Where is Yiwu?

Yiwu, a central city in the province of Zhejiang, has developed from a small farming town into a market-built town or a small commodity sector. With more than 40 years of development since the reform and opening, it has become the most famous city in the world, known for its small international commodity trading with more than 200 countries and regions worldwide. Yiwu also becomes the distribution center of the everyday used goods in Zhejiang due to its central location. The Zhejiang province to which Yiwu belongs is one of China's largest trading provinces, accounting for more than 12% of China's foreign trade. To date, it has established various industrial clusters such as Yong Kang City Hardware Center, Zhuji City China Socks Center, Taizhou City Plastic and Rubber Center, Shaoxing City Textile, and Umbrella Center, Ningbo City Plastic Machinery Center, etc. Many of the neighborhoods mentioned above cities provide Yiwu with products. Hangzhou and Shanghai are also very similar to Yiwu. You can either get to Yiwu by taking a bullet train or a taxi. It is effortless to choose from and has many forms of transportation. Yiwu is a renowned town from a technological viewpoint. To get a complete picture of Yiwu and read more about its art, arts, hotel recommendations, click to view our comprehensive Yiwu Page.

Yiwu Wholesale Markets

Over the years, Yiwu has created a unique "market cluster" with the core, multiple professional markets, and specialized streets supporting each other as an international trade city. Citizens within Yiwu call as Yiwu wholesale markets all those small commodity markets. There are over 10 + regional retail markets for goods in this context. Among all the wholesale markets in Yiwu, the "International Trade Zone" is the largest and most popular. The current location is in the old Futian Village, and people would like to tag "International Trade Center" as "Futian Market," or Yiwu Wholesale Market because it is the name card of all wholesale markets.

In terms of product categories, the rest of the other markets and the Futian market complement each other. Other industries are concentrated in non-Futian areas such as clothing, construction products, equipment, etc. The specialized streets are also an essential part of the wholesale business of Yiwu in addition to the markets. Of course, when more and more business owners decided to do business along the streets near the wholesale markets, the specialist streets fell into existence. If there were not enough booths available for companies to work there in the markets, or the boxes are slightly too small. In the following, we will introduce them in more detail.

The world's largest shopping area in Yiwu. Here you will find thousands of wholesalers at rock bottom prices selling all kinds of products.

In this post, I will clarify the 13 points any buyer needs to know before they visit the Yiwu Wholesale Markets in Zhejiang Province.

This is covered:

• What is the Yiwu Wholesale Market?
• Why Yiwu makes sense for small buyers
• How to get to the Yiwu International Trade City
• Do I need a visa to visit Yiwu?
• Do I need to find an agent?
• Are Yiwu Wholesalers manufacturers or traders?
• How do I know that the products are not fake?
• How do I pay the wholesalers in Yiwu?
• How do I coordinate the shipment?
• Do I need a translator to talk to the Wholesalers?

Also, we added Part II: Yiwu Fair Guide.

• When is the Yiwu Fair held?
• How do I get to the Yiwu Fair?
• What kind of products can I find at the Yiwu Fair?
• How do I get an invitation letter?
• How do I get a trade badge?

What is the difference between the Yiwu Fair and the Yiwu Wholesale Market?

1. What is the Yiwu Wholesale Market?

In Yiwu town, besides, there are many wholesale markets. Nevertheless, Yiwu International Trade City is the largest market–and is often referred to when it comes to the Yiwu Wholesale Market. Unlike the Guangzhou Canton Fair, the Yiwu International Trade Center, apart from national holidays, is permanent and open all year round. The Yiwu Wholesale Market is gigantic, mostly serving Indian, African, and Middle East buyers. Several e-commerce companies are also providing Yiwu wholesalers with goods. It is known for its meager prices. Then you get what you're looking for again.

2. Why Yiwu makes sense for small buyers

Yiwu is known for its merchants and is generally friendly to small buyers. If you want to find products "off-shelf" ready to be purchased from China in relatively small quantities, then this is the place. Although Yiwu is not a one-stop solution for every brand (I'm going to get to that in a little bit), it can be great as a place to buy products like watches, jewelry, textiles, and bags. A distributor based in Yiwu can also act as an alternative to your current suppliers in China. Several small businesses are in desperate need of filler items, particularly e-commerce firms, not to have their shelves bare. This is one instance of when Yiwu may well be worth a visit.

