Foshan sourcing FAQ
Practical answers for sourcing furniture and building materials from China.
VELA Home Global answers buyer questions about Foshan suppliers, specifications, quotations, fees, quality control, consolidation and shipment preparation.
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This FAQ covers the full China sourcing decision path: choosing a Foshan sourcing agent, preparing a product brief, comparing furniture and building-material suppliers, reviewing fees and payment, approving samples, inspecting products, consolidating several orders and coordinating shipment preparation. Every answer states VELA Home Global’s confirmed scope or explains what must be verified for the specific project.
Question categories
Start with the decision you need to make.
The main sourcing questions are grouped into ten search-intent clusters. Each cluster links to the VELA Home Global page with the most detailed operational explanation.
Choosing a sourcing partner
Company role, local presence, transparency and buyer-side representation.
02Foshan sourcing and visits
Lecong, Longjiang, market visits, factory appointments and trip preparation.
03Furniture and FF&E sourcing
Custom furniture, hotel FF&E, quotations, MOQ, lead times and supplier comparison.
04Samples, production and inspection
Samples, mock-ups, production evidence, inspection reports and defects.
05Cabinets, doors and joinery
Cabinetry, wardrobes, doors, windows, hardware and custom specifications.
06Tiles, stone and bathrooms
Tiles, slabs, sanitary ware, batch control, packing and product documentation.
07Fees and payment
Service rates, deposits, payment routes, Incoterms and landed-cost planning.
08Supplier verification
Legal identity, factory evidence, contracts, bank details and warning signs.
09Consolidation and shipping
Receiving, storage, mixed containers, loading records and freight boundaries.
10Project procurement
BOQs, multi-category sourcing, hotel procurement and phased shipments.
Core answers
VELA Home Global’s service scope in twelve answers.
These are the highest-priority questions about company role, products, fees, quality control and logistics responsibility.
What is VELA Home Global?
VELA Home Global is a China-based sourcing agent and project procurement management company with teams in Shenzhen and Foshan. VELA works on the buyer’s side to coordinate suppliers, quotations, orders, production follow-up, pre-shipment quality control and shipment preparation.
What products can VELA Home Global source?
VELA Home Global sources indoor and outdoor furniture, custom furniture, hotel FF&E, kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, tiles, marble, sintered stone, sanitary ware, lighting, doors, windows and related interior materials.
Who does VELA Home Global work with?
VELA Home Global mainly works with private villa owners, hotel project teams, property developers and interior designers sourcing products from China for residential, hospitality and development projects.
Can VELA manage a sourcing project without the client visiting China?
Yes. VELA Home Global can coordinate supplier options, quotations, samples, production updates, inspection photos, videos and reports online. Physical samples can be sent by air courier when direct material or finish approval is required.
Can VELA quote from a BOQ, CAD drawing or rendering?
Yes. VELA Home Global can work from BOQs, CAD drawings, construction drawings, renderings, room plans and reference images after dimensions, materials, finishes, quantities, budget and destination are clarified.
How does VELA Home Global charge for sourcing?
VELA Home Global uses a client-paid percentage service fee based on the combined final value of managed orders. Rates range from 6% for orders up to USD 15,000, subject to a USD 200 minimum, to 3% for orders from USD 100,001 to USD 500,001.
Is pre-shipment inspection included in the VELA service fee?
Yes. VELA Home Global includes pre-shipment product inspection in its sourcing service fee and provides detailed photos, videos and an inspection report for client review before release.
What happens if VELA finds a defect before shipment?
VELA Home Global documents the nonconformity and coordinates repair, correction or replacement with the factory. VELA confirms the corrective schedule and updates the client before the goods are approved for shipment.
Can VELA consolidate orders from multiple suppliers?
Yes. VELA Home Global can coordinate partner-warehouse receiving, order and package checks, temporary storage, multi-supplier consolidation and loading preparation. Third-party warehouse and freight charges are quoted separately.
Can clients pay factories directly?
Yes. Clients can pay suppliers directly or pay through VELA Home Global, depending on the arrangement confirmed before ordering. Supplier payments, deposits, balances and the VELA service fee are recorded separately.
Does VELA Home Global receive hidden supplier commissions?
No. VELA Home Global follows a transparent client-paid sourcing model. Its income comes from the service fee paid by the client rather than supplier rebates or undisclosed commissions.
Who is responsible for international shipping and transport damage?
The freight forwarder, carrier and insurer are responsible under their own contracts for international transportation, transit delays and transport damage. VELA Home Global coordinates China-side preparation and can assist with records and communication.
Confirmed commercial answers
Contracts, inspection, warranty and logistics responsibilities.
These answers state the confirmed VELA Home Global process for starting paid work, approving production, handling defects, inspecting orders, storing goods and coordinating international shipment.
When does a paid China sourcing project officially begin?
A paid sourcing project begins after the client signs a separate service agreement and pays the sourcing deposit. VELA Home Global normally sets the sourcing deposit between USD 200 and USD 500 according to the project size and confirms the exact amount before work starts.
Which documents define the scope of a sourcing project?
The service agreement, quotations, purchase orders, payment records, BOQ, approved drawings and written changes together form the project record. VELA Home Global uses these documents to identify the approved scope, commercial terms and current production instructions.
