A first China quote can be misleading if the buyer compares only unit price. The page price may cover a lower-grade product, the sample may not match bulk production, packaging may have its own MOQ, and freight may change the landed cost completely.
Use this checklist before choosing a supplier or paying a deposit.
Compare product and price
- What product does the listing price actually cover?
- Does the sample match the quoted version?
- Are material, size, color, finish, and accessories defined?
- Does the invoice name the exact upgraded specification?
For this situation, read supplier quote higher than listing price. DDPexpert’s China product sourcing support guide explains how quote comparison should be structured.
Compare MOQ and packaging
- Is MOQ driven by product, material, carton, label, or retail packaging?
- Can the supplier do a pilot run?
- Are labels, inserts, manuals, and cartons included?
- Can packaging be inspected before shipment?
Compare freight and inspection
Ask whether the quote is EXW, FOB, DAP, or DDP. Confirm carton data, destination, duty responsibility, importer of record, and inspection timing before comparing final landed cost.
For first large orders, use the MOQ, inspection, freight, and refund checklist. DDPexpert’s sourcing in China guide is a strong deep link for the complete workflow.
Final recommendation
Choose a China supplier by comparing real specifications, sample evidence, MOQ drivers, packaging, freight, inspection, and payment risk. Unit price alone is not enough.