3. How to get to the Yiwu International Trade City

There are no flights to Yiwu globally. Flying to Shanghai and then taking the high-speed train is the easiest way to get here. It takes around 2.5 hours, and it is possible to buy train tickets at the railway station in Hongqiao. There are a variety of hotels in different price ranges while in Yiwu. If you are on a low budget, go to Motel 168. If you want something more upscale, the Crowne Plaza or the Tian Heng International Hotel might be worth considering. It's quite easy to get around in Yiwu. There are taxis, but don't expect them to understand any English word or any language other than Chinese. If you’ve hired a Yiwu agent, it’s customary that they pick you up and drive you around to visit various wholesalers.

4. Do I need a visa to visit Yiwu?

Yiwu is located in Mainland China, where a visa is required for most nationalities. Hong Kong S.A.R (90 days) and Shenzhen (5 days) are the only two cities that do not need permissions. You can apply to your local Chinese embassy or consulate for a business visa or tourist visa. Obtaining a VISA is easy, but you need to plan.

5. Do I need to find an agent?

Finding a company of fascinating products is one thing. Negotiating rates, negotiating the fee, and sending the goods back home is an entirely different thing. This is when it would make sense for a Yiwu operator. An representative from Yiwu serves as your procurement manager and follows you when you meet suppliers. After a product list has been made and the amount of your order has been determined, the Yiwu agent manages the procurement process and assures that all the freight is delivered in one container. This is particularly important when ordering from multiple suppliers because multiple small deliveries can cost much more than one large shipment. In fact, a Yiwu agent should also ensure that wholesalers provide the right products and the right amount to you. This is not as clear as some Chinese wholesalers would think. Many agents of Yiwu are employed on a commission rate. This means that, depending on the order price, we pay a sum. Based on your order price, it typically varies from 2 to 8 million. For natural reasons, the more you pay, the lower the fee as a percentage. Now, note that the function of the agent is to negotiate the price and enforce the terms of the contract. It is up to you to check that the goods meet your criteria for performance, safety standards, and branding in your market.

6. Are Yiwu Wholesalers manufacturers or traders?

Most wholesalers are not distributors, but companies associated with factories in Zhejiang and Jiangsu province. That may not be a concern, but note that they may not have the goods in storage, but the supplier must first place an order.

7. How do I make sure I get the right quality?

As always, you need to be very transparent when you express your quality requirements when importing goods from China. As stated by Global from Asia in this podcast, wholesalers from Yiwu will suit any target price–but will change the value accordingly. As such, when price haggling, you should be cautious, as the manufacturer can approve your target price, but use products and components that are inexpensive and of low quality without telling you.

8. How do I know that the products are not fake?

You can't buy brand name goods from a Yiwu Wholesaler for apparent reasons. With such suppliers, international brands would never operate, and any brand name goods you may find are not genuine. That said, the wholesale market in Yiwu is not a false market for commodities. While there may be some shady transactions in this vast complex, it is not encouraged or permitted to sell fakes. However, IP goes beyond brand names and logos. What if, in nature, the brand is identical to another, more accessible product? For example, take the Converse-looking shoes in the picture of the post. Is that permitted? Okay, it depends on it. The brand is continually copying each other. Further, generic designs cannot be patented or protected. What can be protected is the following:

• a. Artwork and patterns
• b. New and unique designs
• c. New and unique functionality or technology

A case-by-case evaluation must be made, however, ensuring that consumer models that look very similar to those of established brands should be avoided.

9. Can I trust that the suppliers know how to comply with safety standards and regulations in my country?

Not at all. As said, many Yiwu wholesalers are selling their goods in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East to consumers. We also have little or no incentive to develop a deep understanding of consumer laws and safety standards in developed markets such as the United States, the EU, and Australia. The reality is that most manufacturers are not even aware of the requirements for overseas goods, and many products can not also withstand laboratory tests. You should not buy products in the following categories from the Yiwu markets if you are based in Asia, North America, or Australia:

• Cosmetics
• Electronics
• Toys & Children’s Products
• Medical Devices

Know the wholesalers are not going to warn you of future regulatory issues. And once it's too late you'll find out. Importing non-compliant goods is unlawful, and if the drug and their property hurt someone is harmed, they will be held liable. Also, your country's customs can seize and destroy the shipment if it is deemed to violate local product safety standards or specifications for labeling. You are alerted.

10. How do I pay the wholesalers in Yiwu?

You can wire the cash to your bank account if you buy directly from the wholesaler. You must refuse to pay money or private bank accounts at all times. Only pay to corporate bank accounts whose name matches that of the wholesalers. It is critical to trace the payment to the right seller. If you, on the other hand, work with a Buying Agent, you will pay them rather than each Wholesaler. In this case, the same rules apply. Just pay to your client bank directly. Keep in mind that the manufacturer should not be paid in full until the finished products have been inspected. Most wholesalers in Yiwu are not even great wholesalers. Then, orders from foreign buyers were taken back to their warehouses and shipped a month or two early. You might already be out of the country at this point. Without exception, you must always check the value of your goods before paying your distributor in full.

