During the market research stage, importers will collect some industry information and information about overseas exporters. At the same time, there will be suppliers who actively send quotations, as well as suppliers recommended by customers. So, how to systematically find potential suppliers?
1. Find suppliers by directly publishing procurement information
Currently, most industries are in a buyer’s market state, with oversupply. As a buyer, you only need to publish procurement information, and suppliers will contact you, so you can take the initiative in procurement. So, through what channels should importers publish procurement information?
(I) Publish procurement information in traditional media
For example, publish procurement information in domestic and foreign trade magazines.
(II) Open an official corporate website
For the official website of the company, it is best to choose a domain name with a .com suffix, and at least one foreign language (such as English) version. Display the company’s development history and product information on the company’s official website, and publish product information for purchase.
(III) Publish procurement information on domestic and foreign trade platforms
Foreign trade platforms that can be used include Alibaba, Global Resources and other cross-border trade platforms.
II. Contact suppliers through industry exhibitions and associations
(I) Participate in industry exhibitions
There are many international trade exhibitions in the world every year. Domestic government departments, trade promotion agencies, and industry associations hold exhibitions of various products all year round. Import and export companies can use the exhibition opportunities to find trading partners.
Participating in international trade exhibitions is conducive to importers to understand industry information, examine the market competition, price and technical level of related products, arrange private meetings, study and evaluate the quality of suppliers’ products and services, and make comparisons and judgments.
(II) Use import and export directories
The world import and export directories published publicly at home and abroad and the exhibition publications usually list the names, addresses, business projects and other information of importers and exporters, and importers can find trading partners from them.
(III) Seek introduction from overseas trade promotion agencies
Importers can contact the foreign trade associations, chambers of commerce and other trade promotion agencies in the supplier’s location to obtain information about local suppliers.
III. Search for suppliers through the Internet
Using Internet search engines or website classification diaries, importers can search for potential suppliers according to their product needs, and obtain information such as supplier business scope, address, telephone, fax, E-mail, etc. through suppliers’ portal websites and other channels.
Tips
Ways to find suppliers on the Internet
1. Large search engines. Such as Google, Yahoo, Excite and Bing International Station, etc., which can be searched by keywords.
2. Industry websites or industry exhibition websites. You can search for website member lists or exhibitor lists and other information.
3. Yellow pages websites or supplier directory websites.
4. Large enterprise databases.
5. B2B websites. Such as Alibaba, Global Resources, etc.
6. World Trade Network Alliance.
IV. Find suppliers through self-recommendation or introduction
It is also a good choice for importers to establish relationships with overseas exporters through self-recommendation by importers or introduction by relevant institutions.
(I) Self-recommendation by importers
Importers can establish trade relations by searching domestic and foreign published enterprise directories, exhibition brochures and other materials, and sending purchase intention letters to exporters by email.
(II) Customer recommendation
Importers can recommend local suppliers through their overseas customers.
(III) Introduction by trade units
Important institutions in trade such as banks and shipping companies have branches in various countries, and importers can introduce local exporters through these branches.
(IV) Introduction by consulting companies
Importers submit their procurement needs to professional consulting companies at home and abroad, and they will select suitable partners for importers based on their experience and professional capabilities.
(V) Recommendation by public service agencies
For example, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, the Economic and Commercial Counselor’s Office of the Chinese Embassy abroad and other agencies.