Quick Start for Foreign Trade

Yiwu, known as the world’s largest small commodity market, is ideal for beginners to source and start foreign trade. This guide outlines core steps from product selection, purchasing, shipping, to distribution.

1. Product Selection Steps in Yiwu

1. Define Your Target Market and Customer Needs

   • Research hot-selling categories in your target country to avoid blind buying

   • Use tools like Google Trends, Amazon best-sellers, and AliExpress trending products for market insight

2. Focus on Suitable Categories

   • Recommended: lightweight, durable, low-cost, high-repurchase products (jewelry, stationery, electronic accessories, small home items)

   • Avoid heavy, fragile, or regulated goods

3. Find Reliable Manufacturers or Distributors

   • Initially screen on platforms like 1688.com and YiwuGo, focusing on supply capacity, minimum order quantity (MOQ), and export experience

   • Consider using professional procurement agents (such as Yiwu Dreamwork) for sourcing and quality control to save time and reduce risk

   • Verify manufacturers’ export qualifications to ensure compliance

4. Request Quotes and Confirm Samples

   • Compare multiple quotes focusing on quality and delivery time

   • Request samples to personally verify quality and packaging meet market requirements

2. Shipping and Logistics Tips

1. Choose Appropriate Shipping Method

   • Small quantity & lightweight: international express (DHL, FedEx) – fast but costly

   • Medium quantity: Yiwu dedicated logistics lines – balanced cost and speed

   • Large quantity: sea freight (LCL or FCL) – cheapest but slower

2. Packaging and Customs Clearance

   • Ensure packaging meets destination country standards, with shockproof and moisture-proof protection

   • Prepare customs documents (commercial invoice, packing list, export license, etc.)

   • Use freight forwarders or agents who assist with customs clearance

3. Tracking and After-Sales

   • Keep shipment tracking numbers and monitor status in real time

   • Establish customer after-sales feedback to improve satisfaction

3. Distribution and Customer Acquisition Tips

1. Choose Sales Channels

   • Own website (Shopify etc.) combined with social media ads for precise customer targeting

   • International marketplaces (eBay, AliExpress, Wish) to leverage platform traffic

   • Social commerce (Facebook groups, WhatsApp communities) for private domain marketing

2. Create Product Highlights

   • Use high-quality product images and descriptions emphasizing features and usage scenarios

   • Showcase customer reviews and case studies to build trust

3. Promotions and Customer Retention

   • Use coupons, limited-time discounts to encourage purchases

   • Build customer databases for repeat sales and word-of-mouth marketing

4. How to Find Reliable Yiwu Supply Chain Support?

• Use professional procurement agencies to filter genuine sources and reduce risk

• Yiwu Dreamwork is an experienced local procurement and logistics company offering end-to-end services including sourcing, inspection, and shipping — perfect for beginners without existing suppliers

• Contact: +86 135 6698 0047

• Website: yiwuagents.com

Summary

Starting foreign trade requires accurate product selection + reliable sourcing + efficient logistics + multi-channel distribution. Leveraging local Yiwu resources and professional agents saves time and cost, helping you quickly turn orders into profits.