Links 01–03 · China
Sourcing and procurement in China with our own people at the factory
Sourcing, procurement, quality control and import from our hub in Guangzhou. Dutch direction, Chinese execution, and no middleman earning on both sides.
The problem
A trading agent in China earns on your order, not on your margin. You notice that on the second delivery, when the quality differs slightly from the sample and nobody is accountable. The difference is who is physically standing in the factory — and whether that person works for you or for the supplier.
What we do
From factory visit to customs clearance, with the same people.
We find the factory, hold the price conversation, inspect production and put the goods on the vessel. Every step is documented with photos, so you know what you are buying before you pay.
Sourcing
Finding and assessing factories on site.
We visit candidate factories, look at the production line and assess whether they can handle your volume. For every factory you receive a report with photos, capacity, certificates and the quoted price.
- 01Longlist based on your specification
- 02Physical site visit with photo report
- 03Verification of licences and certificates
- 04At least three quotes per product
- 05Advice on who we would not choose
Procurement & QC
Negotiating in Mandarin, inspecting before the container closes.
The price is one conversation; the specification is the conversation that makes the difference. We fix material, size, packaging and tolerance in writing and inspect against it during and after production.
- 01Price and terms negotiation
- 02Specification and tolerance fixed in writing
- 03Sample approval before production starts
- 04Inspection during production and at completion
- 05Photo report of every inspection in the portal
Import & customs
Consolidation in Guangzhou, clearance in Rotterdam.
If you buy from three factories, those goods come together at our consolidation point before going into the container. That saves freight and it saves three rounds of paperwork.
- 01Consolidation of several factories into one container
- 02Sea freight FCL and LCL at our own rates
- 03Air freight when the schedule demands it
- 04Customs declaration, EORI and all documentation
- 05Clearance and onward transport to the campus
Guangzhou hub
Why our own hub, and not an agent.
Our own team in China costs more than a commission deal with an agent. It also delivers something else: people who represent your interests, speak the same language as the factory and can be on site tomorrow.
- 01Permanent team, no commission per order
- 02Same time zone as your suppliers
- 03Physical presence when problems arise
- 04Direct line to the Dutch team
On site
Factory visits, on site.
Dutch and Chinese team together at manufacturers of metal furniture, safety footwear and apparel brands. No stock photos; these are the people doing your procurement.
Facts and commitments
What to expect from our China team.
Frequently asked questions
Sourcing in China: how does it work?
Lead times based on current projects, verified September 2026.
What is sourcing in China through EcomFeed?
Sourcing is finding, assessing and contracting a factory for your product. EcomFeed does this with its own people in Guangzhou: they visit candidate factories, verify licences and certificates and request at least three quotations. You receive a report with photos, capacity and price per factory.
How long does a sourcing project take?
On average three to five weeks from briefing to quotations with photo report. Sample approval follows (two to three weeks depending on the product) and production (usually four to eight weeks). Sea freight to Rotterdam takes five to seven weeks; air freight one week.
What does sourcing and procurement cost?
Sourcing and procurement are charged as a percentage of purchase value, depending on volume and complexity. Quality control and consolidation are included. Freight and duties are passed through one-to-one without mark-up. You receive a proposal after the first call.
How does EcomFeed control quality?
In three steps: sample approval before production starts, inspection during production and final inspection before the container is sealed. Every inspection produces a photo report in the portal. Anything that deviates from the agreed specification does not ship.
Can I buy from several factories at once?
Yes. Goods from several factories come together at our consolidation point in Guangzhou and travel in one container to Rotterdam. This saves freight and customs work. Smaller volumes (LCL) are also possible.
What happens if the factory delivers differently than agreed?
Then that is our problem. Because we fix the specification, inspect production and release payment only after inspection, the risk sits with us and the factory, not with you. Deviations that still slip through after final inspection are resolved by us with the factory.
Let's talk
Do you know what your product really costs?
Send us your specification and your current purchase price. We request three quotes from factories we have visited ourselves and tell you honestly whether there is room.
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