Importers use various channels to find and collect information about some major overseas suppliers, and then analyze the specific situations of these suppliers one by one, summarize and analyze their trade characteristics, so as to select the most likely suppliers for cooperation, find the skills to communicate and cooperate with these suppliers, and choose the most suitable purchase channels. Usually, the information about the main supply places and suppliers of the intended imported goods is generally collected through the following channels.
1. Internet
Search for relevant information on various B2B websites at home and abroad; consult the general data and information on the national economy published on the official government website, such as the balance of payments, the structure and total volume of international trade commodities, and the geographical structure of the international trade market.
2. Exhibitions of various industries
Take advantage of various trade fairs, negotiation meetings and opportunities for customers to come to China to do business, conduct negotiations, inquire, etc., and learn about relevant information.
3. Domestic and foreign chambers of commerce and industry associations
Consult or inquire about the import business that other importers in my country have completed (the main types of imported goods, the origin of goods, and prices) through domestic and foreign foreign trade industry associations, commercial or industrial non-governmental organizations, and their publications or websites.
4. Overseas commercial institutions (commercial counselor’s offices) and consulates
Investigate suppliers and market conditions through our consulates abroad, commercial institutions, overseas branches of foreign trade companies, branches or agency banks of various banks abroad, China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation, etc.
5. Television, newspapers, and professional magazine advertisements
Obtain industry information through financial news, the latest newspapers, and professional journals.
6. Personnel survey
One is to conduct self-investigation, send special delegations or working groups to conduct international market research, and obtain first-hand information; the other is to entrust domestic and foreign consulting companies to conduct investigations.