How to Import Furniture From China: Partnering with a Trusted China Trading Company

Directly import furniture from china is no longer a distant dream. As mentioned in my previous article, China is the world’s largest furniture manufacturing and sales hub. Here, you can buy a wide range of furniture at very competitive prices. China offers not only a convenient location but also an efficient and secure purchasing process, attracting hundreds of thousands of customers from around the world every year. There are numerous international trade companies (import-export companies) and logistics firms related to the furniture industry. Due to issues like currency exchange, transportation, and customs clearance, collaborating with these companies is essential, no matter where you're from.

This article will further address the following key points:

1. Pre-trip preparation: Why should you choose a trade company first?
2. How to choose the right China trading company?
3. Should you purchase through a design firm or a local intermediary from your country?

With over 10 years of experience in the furniture industry in southern China, including working at an international furniture imports ltd and now running my own furniture business, I interact daily with foreign buyers. I believe these are crucial points to consider when purchasing furniture in China. This guide is especially for first-time buyers, so if you're new to this, please read carefully. 

 

1. Pre-Trip Preparation

Once you decide to buy furniture in China, it’s time to start preparing. Here are some key points to consider:

- What and How Much to Buy?

  This is the first question to answer. How big is your home? How many rooms do you need to furnish? What style are you aiming for? These are the things you need to plan in advance. Many clients bring floor plans and designers with them when they come to China. 

(The busy shunde china furniture wholesale market)

- Budgeting 

  Whether you're buying furniture for your own home or preparing to start a furniture business, setting a reasonable budget is crucial. Once you decide on the types and quantities of furniture you need, you can begin searching for suitable trade companies based on your budget. Typically, the budget for a villa is at least 500,000 RMB, while for an apartment, the budget is lower.

- Why Choose a Trade Company First?

  Most furniture sellers in China do not have international bank accounts, and due to strict currency regulations, you can only bring up to $5,000 USD in cash when entering the country. This makes the payment process more complicated. Therefore, all foreign clients must use international trade companies for payments. I strongly recommend choosing a reliable trade company before you arrive in China. You can ask your designer for recommendations, seek advice from experienced people, or find reputable trade companies online. 

 

2. How to Choose a China Trading Company? 

- Is It Advantageous to Choose a Company Run by People from Your Own Country?

  Many people prefer to choose trade companies run by fellow nationals, such as Indian clients opting for Indian run trade companies in China (Chinese furniture importers in india). But is this necessary? This is a complex issue. On the one hand, fellow nationals may better understand your needs. On the other hand, services are generally charged according to demand, and it’s unlikely that a company will offer lower-than-market prices just because they share your nationality. I believe service fees are quite transparent in the market, with a range of 5%-15% being reasonable. The variation depends on whether additional services like translation(Regarding the need for translation accompaniment, you can take a look at this article), a driver, quality inspection, and customs clearance are needed. If the service fee is less than 5%, be cautious, as the company might charge extra fees (such as commissions from suppliers). If the fee is over 15%, it may be too high.

- How to Handle Payments?

  As mentioned earlier, all payments must be processed through a trade company. Suppliers typically require a 30% deposit. For a budget of 500,000 RMB, this means your initial payment to the trade company will likely be no less than 150,000 RMB. As for payment timing, if you trust the trade company or are working through a designer or intermediary, you can pay the deposit before you arrive. However, if you're not familiar with the company, it's best to visit their office in China and confirm everything in person before making any payments. I recommend comparing two or three trade companies to make the best choice.

- Key Details to Discuss with Trade Companies

  When negotiating with trade companies, make sure to clarify the following: what services are included in the service fee, the payment process, currency exchange fees (which vary by country), inspection standards, logistics arrangements (including container loading), customs clearance, delivery locations, and airport or hotel pick-up services.

(The huge Louvre furniture mall China)

 

3. Should You Purchase Through a Design Firm or Local Intermediary? 

In North America, Europe, Australia, and India, many large interior design firms or builders have established relationships with furniture suppliers, who are often trade companies. These trade companies work with numerous furniture manufacturers in China, sourcing and exporting to clients' countries. Typically, the purchasing process looks like this:

Manufacturer → Procurement Agent/China Trade Company (Export) → Importer/Wholesaler → Designer/Architect/Builder/Retailer → End Consumer

Although some steps might be skipped, the furniture you buy will often go through several markups along the way. Therefore, the advantage of buying directly from China is clear: you can get better prices. So, do you need to purchase through a design firm or intermediary? My advice is to deal directly with a reliable trade company, agree on service fees, and then visit China with your family to select your furniture in person. Pay attention to quality checks and after-sales service.

 

(How to visit Foshan furniture market)

 

Conclusion 

Trade companies in China play an essential role in international trade, handling currency transfers, customs clearance, and both pre-sale and post-sale services. Once you decide to purchase furniture in China, it’s important to find a trustworthy trade company as soon as possible. If you’re still unsure, I can recommend a few trade companies with over 15 years of experience serving clients from North America, Europe, and India, These trading companies have always had a good partnership with our factory. My recommendations are entirely free of charge and do not involve any commissions. Feel free to contact me if you need assistance. WhatsApp/Wechat +86 13630105100 Grace Fok

(My hometown Shunde, Guangdong, China)