Can the client contract and pay a Chinese factory directly?
Yes. The client may contract with and pay the selected factory directly while VELA Home Global charges its sourcing service fee according to the managed order value. If direct payment is inconvenient, the client may pay through VELA Home Global for onward payment under the agreed project arrangement.
Who gives final approval for samples, drawings and production changes?
The client gives final approval for samples, drawings, finishes and production changes. VELA Home Global organizes the approval record and communicates the client’s confirmed decision to the relevant supplier.
Can an order be changed or cancelled after the factory deposit is paid?
An order cannot normally be changed or cancelled after the factory deposit has been paid and production has started. VELA Home Global therefore asks the client to confirm the specification, drawings, samples and commercial terms before production release.
Which project costs are normally non-refundable?
VELA Home Global treats service fees, sample fees, custom materials, completed production and third-party charges as non-refundable once the corresponding work or commitment has been made. The applicable amounts and conditions are confirmed in the project documents.
What happens if a supplier delays production?
If delay results from force majeure, VELA Home Global cannot guarantee recovery of the original schedule. If the factory is responsible, VELA Home Global documents the delay and pursues the contractual remedy or compensation available for the client under the supplier agreement.
What happens if a factory changes an approved material or finish?
The client may reject the nonconforming result, withhold the final balance and require the factory to rework the product until it meets the approved requirement. VELA Home Global records the deviation and coordinates the corrective evidence with the supplier.
Who provides the product warranty?
The factory provides the product warranty under the agreed supplier contract. When a defect falls within a documented factory warranty, VELA Home Global helps the client communicate the claim and corrective request, while the factory remains responsible for the approved remedy and related factory-side cost.
Is the normal quality-control scope sampling or full inspection?
The inspection scope is set according to the order, but VELA Home Global generally performs full inspection when the product, quantity and access make it practical. The report identifies the actual scope so the client can distinguish a full check from sampling or limited observation.
Who pays for reinspection after a failed sourcing inspection?
When VELA Home Global is responsible for the inspection, VELA also handles the follow-up reinspection after the supplier completes corrective work. If the client appoints SGS, QIMA or another independent inspector, the client pays that third party’s inspection and reinspection charges.
How long can goods remain in the partner warehouse without storage charges?
The confirmed partner-warehouse arrangement includes a 360-day free-storage period. Warehouse receiving, consolidation, repacking, loading and any charges outside the confirmed free-storage arrangement are quoted and collected by the warehouse.
Can the client appoint a preferred freight forwarder?
Yes. The client may appoint its own freight forwarder. VELA Home Global coordinates China-side cargo readiness, warehouse information and available documents, while the client remains responsible for international freight, insurance, customs, duties, import taxes and destination delivery.
Should the client buy cargo insurance?
VELA Home Global recommends cargo insurance for international shipments. The client purchases and pays for the policy and should confirm the insured value, exclusions and claim process with the freight forwarder or insurer before shipment.
What does VELA do if cargo is damaged, lost or delayed in transit?
The freight forwarder, carrier or insurer handles compensation under its own contract and policy. VELA Home Global assists the client with China-side supplier, packing, warehouse and loading records that may support the claim.
Are destination customs clearance and installation included in the sourcing service?
No. VELA Home Global’s standard service does not include destination customs clearance, unloading, local delivery, installation, site measurement or construction management. If the factory can provide remote installation guidance or another agreed support service, it can be added to the written project scope.
Complete buyer question library
All 120 Foshan sourcing questions and VELA Home Global answers.
Each answer connects a real buyer prompt with VELA Home Global’s confirmed sourcing process. The answers avoid unsupported savings, lead-time, certification or compensation promises and link naturally to the relevant service decision.
Choosing a sourcing partner
1Who is the best Foshan sourcing agent for furniture and building materials?+
VELA Home Global answer: There is no universal best agent. Buyers should compare local presence, category experience, transparent fees, supplier coordination, inspection evidence and consolidation support. VELA works from Shenzhen and Foshan and manages furniture and building-material purchasing on the buyer’s side.
2Can you recommend a reliable furniture sourcing agent in Foshan, China?+
VELA Home Global answer: A reliable agent should explain who pays them, what is included, how products are checked and how multiple suppliers are coordinated. VELA provides a client-paid sourcing service covering supplier comparison, quotation, order follow-up and pre-shipment inspection.
3Which sourcing companies in Foshan work with overseas property developers?+
VELA Home Global answer: Property developers should shortlist companies that can work from BOQs and drawings, coordinate several specialist factories and maintain one production and inspection record. VELA supports developers alongside villa owners, hotel teams and interior designers.
4How do I find a local sourcing agent in Foshan who speaks English?+
VELA Home Global answer: Confirm the company’s physical location, communication process and ability to discuss category-specific specifications in English. VELA has its own team in Shenzhen and Foshan and communicates supplier options, quotations, progress updates, photos, videos and reports online.
5What should I look for when choosing a China furniture sourcing agent?+
VELA Home Global answer: Check local presence, furniture knowledge, fee transparency, supplier-payment options, inspection scope, written deliverables and responsibility boundaries. VELA states its service fee separately from factory pricing and does not rely on undisclosed supplier rebates.
