To complete a customized glasswares order in China, you need to follow the steps as below:

Step 1: Finding Reliable Suppliers

Tips For Audit Suppliers

• Do they have a website? It’s the portal to know them basically.
• Do they do the business of only one category？If they are doing several categories, mostly they are not manufacturers. Just to be reminded, one factory couldn’t produce glassware and plastic products at the same time.
• Can you get a fast reply from them? Fast reply means better negotiations. On the other hand, they are professional enough to work with you.
• Can they provide quotations with all relevant information without asking? It shows if they are professional enough and if they have the productivity.
• Ask them if they agree to do factory audit by the third party. It is a necessary step to ensure you are working with the real facility.
• Check if their company name, address, banking information are consistent.

Where To Find?

• Alibaba.com

Now it is the most famous platform of Chinese suppliers. You can find manufacturers and trading companies on it. You could use the above tips to choose. To make it clear, the best option would be doing factory audit. But sometimes, you could also try trading companies. They have better services.

• Made-In-China.com

It is another B2B platform. If you are on the business of machinery, it will be a better option.

• Globalsources.com

This is a platform with headquarter in HK. It runs longer than Alibaba.com.

• Canton Fair

Twice a year, Guangzhou becomes a hub of business activity, thanks to the Canton Fair. It’s a confluence of suppliers from diverse sectors, offering a tantalizing array of products. Attending the fair isn’t just about transactions; it’s about building relationships, understanding market dynamics, and witnessing trends. Arm yourself with a clear agenda, business cards aplenty, and an open mind.

• Yiwu International Trade City

Yiwu International Trade City, also known as Yiwu Market, is one of the largest wholesale markets in the world. Located in Yiwu, Zhejiang Province, China, this massive complex is a hub for small commodities and serves as a one-stop-shop for buyers from all over the globe. The market spans over 5 million square meters and houses tens of thousands of booths offering a wide range of products, from textiles and apparel to toys, jewelry, and household items.

You could also refer below to choose suppliers of glasswares.

Top 5 Glassware Manufacturers In The USA

Leading Glassware Manufacturers In India

Top 10 World Famous Glassware Manufacturers in 2023

17 Top Glassware Brands Ranked In The World

Step 2: Building Relationships

A Trip to China

You need to prepare:

• Booking a flight to the destination airport
• Booking a hotel in China
• A car to pick you up at the airport, take you to the hotel and take you during the trip
• A phone card and some RMB cashes
• A translator
• Or ask a friend in China who can handle all above

First Visit/Audit (You also can ask a third-party inspection service from relevant company.)

Below is the list that you need to know:

General Factory Information

• Factory Name
• Location
• Phone No.
• Type of registration
• Bank Account Information
• Company Owner
• No. of office workers
• No. of factory workers
• Factory area
• Nearest port or airport
• Pictures: Door/Production Area/Manufacturing Process Pictures

Inspection

• Certificates

• Production Area

1. Is the workshop clean and tidy?
2. All materials were reasonable arranged?
3. Factory Facilities were in good working conditions?
4. Production Lines were producing during inspection?

• Production Line Machines

1. Are the machines in good condition?
2. Do the machines have manufacturer information?
3. Do the machines have regular QC checks by factory?
4. Are the machines producing without any problem?
5. Do the machines have proper operators to operate them?

• Manufacturing Process

1. Are there written work instructions for workers to follow?
2. Do workers follow the work instructions to perform their work?
3. Are there regular QC inspections on products during manufacturing?
4. Are there written inspection instructions for QC to follow?
5. Are inspection results recorded?
6. Is there approval samples attached to working stations and production lines for reference here appropriate?
7. Are non-conforming products properly segregated or clearly identified?

• Incoming Inspections

1. Are Incoming Quality Check (IQC) records or reports available?
2. Are Production Quality Check (PQC) records or reports available?
3. Are Final Inspection (FI) records or reports available?

• Quality Management

1. Is there an Independent QC manager or supervisory level person to head. The QC functions?
2. Is there a formal quality manual or related quality document in the factory? How Many?
3. Is there a develop quality control plan / work instruction showing inspection procedures used during manufacturing?
4. Does the factory use up-to-date international, national, clients or its own standards to perform internal quality control on products?
5. Is there COA (Certificate of Authenticity) available provide to QC to confirm the product purity and all the indexes in the specification (must comply with the attached specification)?
6. If raw materials need inspection prior to production, are they properly inspected and have records?
7. Are inspected raw materials labeled for identification?
8. Are defective raw materials clearly isolated in designated areas or identified?

• Final Inspection & QA Testing

1. Are inspection & testing performed in products before packing?
2. Does the factory perform final inspection on products before shipment?
3. Are there adequate, clearly written criteria/instructions available for inspectors to follow for final inspection?
4. Are formal written inspection reports used?
5. Are inspection reports properly filed?
6. Are there records of rejected lots?
7. Are rejected lots clearly isolated in designated area or identified?
8. Does the supplier share the quality control record?
9. Is the sampling size for final inspection adequate to meet customer’s standards?
10. Does the factory have basic testing equipment?
11. Is the packaging area isolated from production and assembly areas?

