How to Find Chinese Distributors

You can easily find a variety of Chinese distributors on Internet websites and international trade lead boards. However, since most are independently operated, for the most part, anyone with an email address can join and offer to be a distributor or agent. To avoid fraud and to develop a fruitful business relationship, look for Chinese distributors on sites managed by United States government agencies and by reputable international trade associations.

Instructions

1. Register your business and your export interests at the U.S. Department of Commerce's export website. Once you are registered, you can search the database of opportunities and offers that are sent by the local commercial officer at the U.S. Embassy in China. The export site also registers foreign businesses and maintains a database for business matchmaking.

2. Visit the Traderoots website and use the trade toolbox. Get commercial guides for China. Contact Chinese government agencies and business associations that can help you verify your potential wholesale distributor's business.

3. Get the China Business Guide and links to important trade sites on the Federation of International Trade Association's website. Find Chinese wholesale company information and view active trade leads. Registration is required for some services.

4. Add your business to the World Trade Center Association and Alibaba registries. Search their databases of registered wholesale companies or have trade leads sent by email. Contact potential distributors, including Alibaba members who have submitted various business documents that verify their operations and validity.

5. Meet potential distributors at trade shows and exhibitions sponsored by the United States Department of Commerce and relevant trade associations. The companies that are invited to travel to the U.S. to participate are usually established, reputable businesses.

Tips & Warnings

• Investigate every potential distributor before you sign any documents.

• Stay abreast of import regulations and get international trade tips from many U.S. government websites.

• The Internet has hundreds of websites where distributors, agents and manufacturers post offers and demands, daily. Use trusted sites to qualify your potential business partner in China.

Resources

• Find export and import information at export.gov.
• Use the trade toolbox at traderoots.org.
• Get valuable China contacts and trade leads at Fita.org.
• Contact Chinese distributors at Alibaba.com.
• Register for email trade leads at WTCA.org.