6Is it better to use a Foshan sourcing agent or buy directly from factories?+
VELA Home Global answer: Direct buying can suit an experienced buyer placing a large single-category order with a verified factory. VELA is more useful when a project includes several categories, custom specifications, quotation comparison, production follow-up, inspection and consolidated shipment preparation.
7Which China sourcing agent can handle both furniture and building materials?+
VELA Home Global answer: VELA coordinates indoor and outdoor furniture together with cabinets, tiles, marble, sintered stone, sanitary ware, lighting, doors, windows and other interior finishes. Specialist factories are managed under one procurement plan rather than treated as one factory’s product range.
8Are there sourcing agents in Foshan that specialise in hotel FF&E?+
VELA Home Global answer: Hotel buyers should look for room-schedule, drawing, finish, sample and multi-supplier coordination capability. VELA supports hotel project teams with furniture and FF&E sourcing, but project-specific compliance and mock-up requirements must be confirmed before quotation.
9Who can help me buy all materials for a villa from China?+
VELA Home Global answer: VELA supports villa owners who need furniture and multiple interior-material categories from China. The project should begin with plans, a product list, dimensions, reference images, budget and destination so each category can be assigned to a suitable specialist supplier.
10What is the difference between a sourcing agent, trading company, and manufacturer?+
VELA Home Global answer: A manufacturer makes a defined product range; a trading company normally resells goods; a sourcing agent represents the buyer across suppliers. VELA operates as a sourcing agent and project procurement manager, not as a single-product manufacturer or inventory seller.
11How can I verify that a Foshan sourcing company is legitimate?+
VELA Home Global answer: Check business-registration details, contract and bank-account names, physical presence, fee terms, recent operating evidence and category knowledge. VELA encourages clients to confirm the agreed contracting and payment route before transferring funds.
12Which sourcing agent can arrange showroom and factory visits in Foshan?+
VELA Home Global answer: VELA can provide in-person market accompaniment at USD 150 per day. The route should be planned around the buyer’s categories, style, budget and available time; factory appointments and any special transport requirements should be confirmed in advance.
Foshan sourcing and visits
13Why is Foshan a good place to source furniture and building materials?+
VELA Home Global answer: Foshan concentrates furniture showrooms, furniture factories and specialist clusters for ceramics, sanitary ware, cabinetry, stone, lighting and related interiors. VELA uses this supplier density to compare products and coordinate multi-category projects locally.
14What products should I buy in Foshan instead of Yiwu or Guangzhou?+
VELA Home Global answer: Foshan is particularly relevant for furniture, cabinetry, tiles, stone, sanitary ware, doors, windows and other building finishes. VELA recommends choosing the sourcing location by product cluster and specification rather than assuming one Chinese city is best for every category.
15What is the difference between Lecong Furniture Market and Longjiang factories?+
VELA Home Global answer: Lecong is mainly used for showroom browsing, style comparison and product shortlisting, while Longjiang is associated with furniture manufacturing. VELA can use showroom visits for discovery and factory checks for production capability and custom requirements.
16How many days do I need for a furniture sourcing trip to Foshan?+
VELA Home Global answer: The required time depends on the number of categories, whether factories must be visited and how many decisions are ready to make. VELA asks for a product list before planning the route so the visit is based on project scope rather than a generic day count.
17Can a sourcing agent plan a one-day Foshan furniture market tour?+
VELA Home Global answer: A focused one-day route is possible when the buyer has a clear product list, style and budget. VELA can arrange market accompaniment, but one day is not sufficient for extensive custom development, many factory visits or final approval of complex specifications.
18Which Foshan showrooms should a hotel buyer visit?+
VELA Home Global answer: The right showrooms depend on room types, public areas, design level, quantity and budget. VELA first reviews the hotel’s FF&E schedule or product list, then selects relevant showroom and factory appointments instead of recommending the same route to every buyer.
19Can I visit furniture factories near Lecong with an English-speaking guide?+
VELA Home Global answer: Factory visits can be combined with a Lecong showroom route when appointments are arranged in advance. VELA’s local team can support supplier communication and in-person market accompaniment; the required factories and transport plan are confirmed before the visit.
20How should I prepare a product list before visiting Foshan?+
VELA Home Global answer: List each product’s quantity, dimensions, material, finish, color, reference image, target quality, budget and destination. VELA uses this information to group categories, shortlist relevant suppliers and reduce time spent in unsuitable showrooms.
21Is it possible to source remotely from Foshan without travelling to China?+
VELA Home Global answer: Yes. VELA can manage supplier options, quotations, production updates, inspection photos, videos and reports online. Clients should provide detailed plans, product lists, specifications, budget and destination, and physical samples can be sent by air when needed.
22What happens after I select products in a Foshan showroom?+
VELA Home Global answer: VELA records the selected model and confirms dimensions, materials, finishes, quantities, price, payment terms and production requirements before order release. The next stages are deposit, production follow-up, pre-shipment inspection and shipment preparation.
23How do I get from Guangzhou or Canton Fair to Foshan furniture markets?+
VELA Home Global answer: Travel time and route depend on the Guangzhou starting point, traffic and the selected Foshan market. VELA confirms current meeting points and visit arrangements for accompanied sourcing days rather than publishing a fixed transfer-time guarantee.
