pricing, favourable payment terms, and production timelines. Orders are placed with contracts reviewed and deposits structured correctly (schedule agreed per order).
Production Monitoring & QA
Once production begins, we monitor progress at key milestones. Optional independent third-party inspections can be scheduled during production, quoted per inspection day and confirmed before you commit. Raw materials, production output, and packaging are all checked against your approved specs and samples.
Pre-Shipment & Logistics
Before goods leave China, we conduct a final pre-shipment inspection under AQL sampling standards. Export documentation is prepared, fumigation certificates, commercial invoices, mill certificates, test reports. Goods are consolidated, packed, and cleared for export. Sea freight to Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne takes approximately 3 weeks.
Delivery & Long-Term Supply Chain
Goods arrive in Australia, clear customs through our broker, and are delivered to your site. Your supply chain is documented for reorders. Most clients use their first sourcing project as the foundation for an ongoing, repeatable parallel supply chain that compounds in value over time.
Discovery & Feasibility Review
We start with a focused conversation about your project, timeline, budget, and what you want to source. We review whether China sourcing makes commercial sense for your specific situation, and which categories will deliver the strongest return.
Product List & Sourcing Strategy
You provide your product list with specs, quantities, photos, and target pricing. We review it, identify the strongest sourcing categories, and map out a strategic approach, whether that is a buying trip, remote procurement, or a staged combination of both.
Supplier Research & Vetting
Our team researches and shortlists manufacturers from our database of 30,000+ vetted suppliers. Every potential supplier is assessed on export history, certifications, production capability, client references, and compliance with Australian Standards before being presented to you.
Itinerary or Remote Sourcing Plan
For buying trips: we build a day-by-day factory itinerary, coordinate accommodation, transport, and interpreters, and brief you before departure. For managed procurement: we build a remote sourcing plan with clear timelines, deliverables, and approval checkpoints.
Negotiation & Order Placement
Our team negotiates on your behalf, whether you are in the room or in Australia. We secure competitive pricing, favourable payment terms, and production timelines. Orders are placed with contracts reviewed and deposits structured correctly (schedule agreed per order).
Production Monitoring & QA
Once production begins, we monitor progress at key milestones. Optional independent third-party inspections can be scheduled during production, quoted per inspection day and confirmed before you commit. Raw materials, production output, and packaging are all checked against your approved specs and samples.
Pre-Shipment & Logistics
Before goods leave China, we conduct a final pre-shipment inspection under AQL sampling standards. Export documentation is prepared, fumigation certificates, commercial invoices, mill certificates, test reports. Goods are consolidated, packed, and cleared for export. Sea freight to Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne takes approximately 3 weeks.
Delivery & Long-Term Supply Chain
Goods arrive in Australia, clear customs through our broker, and are delivered to your site. Your supply chain is documented for reorders. Most clients use their first sourcing project as the foundation for an ongoing, repeatable parallel supply chain that compounds in value over time.
Australian Standards.
Built into the process.
Compliance is not an afterthought. Every sourcing category has specific Australian requirements, and we know them.
Electrical Equipment
RCM marking and registration required. We ensure all electrical goods meet Australian compliance before shipment.
Plumbing (QLD)
Form 15 is issued by an RPEQ engineer upon installation, not by overseas suppliers. We ensure supporting documentation is ready and can connect clients with qualified engineers.
Structural Materials
Mill certificates and engineering certification required. We obtain and verify all structural compliance documentation before shipment.
Windows & Doors
AS2047 compliance required. We vet suppliers against this standard and document compliance at every stage.
Tiles & Flooring
Slip ratings under AS4586. We verify category-appropriate ratings before goods are approved for shipment.
All Other Categories
Every category is assessed for applicable Australian Standards. If there is a compliance requirement, we document it.
From trip to delivery
what to expect.
For clients taking the China Buying Trip path, here is the typical end-to-end timeline.
Pre-Trip Preparation
Product list, supplier research, itinerary, logistics coordination.
On the Ground in China
Factory visits, negotiation, order placement, sample collection.
Production
Manufacturing, monitoring, QA inspections, pre-shipment check.
Sea Freight
Consolidation, export clearance, shipping to Australian port.
Customs & Delivery
Australian customs clearance, truck delivery to site.
Pre-Trip Preparation
Product list, supplier research, itinerary, logistics coordination.
On the Ground in China
Factory visits, negotiation, order placement, sample collection.
Production
Manufacturing, monitoring, QA inspections, pre-shipment check.
Sea Freight
Consolidation, export clearance, shipping to Australian port.
Customs & Delivery
Australian customs clearance, truck delivery to site.
Total: approximately 6 to 8 weeks from the end of the trip to site delivery
Need more time before delivery? China-side storage is the lowest-cost option for a short hold; Australian port storage costs more but gives faster access once your site is ready.
On the ground
What it looks like in China
Factory to Site
We coordinate consolidation, sea freight, customs clearance, and delivery to your door.
The difference between
a costly mistake and
a supply chain advantage.
Without structure:
With ChinaDirect Sourcing:
The system delivers.
Saved, Gold Coast Builder
4-bedroom home. $130K in materials sourced. Over $100K saved against Australian quotes. April 2024.
Below Australian Cabinetry Quotes
Premium kitchen for a $2.5M home project. Tens of thousands saved on a single category.
6 to 8 Weeks
End of Trip to Delivery
Production, sea freight and customs and delivery added up. Production time depends on the category.
“The savings on just one container more than covered the entire trip cost.”
China Buying Trip client
Next Step
Ready to run a project
through the system?
Book a strategy call and tell us what you are planning to source. We will tell you exactly how the process applies to your project.
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