Your Ultimate Guide to Sourcing Display Units from China
By Yan Luo | Samtop Display
Sourcing display units from China is a multi-step process that requires clear specifications, reliable suppliers, strict quality control, and efficient logistics. At Samtop, we help brands streamline procurement—ensuring cost savings, on-time delivery, and products that meet international quality standards.
At Samtop, we offer expert guidance through every stage of sourcing display units from China, ensuring your products meet quality standards and are delivered within your timeline.

🌍 Step-by-Step Process for Sourcing Display Units from China
1.Define Product Requirements Clearly
Before you start sourcing display units, it’s essential to clearly define your product requirements. Without clear specifications, you risk miscommunication and costly mistakes in the production process.
An unclear product brief can lead to misunderstandings with suppliers, resulting in delays, incorrect orders, or products that do not meet your quality standards.
Establish detailed product requirements, including dimensions, materials, and design specifications. This ensures the supplier can deliver exactly what you need. Here’s what you should ask:
- What type of display units do you need? (e.g., mannequins, shelving units, promotional props, pop-up displays)
- What materials should the display units be made from? (e.g., acrylic, wood, metal, plastic)
- What dimensions and design specifications are required?
- What quantity do you need for your initial order?
Tip: Providing detailed specifications helps suppliers give accurate quotes and eliminates confusion during production.
2. Finding Reliable Suppliers in China
👉 Finding reliable suppliers is the most critical step in sourcing display units from China. Without a trusted partner, you risk receiving low-quality products or facing shipping delays.
Unreliable suppliers can cause production delays, poor product quality, and missed deadlines, leading to customer dissatisfaction and financial loss.
To find reliable suppliers, use a combination of online marketplaces, industry trade shows, and referrals. Some effective methods include:
- Online Marketplaces: Platforms like Alibaba, Made-in-China, and Global Sources provide access to verified suppliers.
- Trade Shows: Attend events like the Canton Fair, where you can meet suppliers face-to-face.
- Referrals and Recommendations: Ask for referrals from industry peers or leverage your network.
Tip: Start with smaller orders to test the supplier’s quality and reliability before committing to larger purchases.
3. Request and Compare Quotes
Problem: Requesting quotes without clear specifications can lead to unexpected costs and delays in the sourcing process.
Aggravation: Not having a clear idea of what to expect in terms of pricing can cause budget overruns or misunderstandings about delivery timelines.
Solution: Request detailed quotes from multiple suppliers and ensure you provide all necessary specifications. Here’s what to include in your quote request:
- Quantity of display units needed
- Material specifications and design requirements
- Customization needs, such as branding or special features
Tip: Compare quotes not just on price, but also on lead time, payment terms, and included services like shipping and packaging.
4. Negotiate Pricing and Terms
👉 When sourcing display units from China, negotiations should focus on value, not just price.
Focusing solely on getting the lowest price might compromise product quality or lead to unfavorable payment terms.
Negotiate the best deal by focusing on overall value, not just price. Key negotiation points to cover include:
- Price per unit: Negotiate based on order volume.
- Payment terms: Discuss deposits (usually 30-50%) and balance payments.
- Lead time: Agree on production timelines and delivery schedules.
Tip: Don’t hesitate to negotiate for discounts on bulk orders or lower shipping costs.
5. Quality Control and Factory Inspections
👉 A key part of sourcing display units from China is implementing strict inspections.
