Hey friend! Today I want to walk you through everything you need to know to start importing t-shirts from China. I know looking into global imports might seem intimidating, but I promise you can totally handle this. I’ll explain the ins and outs simply and clearly so you feel excited, not anxious! Sound good?
Let’s start with the basics…
Why Import from China?
I know what you’re wondering — why go all the way to China for t-shirts? Great question! Here are a few key reasons:
- Lower Costs – Labor and materials are less expensive in China, so you’ll save tremendously on production costs. More revenue for you!
- Quality Materials & Craftsmanship – Chinese factories know garment construction and consistently deliver high-quality products.
- Ease of Scalability – Chinese factories can easily scale production up and down to suit your needs. Going big? They’ve got you covered!
So in short – keep more profit, get excellent quality, and easily grow your inventory. * Sold yet? The benefits are really outstanding!*
Step 1: Decide What Kinds of T-Shirts You Want
First things first – you need to settle on what types of t-shirts you want to order. Here are some factors to consider:
✅ T-shirt type: crew neck, v-neck, sleeveless, etc
✅ Materials: cotton, polyester blends, organic fabrics
✅ T-shirt fit: men’s or women’s sizes, loose fit or stretchy
✅ Printed designs? How many colors? Branded labels?
Take some time really envisioning what you want to sell. Details like fabric content make a big difference for identifying supplier factories later.
I also strongly suggest ordering a few samples first before one massive bulk order. More momentarily!
Step 2: Find Supplier Factories & Choose Partners
Now that you’ve envisioned your dream Chinese t-shirts, it’s time to find partners that can actually produce them! This part can feel overwhelming with so many factories and suppliers out there, but I’ll make it simple for you.
Here are 2 proven ways to find solid factories:
Reputable Trade Platforms
Website like Alibaba and Globalsources allow you to browse thousands of verified suppliers in China.
I’d filter specifically by “garment factory” or “t-shirt manufacturer” under Categories, then look for suppliers with:
- 5+ years of experience making apparel
- Specialized equipment like digital fabric printers
- Trade assurance certification for quality standards
- 500+ transactions to show established business
Check those boxes, and you’ll find great options!
Asking for Referrals
You can also ask importer friends or communities for personal referrals to factories they trust.
While a referral doesn’t automatically = a perfect partner, it does give you a pre-vetted head start!
Take the time to evaluate multiple factories before selecting 1-2 that seem to best fit your needs. Make sure to communicate clearly about your vision along the way!
Step 3: Order Samples to Confirm Quality
Once you’ve settled on a few promising supplier factories, it’s sample time!
I cannot stress enough how crucial it is to order physical samples before placing bulk orders.
Why?
Photos on websites are nice, but nothing gives you the full picture like having the actual shirts on hand.
By ordering samples in different size runs first, you’re able to closely inspect:
✅ Fabric feel and stretch
✅ Print/stitching quality
✅ Accuracy of colors
✅ Overall construction and fit
This upfront step eliminates surprise products showing up months later that don’t match your standards!
It’s totally normal for suppliers to sew and ship sample runs, and you should budget for it! Typically 5-10 units of each style is standard. Don’t skip corners here or you’ll risk disappointment later my friend!
Step 4: Place Bulk Orders
Samples approved and standards confirmed? Congratulations! Now you’re ready to confidently place much larger orders for your shop/business inventory straight from China 🙂
Just keep a few last tips in mind:
Communicate Order Details Clearly
- Specify order quantities, size distribution, garment treatments, etc
Ask About Production Time Estimates
- Factor in extra buffer time for order/shipping delays
Confirm Total Costs & Payment Terms Upfront
- Clarify EXACT pricing, deposits/payment installments, fees, etc
As long as your supplier factory checks out from past references and sample quality, this bulk order step can be smooth sailing! Have fun watching your imported treasures make their way to youuuu!
Step 5: Quality Control Check & Receive Goods
You did it – t-shirts ordered and months of eager anticipation ahead! But before you sell a single shirt, make sure to:
Inspect Shipments Upon Arrival
Carefully check for defects, inaccuracies, damages, etc. Address any quality issues IMMEDIATELY with your supplier before accepting the order.
Review Refund/Replacement Policies
Confirm potential action steps if some inventory doesn’t meet standards down the road.
If all looks great though? Then start listing and selling, my friend! Sincere congratulations on completing your first China import order.
May your shelves stock bounties of wonderful t-shirts for years to come 🙂
Let me know if you have ANY other questions – happy to clarify or expand! Wishing you tremendous success!
