This guide covers four China sourcing tips that new buyers get wrong again and again: counterfeit goods, unrealistically low 1688 prices, missing import certificates, and destination taxes and duties.
If you are about to place a first order from China, or you already shop on Alibaba or 1688, these are the checks that save time and cut risk before money leaves your account. We see the same mistakes in sourcing work every week. Below is each tip in plain language, with what to do next.
4 China sourcing tips at a glance
| Tip | Short answer | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Counterfeit goods | No, they are not an easy source | Walk away from a famous brand at a fraction of the normal price |
| Very low 1688 prices | Often a promo for one unit or a tiny quantity | Read the terms, then ask for a real bulk quote |
| Certificates | Many products need them in your country | Ask for the files before you order, not a chat "yes" |
| High import tax | It applies to your competitor too | Put it in the selling price. Talk to a customs expert for your category |
Tip 1: Can You Easily Source Counterfeit Goods from China?
No. A lot of people assume it is very easy to source counterfeit goods from China. That is wrong. Rules around manufacturing, selling, and sourcing these goods are very strict, and people get into trouble every year for buying them.
Some buyers still look for branded copies because the unit price looks cheap. That path creates legal trouble and money loss. If customs stops the shipment, you can lose the goods, pay a fine, or end up with stock you cannot sell.
Of course we do not sell counterfeit goods, and I suggest you do the same. If a listing looks like a famous brand at a fraction of the normal price, walk away. Source a real product from a real factory instead.
Tip 2: Why Are Some 1688 Prices So Low?
Sometimes on 1688 you will see products with impossible prices. The number on the page can be real for that listing. That does not mean you can buy the same product in bulk for 10 percent of its value. Those deals are usually a platform promotion, often for a tiny quantity or even one unit.
When you ask for bulk, the quote moves back to a normal factory price. Check the product description first. Read the promotion terms. Then ask for a real bulk quote and compare it with the price you already expect for that product.
Know your target price before you open 1688. If you do not, a flashy listing will pull you off course.
Tip 3: Do China Products Need Certificates to Import?
Yes, for many categories. Not every amazing product you see online can be bought and imported into your country. A lot of products sold in China do not have the certificates your market requires. Without those documents, the goods can sit at customs or get rejected after you already paid for production and shipping.
Do your research first. Find out which certificates you need for that product. Then ask the manufacturer if they have those certificates for those specific products. Ask to see the files, not only a message saying yes.
Ask before you order. Fixing papers after production is slow and expensive.
Tip 4: Should High Import Taxes Stop You from Sourcing?
Not by themselves. If you are worried about high taxes and duties at your destination, talk to a customs expert first. Each product category has different tax and duty rates, so a short conversation with someone who knows your category beats guessing from random posts online.
Even after your research, the taxes and duties may still look high. Do not forget they are for everybody. If it is high for you, it is also high for your competitor. Build that cost into your selling price instead of searching for a private route that does not exist.
Conclusion
Skip counterfeits, treat a shocking 1688 price as a promo until you have a bulk quote, ask for certificate files before production, and build destination duty into the selling price.
Next Steps
If you want help checking a factory quote, certificates, or landed cost before you place an order, contact us or look at pricing. Related reading: how our China sourcing process works and 1688 vs Alibaba.
