Guides
What we know, written down.
Everything below is the same reasoning we apply on a live project, published rather than kept as a sales asset. If you are trying to work out what a stage costs, whether a design is ready, or whether a factory is real, start here.
Latest guides
How to approve a sample from a Chinese factory
What to measure, photograph and write down before you approve a sample from a Chinese factory, and how a golden sample protects your bulk order.
~6 min read
Import VAT and customs duty on a first order from China
How customs duty and import VAT are worked out on a first order from China into the EU, who pays, why you need an EORI number and how to reclaim VAT.
~6 min read
CE marking for small electronics sold in the EU
Which EU rules apply to small electronics from China, which documents the factory must supply, who is responsible, and the traps in Chinese certificates.
~7 min read
More sourcing guides
- How to read a China quoteWhat each line on a Chinese factory quote means, what is usually missing, how to build the delivered cost, and the red flags that cost small brands money.
- Minimum order quantities for custom apparel from ChinaWhat minimum order quantities Chinese clothing factories ask for, why they exist, and six ways a small brand gets a first run made under them.
- The EUR 3 EU parcel charge from July 2026What the EUR 3 customs duty on parcels under EUR 150 means for a European brand buying from China, who it hits, who it does not, and what still applies.
- The GPSR responsible person for goods made in ChinaWhat the EU General Product Safety Regulation requires from a brand importing goods from China, who the responsible person is, and what must be on the label.
- How we verify a manufacturerThe five checks we run on every Chinese factory, from legal identity to transaction consistency.
All guides
Show all guidesHow to approve a sample from a Chinese factory
What to measure, photograph and record before approving a factory sample.
Sourcing
~6 min read
Import VAT and customs duty on a first order from China
Customs duty, import VAT and importer responsibilities on your first EU order.
Sourcing
~6 min read
CE marking for small electronics sold in the EU
Required documents and checks before selling small electronics in the European Union.
Sourcing
~7 min read
How to read a China quote
What a factory quote includes, what is missing and how to compare costs.
Sourcing
~7 min read
Minimum order quantities for custom apparel from China
Why clothing factories set minimums and how to plan a smaller first run.
Sourcing
~6 min read
The EUR 3 EU parcel charge from July 2026
Who pays the EUR 3 parcel duty and why consolidated orders differ.
Sourcing
~5 min read
The GPSR responsible person for goods made in China
Who handles product safety responsibilities for goods imported from China.
Sourcing
~6 min read
How we verify factories
Five checks on a Chinese factory, from legal identity to transaction consistency.
Sourcing
~3 min read
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