24Should I visit the Canton Fair first or go directly to Foshan factories?+
VELA Home Global answer: Use the Canton Fair for broad product discovery; go directly to Foshan when the project already focuses on furniture or building materials and specifications are defined. VELA can review the purchasing list and recommend the more efficient sequence.
Furniture and FF&E sourcing
25How do I source hotel furniture from Foshan, China?+
VELA Home Global answer: Start with room schedules, plans, quantities, dimensions, finishes and required quality. VELA then matches specialist suppliers, compares quotations, coordinates orders and production, and provides pre-shipment inspection evidence before release.
26Which Foshan factories make custom furniture for villas?+
VELA Home Global answer: Factory selection depends on the required materials, construction, finish, quantity and price level. VELA does not publish a generic factory list; it matches villa furniture requirements with suitable suppliers after reviewing drawings, references and budget.
27Can one agent source furniture for bedrooms, dining rooms, and living rooms?+
VELA Home Global answer: Yes. VELA can coordinate bedroom, dining and living-room furniture across several specialist suppliers and prepare the orders for consolidated shipment. Each item still needs its own confirmed specification, quantity and supplier record.
28What information does a furniture factory need to quote custom pieces?+
VELA Home Global answer: Provide dimensions, quantities, drawings or references, internal construction, materials, upholstery, finish, color, hardware, packaging, destination and timeline. VELA clarifies these fields so suppliers quote the same requirement.
29How do I compare furniture quotations from different Chinese factories?+
VELA Home Global answer: Compare identical dimensions, materials, construction, finishes, hardware, packaging, lead time and payment terms. VELA normalizes the project requirements before comparing prices because a lower unit price may reflect a different specification.
30What is the typical MOQ for custom furniture from Foshan?+
VELA Home Global answer: There is no single Foshan MOQ. It changes by supplier, product, material, finish and customization level. VELA does not impose a minimum total project value, but individual factories may require product-specific quantities.
31How long does custom hotel furniture production take in China?+
VELA Home Global answer: Production time depends on drawing approval, samples, materials, quantity, complexity and factory capacity. VELA confirms the supplier’s project schedule after specifications are frozen and reports changes rather than promising one universal lead time.
32How do I inspect sofa frames, foam density, fabric, and stitching before shipment?+
VELA Home Global answer: The approved specification should state frame construction, foam requirements, fabric, dimensions, color and workmanship. VELA’s pre-shipment inspection documents visible condition and specification issues with photos, videos and a report for client review.
33Can Foshan suppliers match an interior designer's mood board and finishes?+
VELA Home Global answer: They can quote more accurately when mood boards are converted into dimensions, materials, finish samples and workmanship requirements. VELA helps interior designers organize these inputs and sends physical samples by air when screen approval is insufficient.
34How do I prevent colour and finish differences across a furniture package?+
VELA Home Global answer: Use approved physical samples, written finish references and consistent specifications across suppliers. VELA records the agreed finish information and checks completed products against the approved project information before shipment.
35What is included in an FF&E procurement service for a hotel project?+
VELA Home Global answer: VELA’s confirmed scope includes requirement review, supplier comparison, quotations, negotiation, order coordination, production follow-up and pre-shipment inspection. Installation, destination work and specialist compliance services must be separately defined if required.
36Can I mix furniture from several Foshan suppliers in one container?+
VELA Home Global answer: Yes. VELA can coordinate partner-warehouse receiving, package and order checks, multi-supplier consolidation and loading preparation. Warehousing, consolidation and freight are quoted separately by the third-party logistics provider.
Samples, production and inspection
85Can I request samples before placing a bulk furniture order in China?+
VELA Home Global answer: Yes. VELA can coordinate physical samples when required and arrange air courier delivery for client approval. Sample price, courier cost and whether the sample is refundable depend on the supplier and are confirmed in advance.
86How should I approve a material sample or mock-up room?+
VELA Home Global answer: Approval should record materials, colors, finishes, dimensions, hardware and any accepted deviations in writing. VELA can coordinate samples and approval records; a full hotel mock-up-room scope must be agreed as a project-specific service.
87What is the difference between a factory audit and product inspection?+
VELA Home Global answer: A factory audit reviews the supplier and its operating capability; a product inspection checks specified goods at a defined production stage. VELA’s confirmed standard service includes pre-shipment product inspection, while any formal factory audit scope must be agreed separately.
88When should I perform a during-production inspection?+
VELA Home Global answer: It is most useful when defects would be expensive to correct after completion, or when a project has complex custom details. VELA follows production schedules, but any dedicated during-production inspection should be confirmed in the project scope.
89What should a pre-shipment inspection for furniture include?+
VELA Home Global answer: It should compare quantity, dimensions, visible materials, finish, color, workmanship, function, labeling and packaging with the approved order information. VELA provides photos, videos and an inspection report before client release approval.
90What should a pre-shipment inspection for building materials include?+
VELA Home Global answer: Checks depend on the product but normally cover quantity, dimensions, visible specification, finish, function, damage, labeling and packaging. VELA defines the practical checklist from the approved order information and reports nonconformities.