11. What can I do if I get into a dispute with the wholesaler?

Which depends on whether or not you have the money. If you've already paid the wholesaler in full and you're finding quality issues, it's going to be very difficult to get back your wealth–or even replacement products. But, if you consider quality problems before the final payment is made.

12. How do I coordinate the shipment?

You can either use a commission agent to manage the shipment for you or work directly with a freight forwarder. It’s up to you to confirm the following:

• a. Incoterm
• b. Forwarder warehouse address
• c. Forwarder contact details
• d. Customs value

13. Can I ship goods from multiple wholesalers in one container?

In reality. You can either tell your Yiwu agent to arrange it for you or make sure you order from each manufacturer according to the terms of FOB (Free on Board). You should then tell each of you to request transport to the nearby Shanghai office of your freight forwarders. They can load all the items in one box from here and ship them by the terms of DAP (Delivered at Place) and DDP (Delivery Duty Paid).

14. Do I need a translator to talk to the Wholesalers?

Indeed, many Yiwu Wholesale Market vendors do not order more than basic English. When talking about costs, value choices, and terms of service, you will save plenty of time if you have a translator at your side. There are a lot of translation and interpretation companies located in Yiwu, so finding one shouldn't be difficult.

Part II: Yiwu Fair Guide

The Yiwu Fair is one of the largest trade shows in eastern China.

Located just two hours by rail from Shanghai, the Yiwu Fair has vendors in nearly all types of products, including electronics, textiles, goods for children, and more. You'll learn how to get to the event in this article, how to get a letter of invitation, and how to get free entry by submitting your trade badge on time. Moreover, before arriving in Yiwu, I will also explain why you should consider hiring an interpreter.

When is the Yiwu Fair held?

The Yiwu Fair is held annually in Yiwu City, Zhejiang Province, or China Yiwu International Commodities Fair as it is officially called.

How do I get to the Yiwu Fair?

The Yiwu Fair takes place at the Yiwu International Expo Center. There are few, if any, flights to Yiwu internationally. You can travel to Shanghai or Hangzhou instead and take the high-speed train to Yiwu. Depending on where you get on the bus, it will take you 1.5 to 3 hours. There are plenty of international hotels in the city, despite being a relatively small town (at least according to Chinese standards).

Show your driver the following address:

Yiwu Fair

What kind of products can I find at the Yiwu Fair?

The Yiwu Fair supplies purchasers in almost every sector. While many trade fairs cover only specific categories of goods, the Yiwu fair applies to consumers in any of the following areas:

• Hardware
• Daily Necessities
• Ornament and Accessories
• Crafts
• Toys
• Textiles, Shoes & Hats
• Electronics
• Office Goods
• Sports & Outdoor Products
• Pet Products

Car & MC Accessories

Do I need a visa to attend the Yiwu Fair?

Yes. Most foreign visitors to Mainland China must obtain a prior visa arrival.

The best way to obtain a visa for the Yiwu Fair is to ask directly from the official website for an invitation letter. The letter of invitation is provided free of charge and can then be used at the local Chinese consulate or embassy to apply for a business visa.

Based on your citizenship and country of residence, the specific requirements differ. You might need to schedule the following, though:

• Photos of the applicant
• Flight ticket booking (may not be required with an invitation letter)
• Hotel booking (may not be necessary with an invitation letter)
• Travel plan
• Luckily, it’s not as complicated as it may sound.

Obtaining a business visa is usually very simple as long as you apply for the letter of invitation a couple of weeks in advance. Keep in mind that the visa processing will take at least three or four working days, so do not postpone the application. Remember that only entry into Mainland China requires the visa itself. If you are already in China, for the sake of attending the Yiwu Fair, you do not need to get a new VISA. You can also choose to receive a business visa using any other method, such as the supplier's invitation letter, instead of demanding one from the fair organizers. That said, many first-time buyers interested in attending the Yiwu Fair do not have an established distributor network, so they should contact the fair organizers to receive an invitation letter and then apply for a visa in their home country.

How do I get an invitation letter?

• You can apply for an invitation letter directly via the official China Yiwu International Commodities Fair website.
• Download the application form and fill in the following details:

 

• Company name
• City, Address
• Phone, E-mail
• Nationality
• Name/s, Position/s, Date of Birth, Passport Number
• Once filled in, you send the file by email. The invitation letter will then be sent by post. Notice that this process can take a few weeks.

How do I get a change badge?

