Chinese Corporate Marketplaces: How Useful and Accurate Are They?

Chinese corporate information collection platforms have gained significant attention in recent years for their utility in finding a product in China from the manufacturer. These platforms offer a wide range of data answering the ever-important question of where to find suppliers from China. They often provide some supplemental — not very useful in our case — drill-downs, including financial performance, market trends, competitive analyses, etc.

However, questions have been raised about the accuracy and reliability of the information provided by these platforms.

While these platforms can be a valuable resource for investors looking to find a good supplier in China, it is essential to approach the data with caution. Due to the complex regulatory environment and cultural differences in China, there may be limitations to the accuracy of the information available on these platforms. It is crucial for users to conduct thorough due diligence and cross-verify the data from multiple info platforms before making any critical decisions based on the information obtained from these marketplaces of Chinese suppliers.

Chinese corporate information collection platforms can be useful tools for gathering insights into the business landscape in China. However, users should exercise caution and critically evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the data to make informed decisions effectively.

Examples of Chinese Marketplaces of Suppliers

Here are some examples of Chinese wholesale marketplaces:

1. Yiwu International Trade City: One of China's largest small commodity export bases and the world's largest wholesale market, with a business area of over 4 million square meters, 70,000 booths, and more than 200,000 daily passenger flow. It has a Webpage helping to navigate, locate and remotely order the sought merchandise. According to the World Bank, it is considered the world's largest small commodities market, and in 2023, the market reportedly sold around US$70 billion worth of goods. The trade city also serves as a significant international small commodity circulation, information, and exhibition center.
2. Made-in-China: A platform connecting international buyers with Chinese suppliers directly without intermediaries, offering a wide range of products across various industries. Buyers can either browse products and suppliers through directories or post inquiries on the platform, where relevant suppliers reach out to initiate deals. The platform, operated by Focus Technology Co., Ltd., features a wide range of products accommodating over 27 industries and catering to diverse business needs worldwide.
3. Global Sources: Another popular B2B marketplace that connects buyers with verified suppliers from China as well as some other Asian countries. Global Sources is a marketplace of Chinese suppliers, accessing their information, and connecting with manufacturers and suppliers directly without intermediaries, while also promoting relevant trade shows and print publications. The platform aims to provide a comprehensive sourcing solution for businesses looking to connect with suppliers and source products from Asia.
4. DHgate: A platform that focuses on small and medium-sized Chinese businesses, where one can find suppliers offering competitive prices for various products. DHGate is a wholesaler marketplace that was established in 2004. It serves as a premier B2B cross-border e-commerce platform in China, connecting over 2 million registered buyers from more than 220 countries and regions globally. The platform offers a comprehensive range of products across 26 categories, totaling over 30 million items, allowing buyers to access wholesale products at attractive prices.
5. 1688.com: Another popular Chinese marketplace run by Alibaba Group, offering a wide range of products from Chinese suppliers at wholesale prices. Similar to Alibaba.com, 1688.com offers a vast range of products in various categories, including electronics, apparel, home goods, and more. It is a valuable resource for businesses worldwide looking to access a wide selection of products and suppliers in China. While the platform is primarily in Chinese, some tools and services are available to help international buyers navigate and source products from the site.

Overall, 1688.com is another prominent player in the Chinese e-commerce market, providing a platform for businesses to engage in wholesale transactions where it is relatively easy to find suppliers from China.

These are some marketplaces that provide access to a wide variety of wholesale suppliers and Chinese factories for purchasing goods directly.

Role of Asia-West as Your Broker in Search for Chinese Suppliers

Several key considerations are pointing to why it is worth ordering from China through Asia-West. Asia-West boasts the availability of well-established connections providing various incentives and rebates, as well as knowledge of ad-hoc Chinese and immense experience in organizing cargo delivery. Applying to Asia-West instead of finding a supplier from China directly without intermediaries usually saves time and money.