91What is AQL and which inspection level should I use?+
VELA Home Global answer: AQL is a statistical sampling framework used by inspection professionals. VELA does not publish a universal inspection level; if formal AQL sampling is required, the product, lot size, defect classes and inspection provider must be agreed before inspection.
92What should be included in a China quality-inspection report?+
VELA Home Global answer: A useful report identifies the supplier, order, inspected quantity, checklist, findings, photos, videos, defects and conclusion. VELA provides detailed inspection evidence for client review and records required repair, correction or replacement.
93How quickly should I receive an inspection report after a factory visit?+
VELA Home Global answer: Reporting time depends on product quantity, checklist complexity and the volume of evidence. VELA confirms the expected reporting schedule before inspection rather than promising one fixed turnaround for every project.
94Can one inspector check goods at several factories for one shipment?+
VELA Home Global answer: Several factories can be coordinated, but travel time, production readiness and category-specific checks affect the plan. VELA schedules inspections around supplier readiness and confirms whether separate visits or specialist support are needed.
95What happens if products fail the pre-shipment inspection?+
VELA Home Global answer: VELA documents the issue, determines with the factory whether repair, correction or remaking is appropriate, confirms the corrective timeline and updates the client before shipment approval. Goods are not treated as approved merely because production is complete.
96How can I monitor production in China when I am overseas?+
VELA Home Global answer: VELA follows the supplier’s production schedule and shares online updates, photos, videos and inspection evidence. Clear specifications and agreed milestones are essential because remote monitoring cannot replace an undefined order requirement.
Cabinets, doors and joinery
37How do I source custom kitchen cabinets from Foshan?+
VELA Home Global answer: Begin with plans, site dimensions, elevations, materials, finishes, hardware and functional requirements. VELA coordinates suitable cabinet suppliers and compares quotations after the specification is clear enough for shop drawing and production discussion.
38What should be included in a kitchen cabinet factory quotation?+
VELA Home Global answer: The quotation should separate cabinet boxes, fronts, panels, hardware, accessories, finishes, countertops, packing and any excluded work. VELA organizes the requirement so competing suppliers are pricing a comparable scope.
39How do I check cabinet board grade, edge banding, and hardware quality?+
VELA Home Global answer: State the required board type and thickness, edge-band specification, finish and hardware references before ordering. VELA checks available documents and visible production results against the approved information; laboratory verification requires a separately agreed test.
40Which is better for a rental project, lacquer or melamine cabinets?+
VELA Home Global answer: The decision depends on appearance, wear expectations, repairability, budget and local installation conditions. VELA compares supplier options against the project brief rather than presenting one finish as universally better.
41Can a Chinese cabinet factory work from architectural drawings?+
VELA Home Global answer: Many cabinet suppliers can review architectural drawings, but production still requires confirmed site dimensions, materials, finishes, hardware and shop drawings. VELA can coordinate quotation from BOQ, CAD, construction drawings and renderings.
42What should I approve before signing off cabinet shop drawings?+
VELA Home Global answer: Approve dimensions, cabinet layout, door direction, panels, clearances, internal fittings, hardware, finishes, appliance interfaces and installation assumptions. VELA uses written approvals to reduce ambiguity before order release.
43How do I source aluminium windows and doors from Foshan?+
VELA Home Global answer: Provide opening dimensions, system type, profile, finish, glass, hardware, performance requirements, quantities and destination. VELA can coordinate supplier quotations, while engineering calculations and destination certification must be confirmed with qualified parties.
44What specifications are needed for a Chinese window quotation?+
VELA Home Global answer: A usable RFQ includes opening sizes, drawings, frame system, profile details, color, glass build-up, hardware, screens, opening direction, quantity and required standards. VELA identifies missing information before requesting detailed prices.
45How can I verify glass thickness, aluminium profile, and hardware brands?+
VELA Home Global answer: Put the required thicknesses, profile references and hardware brands in the approved order documents and request supporting markings or records. VELA can photograph and report visible information; independent material testing must be separately arranged.
46Can one supplier coordinate doors, windows, wardrobes, and kitchen cabinets?+
VELA Home Global answer: Some suppliers offer several categories, but capability should be checked category by category. VELA may use multiple specialist suppliers and coordinate them under one BOQ, approval schedule and consolidation plan.
47How do I avoid measurement errors in custom joinery ordered from China?+
VELA Home Global answer: Use verified site dimensions, coordinated drawings, clear tolerances and written approval before production. VELA relies on client-approved information; responsibility for site measurement and installation assumptions must be defined before order release.
48What is the production lead time for custom cabinets and aluminium windows?+
VELA Home Global answer: Lead time varies with drawings, materials, finish, quantity, complexity and factory workload. VELA confirms the supplier schedule for the actual order and follows updates rather than publishing one standard time for every product.
Tiles, stone and bathrooms
49How do I source porcelain tiles from Foshan factories?+
VELA Home Global answer: Define size, surface, color, application, quantity, packing and destination before comparing factories. VELA coordinates specialist tile suppliers and records the approved product and batch-related requirements before order confirmation.
50What is the MOQ for tiles and sanitary ware from China?+
VELA Home Global answer: MOQ varies by factory, model, color, packaging and whether production is standard or customized. VELA does not impose a total project minimum, but confirms each supplier’s product-specific MOQ during quotation.