A exchange badge is needed to enter the yiwu fair. You may both practice online, to get a free trade badge. This badge is then collected on site, after you arrive. You can additionally display up unannounced, but you then must carry your passport. You can additionally need to pay a small fee. I recommend which you make an effort to pre-sign in.

Do I want a translator to go to the Yiwu honest?

A reasonably large percent of the sales body of workers attending the Yiwu truthful can communicate in English. But, anticipate their English talent to be constrained, and some providers don’t have English staff in any respect. You could rent translators via the truthful organizers, or find a nearby interpreter for your very own. There are lots of groups offering translation and interpretation services in Yiwu, given that it’s one of the maximum lively change centers in china.

What is the distinction between the Yiwu honest and the Yiwu wholesale market?

There are in truth many wholesale markets in yiwu, along with the yiwu global alternate metropolis which is an all yr spherical market. The Yiwu truthful, alternatively, is most uncomplicated hung indefinitely dates and attracts each producer and trading agencies from Zhejiang and different provinces. Subsequently, the yiwu honest is to be in comparison to the canton truthful or worldwide assets china sourcing fair, as opposed to the yiwu wholesale market.

Four secrets and techniques of Yiwu market you must understand

A. Are all of the booths opened using producers?

Maximum booths are owned using individual groups, while others are owned through buying and selling organizations, and they’ve got plenty of factories that supply them on an extended-time period basis. In case you do now not need to buy in huge portions, in some instances, you could get higher charges from them than while buying from the manufacturing facility. There are some cubicles owned by using factories. These factories are especially primarily based in Yiwu and close by towns. Others are found mainly in Fujian, Guangdong, and different provinces. The scales of these factories variety among 10 and 1 000 staff. If it’s your first time coming to Yiwu and you do not have plenty of data and experience on import, you will find it tough trying to distinguish whether or not these are character corporations, small workshops, or massive-scale factories. Even though most cubicles declare to be producers, you shouldn’t consider them in any respect.

B. Are Yiwu merchandise of bad best as alleged?

A few commentators on the net allege that all yiwu products are of lousy pleasant, accordingly they can't be exported to the USA. This isn't always actual because of the following motives: Yiwu product does no longer mean “made in Yiwu”. As noted in advance, Chinese products have industrial areas wherein they may be fabricated from. Many products offered in Yiwu are made in different central production regions, and they are availed in Yiwu for sale. One of the pinnacle three exporting international locations from Yiwu is the u.S. Much top-notch merchandise are shipped from China to the USA every year. Yiwu additionally has a few finances products which goal growing international locations, but it’s not real to say that every one YIWU merchandise are not of exact quality. For example, maximum Christmas products are produced in Yiwu. However, you'll additionally locate providers in locations like Shenzhen and other areas. But, the Shenzen dealer may additionally play a trick using no longer telling you that the products were manufactured in Yiwu, or maybe he/she may also claim that what they sell is better than that made in Yiwu.

C. Is Yiwu wholesale market handiest appropriate for small companies?

Many articles on the internet are saying that the Yiwu marketplace is simplest appropriate for small companies, and Shenzhen or different big cities are higher for large orders. But the fact is that you won’t find a market with a MOQ that’s better than that of the markets in Yiwu. For the ones individuals who want to shop for one object from $one thousand or extra to two-three bins, this is the exceptional location to source them. It’s quite difficult to steer the booth to promote one or cartons for one item, as this quantity could be very much less than their MOQ. Usually, every product in any marketplace wishes lead time. But, a number of them generally tend to have spot items so that you can purchase in small quantities. But there are two conditions which you need to don't forget before buying spot items. Spot items cannot be changed. All the colorings, emblems, and styles, in addition to packaging, stay the same as the samples which you see inside the sales space. If you want customized products, you may have to buy in large quantities. Because spot goods are already synthetic, their widespread or design is not modern-day. Thus they're not suitable for fashion products.

D. How does yiwu range from ningbo, shenzhen, and guangzhou?

Ningbo, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou are all massive coastal towns in china and have ports, which is a element that gives them many benefits of export. This is additionally the reason why most large global organizations have installation their procurement or department offices in these towns. Also, numerous professional buying and selling corporations provide higher offerings. Yiwu does no longer have a port and is predicated on the Ningbo port; that's 200km away. In the meantime, Yiwu substances many items to Ningbo, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. You couldn't locate some other locations like Yiwu wholesale marketplace that collects so many products from Ningbo, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. Ningbo doesn’t have any market, and its gain is the port only.
On the other hand, Shenzhen most effective has a marketplace for electronic products, while Guangzhou is a popular marketplace for rings, apparel, and associated items. And those markets are in extraordinary places, and sourcing from them isn't always easy. It is best in the course of canton truthful while providers assemble at one home in China.