China-Britain Business Council  

What are the different options to source products in China?

UK companies have a number of options if they want to source products in China, its always a trade off of the costs involved and risks and exposure the company may face. The less risky option would be to work with a UK based company who is a sourcing house or sourcing agent and this is called managed outsourcing approach when you work with someone in the UK you operate under UK law and that particular company would handle the sourcing elements in China. The next level up is working with a trading company based in China where they have contacts with a number of manufactures and you liase with them directly. The most advanced approach is working directly with the manufacturer, this would cut out the middle man and save you costs however this is the more riskier approach when compared with the other two.