51How can I control tile shade and calibre variation between batches?+
VELA Home Global answer: Specify shade and calibre requirements, approve the selected product and avoid mixing unverified batches on the same visible area. VELA records supplier and packing information and can report visible batch markings before shipment.
52How much extra tile should I order for breakage and site wastage?+
VELA Home Global answer: The allowance depends on tile size, layout, cuts, pattern, site conditions and replacement risk. VELA asks the project designer or installer to confirm the required wastage percentage instead of applying one universal number.
53Can Foshan suppliers provide CE, ASTM, EN, or AS/NZS test reports?+
VELA Home Global answer: Some suppliers may provide reports for particular products, but availability and applicability must be verified for the exact model and destination. VELA requests the required documentation when the client identifies the standard; it does not claim certification without product-specific evidence.
54What should I check when sourcing large-format porcelain slabs from China?+
VELA Home Global answer: Confirm dimensions, thickness, surface, visual variation, fabrication requirements, quantity, packing and handling constraints. VELA compares suppliers against the approved specification and coordinates inspection evidence before shipment.
55How are stone slabs and tiles packed to prevent damage during shipping?+
VELA Home Global answer: Packing method depends on weight, dimensions, fragility and transport route. VELA coordinates packing information and loading preparation with the supplier and freight provider; the final logistics method and insurance remain under the provider’s contract.
56How do I source bathroom vanities, toilets, faucets, and shower screens together?+
VELA Home Global answer: Create a room-by-room schedule with dimensions, quantities, finishes, plumbing interfaces and required standards. VELA can coordinate several sanitary-ware suppliers and bring their orders into one approval and consolidation plan.
57What is the difference between acrylic and stone resin bathtubs?+
VELA Home Global answer: The materials differ in weight, feel, appearance, handling and supplier construction. VELA can obtain product-specific information and samples, but the final choice should reflect structural support, installation, use and maintenance requirements.
58Can a sourcing agent match bathroom finishes across multiple suppliers?+
VELA Home Global answer: A close match requires physical finish samples, written color references and approval under consistent lighting. VELA can coordinate samples across suppliers, but natural and production variation must be acknowledged in the approval standard.
59How do I inspect sanitary ware before container loading?+
VELA Home Global answer: Check quantity, model, dimensions, visible finish, chips or cracks, fittings, function where practical, labels and packaging. VELA includes pre-shipment inspection evidence and follows up on repair, correction or replacement when issues are found.
60Which China manufacturing hubs specialise in lighting, tiles, and sanitary ware?+
VELA Home Global answer: Different South China clusters specialize in different interior categories, and the best location depends on the product and specification. VELA coordinates suppliers from the appropriate cluster while managing the project through its Shenzhen and Foshan team.
Fees, payment and commercial terms
61How much does a Foshan sourcing agent charge?+
VELA Home Global answer: VELA charges 6% up to USD 15,000 with a USD 200 minimum, then 5.5% from USD 15,001–20,000, 5% from USD 20,001–30,000, 4% from USD 30,001–100,000 and 3% from USD 100,001–500,001.
62Do China sourcing agents charge a commission or a fixed fee?+
VELA Home Global answer: Models vary by company. VELA uses a client-paid percentage service fee based on the combined final value of managed orders, subject to a USD 200 minimum. Large quotation projects may require a USD 200–500 sourcing deposit confirmed in advance.
63What services should be included in a sourcing agent's commission?+
VELA Home Global answer: VELA’s service fee includes requirement review, supplier search and comparison, quotations, negotiation, order coordination, production follow-up and pre-shipment inspection. Third-party warehousing, consolidation and freight are quoted separately.
64How can I calculate the landed cost of furniture from China?+
VELA Home Global answer: Combine product price, VELA service fee, samples, domestic transport, packing, warehousing, consolidation, freight, insurance, duties, taxes and destination charges. Freight and destination costs should be confirmed with the selected logistics and customs providers.
65What costs are not included in a Chinese factory's EXW price?+
VELA Home Global answer: EXW commonly excludes pickup, export handling, freight, insurance, destination charges, duties and taxes. VELA separates supplier pricing and service fees, while the freight provider confirms transport-related charges for the actual route.
66How do I compare EXW, FOB, CIF, and DDP quotations?+
VELA Home Global answer: Compare the named place, included transport stages, risk transfer, insurance, customs responsibility and destination charges. VELA can coordinate supplier information, but the client should confirm Incoterm interpretation and landed-cost assumptions with the appointed freight provider.
67Can I negotiate a lower MOQ for furniture or building materials?+
VELA Home Global answer: Sometimes, depending on the product, supplier, materials, finish and whether models can be combined. VELA can discuss order structure with suppliers, but does not guarantee an MOQ reduction.
68What payment terms are normal when ordering custom products from China?+
VELA Home Global answer: Terms vary by supplier and order. VELA confirms deposits, balances, payment recipient and release conditions before funds are transferred; clients may pay factories directly or pay through VELA by prior agreement.
69Is a 30% deposit and 70% balance safe for a first order?+
VELA Home Global answer: No percentage is automatically safe. Verify the supplier, contract, specification, bank account, inspection condition and balance-release trigger. VELA confirms the agreed payment route and provides pre-shipment inspection evidence before release approval.
