Where manufacturers are found, and how to filter out the middlemen.
To find a real manufacturer in China, gather candidates from B2B platforms, trade fairs and referrals, then filter out trading companies by checking business scope, asking process-level technical questions, and requiring a live tour of the production line. Shortlist three to five real makers and verify them before requesting final quotes.
Candidates come from four main places: the big B2B marketplaces (Alibaba, Made-in-China, Global Sources), trade fairs like the Canton Fair, a supplier's own website and technical content, and referrals from other importers or agents. Cast a wide net, because most of what you gather will be filtered out in the next step.
On any platform, a large share of listings are trading companies. Filter them by checking that the business scope includes manufacturing your product, asking detailed process questions a maker answers easily, and requiring a live tour of the specific production line. A trader deflects technical questions and shows only a showroom. See manufacturer vs. trading company for the full comparison.
Narrow to three to five real makers that fit your product, volume and quality level. Then run each through supplier verification — license, factory proof, sample and, for larger orders, an inspection — before you request final quotes. Finding a name is easy; confirming it is a capable, legitimate factory is the work that matters.