When something needs to be source, the first country that comes to mind - China. It has been this way for over a decade, and factories all over the world lost their orders eventually. Sourcing is getting even easier. Need to visit manufacturers/ Easy, attend a trade fair. Here's a famous one - The Canton fair. Thousands of booths under one roof, enough to add muscles to your legs, just by touring the area. But beware, its a popular place to get butchered.

Why are we so kind to share this information? Well, sourcing from China is no longer a secret. This knowledge is public domain, anyone armed with a web browser can do it. Second, we are all English speaking and honorable. Hey, our faces are on the front page! Thirdly, our service is normally legendary.

OK. on to the process.

1. First focus on a product you are most interested in.

Say for example you would like to import Polo T-Shirts. Search this item in Alibaba or Global Sources or a similar site. A long list of suppliers will be listed, starting with premium suppliers to free suppliers.

Premium & Trustpath Suppliers
Premium suppliers are slightly more credible than free listed suppliers. Alibaba.com requires every premium member submit their business documents for review. They will check it the company with your local registra of companies to make sure you are real. And lastly, there will be a phone interview to conclude authenticity.

2. Shortlist a few manufacturers/agents you are interested in.

Check out the products listed. Don't discount agents. Sometimes they give you better pricing and service a manufacturer. It is better to choose a supplier that has focus in its products. For example if a Polo T-Shirt supplier sells also sells ceramic toilet bowl. Put them on a spreadsheet, and start writing to them.

3. When you write, include the following information.

a) where you are from
b) what you do
c) what do you need.
d) what is your delivery time. What is your Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)

Here is a sample of what your email should be like:

Dear Supplier,

My name is John Doe from Doe Apparel Inc. I am in the business of distributing Polo T-Shirt to North America. I am looking for Polo T-Shirt. This is my specification:

100% Fully Comb Pique Black
Polo T-shirt
Weight: 220gsm
Sizes: M, L, XL, XXL Euro Size
Pocket
1 spot embroidery 2 inch x 3 inch (about 5,000 stitches)

Kindly reply with your minimum order, delivery time. (If your minimum order is a container, just tell them it's a container.)

Regards,

John Doe

That's it. Be sure to put as much details to you requirement. For more information on what details to ask, read How to Contract Manufacture T-Shirts . A detailed specs will help the supplier quote you more accurately.

Part 2 - Engaging the supplier details how to get complete the enquiry and negotiation, and place an order.