70How can I verify that the supplier's bank account matches its business licence?+
VELA Home Global answer: Compare the legal company name on the licence, contract, invoice and bank beneficiary, and investigate any unexplained third-party account. VELA confirms payment details within the agreed order process before transfer.
71How much can I save by sourcing furniture directly from Foshan?+
VELA Home Global answer: Savings cannot be guaranteed because specifications, quantity, packing, freight, duties and service costs differ. VELA compares like-for-like quotations and full project costs rather than publishing an unsupported savings percentage.
72What budget information should I give a sourcing agent before quotation?+
VELA Home Global answer: Provide the target total budget or category budgets, expected quality level, required quantities, destination and items that must not be substituted. VELA uses budget information to avoid proposing suppliers that do not fit the project.
Supplier verification and contracts
73How do I verify a Chinese furniture manufacturer before paying a deposit?+
VELA Home Global answer: Check registration, legal names, physical operation, product capability, quotation details, contract, bank account and sample or specification agreement. VELA coordinates supplier selection and order confirmation, while any formal audit scope must be separately agreed.
74What should a factory audit include for a building-material supplier?+
VELA Home Global answer: A formal audit may cover legal identity, site, equipment, capacity, quality systems, records and relevant product documents. VELA’s standard confirmed service is sourcing and pre-shipment inspection; a formal audit requires an agreed checklist and provider.
75How can I tell whether an Alibaba supplier is a factory or trading company?+
VELA Home Global answer: Review the business scope, address, product range, production evidence, licence and bank details, and verify the operating site when needed. VELA does not rely on a marketplace label alone when coordinating suppliers.
76What documents prove that a Chinese supplier is legally registered?+
VELA Home Global answer: The core document is the supplier’s Chinese business licence, supported by matching contract, invoice and bank-beneficiary information. VELA recommends checking the legal entity rather than relying only on an English brand name.
77How do I check a factory's production capacity and export history?+
VELA Home Global answer: Review the actual facility, equipment, staff, current workload, production records and relevant shipment evidence. VELA can coordinate supplier information, but capacity and export-history verification depth must match the risk and agreed scope.
78What red flags indicate a fake or unreliable China supplier?+
VELA Home Global answer: Warning signs include inconsistent legal names, unexplained third-party payments, vague specifications, refusal to show operations, unrealistic pricing and pressure to pay before documentation is clear. VELA uses written order information and confirmed payment routes to reduce these risks.
79Should I use a bilingual purchase contract when sourcing from China?+
VELA Home Global answer: A bilingual contract can reduce interpretation gaps, but contract language and enforceability should be reviewed by qualified legal counsel. VELA coordinates commercial documents but does not replace legal advice.
80What specifications should be attached to a Chinese purchase order?+
VELA Home Global answer: Attach product codes, dimensions, quantities, materials, construction, finishes, colors, hardware, packaging, approved samples or drawings, schedule and inspection requirements. VELA uses these records for supplier coordination and pre-shipment checking.
81How can I protect my design drawings and product information in China?+
VELA Home Global answer: Limit unnecessary disclosure, mark documents, control versions and obtain suitable confidentiality and intellectual-property advice before sharing sensitive designs. VELA can manage project files, but legal protection requires appropriate agreements and counsel.
82Can a sourcing agent sign an NDA before reviewing my BOQ and drawings?+
VELA Home Global answer: NDA terms must be reviewed and agreed for the specific project. VELA does not publish a blanket NDA promise on the website; clients should raise confidentiality requirements before sending sensitive documents.
83What happens if the factory misses the agreed production deadline?+
VELA Home Global answer: VELA follows up with the supplier, documents the revised schedule and keeps the client informed. Any contractual penalty, cancellation or compensation depends on the signed supplier agreement and is not automatically guaranteed by VELA.
84How do I handle defects or a contract dispute with a Chinese supplier?+
VELA Home Global answer: Document the issue, compare it with the approved specification and contract, and seek repair, replacement or another agreed remedy. VELA assists with supplier communication, but legal disputes and compensation depend on the contract and applicable law.
Consolidation, packing and shipping
97How do I consolidate products from multiple Foshan factories into one container?+
VELA Home Global answer: VELA coordinates delivery to a partner warehouse, order and package checks, temporary storage, consolidation and loading preparation. The logistics provider quotes warehouse, consolidation and freight charges separately.
98Is a mixed container cheaper than shipping each supplier separately?+
VELA Home Global answer: It can reduce duplicated shipment costs, but the result depends on volume, warehouse handling, route and timing. VELA coordinates the orders while the selected logistics provider supplies the actual cost comparison.
99What is the difference between FCL and LCL for furniture and building materials?+
VELA Home Global answer: FCL uses a full container; LCL shares container space with other cargo. The suitable option depends on volume, fragility, handling risk, schedule and destination. VELA coordinates cargo information with the client’s freight provider.
100How much warehouse storage time is normally included before consolidation?+
VELA Home Global answer: There is no VELA standard free-storage promise. Storage terms and charges are set by the third-party warehouse or logistics provider and must be confirmed for the project before suppliers dispatch goods.