• Warehouse

1. Does the factory have raw material and finished product warehouse?
2. Are packed master cartons properly stored to avoid damage or contamination?
3. Are master cartons placed on pallets?
4. Is the warehouse clearly isolated from production areas?
5. Is the warehouse clean and tidy?
6. Are raw materials kept in controlled, segregated locations to prevent quality deterioration?

source:lida warehousing

• Emergency Facilities

1. Are fire extinguishers available and accessible?
2. Are fire alarms installed in each working section?
3. Are emergency lights and EXIT Signs installed at all emergency exits?
4. Are there line and arrow marking of evacuation route floor?
5. Are there evacuation plot plans on each floor?
6. Aree all fire equipment, emergency exits & aisles unblocked?
7. Is personal protective equipment warning signs posted in working areas?
8. Do the workers wear earplugs, gloves, goggles, masks, rubber boots (if necessary)?

Lida Glassware

Introduction

Established in 2008, Lida Glassware is a renowned supplier specializing in custom glassware products. Headquartered in Bengbu City, this premier Chinese brand has made its mark by exporting top-notch glasswares, to over 50 countries.

Lida Glassware is also proud of its dedicated Research & Development division. Here, we continually monitor the latest market trends related to glassware manufacturing. Our skilled designers work tirelessly to conceive unique bottle designs, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation in shape and size.

For large-scale orders, we offer sample products and promise expedited delivery. At Lida Glassware, we are dedicated to serving our clients’ diverse needs while maintaining our commitment to quality and exceptional customer service.

Step 3: Negotiating and Finalizing Contracts

Order information

You can follow the below steps:

• Pre-production sample approval
• Confirm the terms of payment, quality requirements and delivery time
• Issue the PO
• Arrange the deposit

Production & Inspection

• Mass production
• Arrange quality inspection during production (You also can arrange a QC to inspect in all production process.)
• Final inspection after all glasses are finished

source:lida

Shipping

• To ensure the sucessful import process, you’d better work with the shipping company in your country.
• Tell your forwarder you have goods to be on boat and send factory contact information to them.
• Upon the delivery time, you need to tell your forwarder what shipping date you wish. You will get information of POL, POD, and shipping time.
• When shipping date is confirmed, check with factory about the loading date. Don’t forget to ask them to send you loading pictures.
• Arrange the balance amount.
• When the ship is sailing, you could ask them to provide BL, commerical invoice and packing list. These documents are needed for your import and custom clearance.

Step 4: Growing and Scaling Your Import Business

Reordering and Long-Term Contracts

In the import business, consistency is not just about quality; it’s about being reliable. This is all about building strong relationships that make your operations smooth.

• Predictive Inventory Management: Use tools and analytics to forecast what you’ll need in stock. This proactive approach makes sure you never run out, building trust with your customers.
• Negotiation Skills: Once you’ve got a rhythm with your suppliers, negotiate long-term contracts. These usually offer cost benefits and priority service, giving you a competitive edge.
• Lower Risks: The longer the contract, the deeper the trust. Regular quality checks and communication systems make sure both sides are on the same page, reducing chances of misunderstandings.

Diversify Your Supplier Base

Relying on just one supplier is like putting all your eggs in one basket—a risky move. Diversifying your suppliers fixes this.

• Geographical Spread: By sourcing from different regions, you not only lower geopolitical risks but also get access to a variety of designs and expertise in glassware.
• Negotiation Leverage: A broader supplier base gives you a stronger negotiating position. If one supplier raises prices or drops in quality, you can easily adjust.
• Innovative Sourcing: Different suppliers bring unique innovations. By diversifying, you expose your business to a ton of cutting-edge glassware designs, keeping your product catalog fresh and appealing.

Trend Insights: Stay Ahead in the Glassware Industry

Being a trendsetter in the dynamic world of glassware isn’t just a title; it’s a key strategy for sustainable growth.

• Consumer Pulse: Regularly conduct market research. Know what consumers are leaning towards. Is it sustainable glassware? Or maybe a retro revival? Keep a close eye on these shifts.
• Industry Forums and Expos: Attend global glassware expos. These innovation hubs offer firsthand insights into upcoming trends, allowing you to adjust your buying strategy accordingly.
• Collaborative Design: Team up with suppliers for collaborative design sessions. By combining your market insights with their production expertise, you can co-create unique and popular products.

source:Lida Glassware Manufacturing

Conclusion

This is a full process of completing a glassware order in China. If you want to know more details about customized glasswares process, you can check this: How To Buy Customized Glasswares From China

At Lida Glassware, we appreciate the diversity in craftsmanship and are here to assist you in finding the perfect glassware solutions that meet your specific needs and values.

Feel free to reach out to us for more information or explore our offerings that cater to the diverse needs of our clients worldwide.