sourcingchn

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about sourcing FF&E and contract furniture from China. Learn about our process, quality control, shipping, and more.

General

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QWhat is FF&E sourcing and why source from China?
A

FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment) sourcing involves procuring all movable items for commercial projects. China offers competitive pricing, vast manufacturing capacity, and diverse product options — often 30-50% lower cost than Western suppliers while maintaining quality standards.

QWhat industries do you serve?
A

We specialize in hospitality (hotels, resorts), restaurants & bars, office/workspace, education facilities, retail stores, and outdoor/patio projects. Each industry has dedicated sourcing specialists familiar with specific requirements and standards.

Sourcing & Procurement

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QHow does your sourcing process work?
A

Our process follows 4 key stages: 1) Requirement analysis and factory shortlisting, 2) Sample development and approval, 3) Production monitoring with quality checkpoints, 4) Pre-shipment inspection and logistics coordination. The entire cycle typically takes 8-12 weeks.

QCan you source custom-designed furniture?
A

Yes, custom manufacturing is one of our core services. We work with factories that specialize in bespoke furniture — from custom finishes and dimensions to entirely new designs. We manage the full cycle from prototype to mass production.

QWhat is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
A

MOQs vary by product type and factory. For standard items, typical MOQs range from 50-100 pieces. For custom furniture, MOQs can be as low as 20-30 pieces depending on complexity. We negotiate flexible MOQs for project-based orders.

Quality Control

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QHow do you ensure product quality?
A

We implement a 3-stage quality control process: 1) Pre-production inspection (materials and samples), 2) In-line inspection during manufacturing (30% and 60% completion), 3) Pre-shipment inspection (AQL sampling per ISO 2859). All inspections follow international standards.

QDo you provide factory audit reports?
A

Yes, we conduct comprehensive factory audits covering production capacity, quality management systems, certifications (ISO, FSC, BIFMA), labor practices, and environmental compliance. Audit reports are shared with clients before factory selection.

Logistics & Shipping

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QHow do you handle shipping and logistics?
A

We manage door-to-door logistics including: container loading supervision, freight forwarding (sea/air/rail), customs documentation, and destination delivery coordination. We work with trusted freight partners for competitive rates and reliable transit times.

QWhat are typical lead times for FF&E orders?
A

Standard items: 4-6 weeks production + 3-5 weeks shipping. Custom items: 6-10 weeks production + 3-5 weeks shipping. We provide detailed timelines at project kickoff and send weekly progress updates.

QWhat happens if products arrive damaged?
A

We carry cargo insurance on all shipments. In the rare event of transit damage, we handle the claims process and arrange replacement production. Our pre-shipment inspection and professional packing standards minimize damage risk to under 1%.

Pricing & Payment

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QWhat payment terms do you accept?
A

Standard terms: 30% deposit upon order confirmation, 70% balance before shipment (after passing final inspection). For established clients, we offer flexible terms including LC (Letter of Credit) and staged payments aligned with production milestones.

QAre there any hidden fees or service charges?
A

Our pricing is fully transparent. Service fees are clearly stated upfront — typically a percentage of the order value or a fixed project management fee. There are no hidden markups on factory prices. Shipping, insurance, and customs duties are quoted separately.