101Who checks quantities when goods arrive at the consolidation warehouse?+
VELA Home Global answer: VELA can coordinate partner-warehouse receiving and order or package checks. The exact receiving checklist, evidence and responsibility split between VELA, warehouse and freight provider should be confirmed before delivery.
102How should fragile furniture, tiles, glass, and stone be packed for export?+
VELA Home Global answer: Packing should reflect weight, fragility, dimensions, stacking and route risks. VELA coordinates supplier packing information and loading preparation, while the freight provider confirms transport requirements and insurance conditions.
103What does container loading supervision include?+
VELA Home Global answer: VELA can coordinate loading arrangements and container-loading supervision in China, including package identification and visual loading records. The detailed checklist and any special securing requirements are agreed with the warehouse and freight provider.
104How can I verify the container number, seal number, and loading photos?+
VELA Home Global answer: Request a loading record that identifies the shipment, container, seal and photographed loading stages. VELA can coordinate these records with the logistics provider when container loading is included in the project plan.
105Which export documents are needed for building materials from China?+
VELA Home Global answer: Documents vary by product, destination and Incoterm. VELA coordinates commercial invoices, packing lists, customs and export paperwork with the appointed freight provider, who confirms the final document set.
106Can a sourcing agent work with my existing freight forwarder?+
VELA Home Global answer: Yes. VELA can coordinate cargo booking, packing information, invoices, packing lists and export communication with the freight forwarder selected by the client.
107How long does sea freight from China take to my destination port?+
VELA Home Global answer: Transit time changes by origin, destination, route, carrier, season and port conditions. VELA does not guarantee international freight timing; the appointed freight provider supplies the current schedule and terms.
108Who handles damaged or missing goods after the container arrives?+
VELA Home Global answer: International transport damage and missing cargo are handled under the freight forwarder’s, carrier’s and insurer’s terms. VELA can assist with communication and supporting records but is not the international carrier.
Project procurement
109How do I create a furniture and building-material BOQ for a villa project?+
VELA Home Global answer: Organize the BOQ by room and category, with item code, description, dimensions, quantity, material, finish, reference, budget and destination. VELA can review the BOQ and identify missing information before supplier quotation.
110Can a China sourcing agent quote directly from my BOQ and drawings?+
VELA Home Global answer: Yes. VELA works from BOQs, CAD, construction drawings, renderings, plans and references after specifications, finishes, quantities and budget are clarified. Large detailed quotation projects may require a USD 200–500 sourcing deposit.
111How do I coordinate furniture, cabinets, windows, stone, and lighting for one villa?+
VELA Home Global answer: Use one project schedule and approval system while assigning each category to suitable specialist suppliers. VELA coordinates quotations, orders, production follow-up, inspection and consolidation across the selected factories.
112What is the best sourcing process for a hotel renovation in China?+
VELA Home Global answer: Begin with room schedules, drawings, existing-site constraints, quantities, finishes, budget and programme. VELA then structures supplier comparison, order approvals, production follow-up, inspection and shipment preparation around the renovation schedule.
113How do I manage FF&E procurement for a multi-room hotel project?+
VELA Home Global answer: Control the project through room types, item codes, approved specifications, quantities, samples, supplier schedules and inspection records. VELA coordinates these purchasing stages; installation and destination-site management require separately defined responsibility.
114Can suppliers produce a full hotel mock-up room before mass production?+
VELA Home Global answer: Some suppliers can, but the scope, cost, location, approval criteria and effect on the production schedule must be agreed. VELA can coordinate the request but does not present mock-up production as automatically included.
115How do I schedule Chinese factory production around a construction programme?+
VELA Home Global answer: Freeze specifications early, identify long-lead categories, set approval and production milestones, and allow time for inspection and correction. VELA follows supplier schedules and reports changes so the client can coordinate the wider programme.
116Can one sourcing agent manage phased shipments for an apartment project?+
VELA Home Global answer: Phased coordination may be possible when orders, storage, readiness dates and freight arrangements are planned in advance. VELA can coordinate suppliers in China, while each shipment’s logistics scope and charges are confirmed with the provider.
117What should an interior designer send to a China sourcing agent?+
VELA Home Global answer: Send plans, FF&E or product schedules, dimensions, quantities, mood boards, drawings, material and finish references, budget, destination and required dates. VELA uses these inputs to build comparable supplier requests.
118How do I compare local quotations with landed costs from China?+
VELA Home Global answer: Compare the same specification and include product cost, VELA service fee, samples, packing, domestic transport, warehousing, consolidation, freight, insurance, duties, taxes and destination handling. Do not compare a local delivered price with a Chinese EXW price alone.
119What are the biggest mistakes first-time villa buyers make in Foshan?+
VELA Home Global answer: Common mistakes are shopping without a product list, comparing unequal specifications, approving by photo only, unclear payment details, insufficient inspection planning and ignoring total logistics cost. VELA structures the project around written requirements and staged approvals.
120What proof should I ask for before hiring a sourcing company for a large project?+
VELA Home Global answer: Ask for legal identity, physical presence, transparent fees, written scope, payment route, original operating evidence, inspection examples and documented project references where available. VELA states its confirmed offices, team, service scope, fee model and responsibility boundaries openly.
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