Questions Canadian businesses ask before sourcing from China

Send a product link, photo, drawing or specification; estimated quantity; destination; target timing; intended use; customization; packaging; and any target price with currency. If you already have a supplier, include the quotation and the issue you want reviewed.

Yes. An early review can identify what must be defined before suppliers can quote responsibly. Complex products may require independent industrial design, engineering, legal or testing specialists before sourcing begins.

Calgary Imports supports Canadian companies and entrepreneurs when the product, expected quantity and project expectations are sufficiently commercial and clear. The first review helps determine fit; submitting a form does not guarantee that a project will be accepted.

Minimums depend on the product, manufacturing process, customization, packaging and supplier. There is no credible universal MOQ. Share the expected quantity so the supplier search can focus on realistic options.

Direct marketplace research may be enough for a simple purchase. A sourcing service is useful when you need a clearer specification, comparable quotations, supplier questions, verification, samples, production coordination, inspection or logistics connected under one project brief.

Yes, subject to an agreed scope. Provide the supplier identity, product, quotation, documents, payment deadline and the claims or concerns you need reviewed. Verification is evidence at a point in time, not a guarantee of future performance.

The number should be determined by the product and project scope, not an arbitrary promise. The objective is a useful comparison of suitable responses, not a long list of poorly matched contacts.

For customized or quality-sensitive goods, an approved sample is an important reference. Critical materials, dimensions, functions, colours, artwork and packaging should also be documented so the sample is not the only source of truth.

Yes. Calgary Imports can coordinate specifications, samples, approved branding, packaging and supplier communication. Specialized design, engineering, certification or intellectual-property advice may require separate qualified professionals.

No. Verification addresses supplier identity or capability questions. Inspection addresses product, quantity, packaging or shipment questions at a specific production stage. Both are different from laboratory testing or regulatory certification.

The check depends on the agreed brief and can include visible workmanship, selected dimensions or functions, quantity, assortment, packaging, labels and carton marks. The report should state the sample basis, findings and limits.

No. Most inspections use a sample and cannot guarantee that every unit is defect-free. Safety-critical, regulated or technically complex products may need accredited testing or specialist review in addition to inspection.

The buyer decides whether to request correction, negotiate, re-inspect, accept with conditions or hold payment and shipment. Available options depend on the purchase agreement, timing, supplier response and seriousness of the issue.

Calgary Imports coordinates China-to-Canada logistics using confirmed cargo, origin, destination, timing and service requirements. Freight and final delivery options depend on the product and shipment. Regulated customs work should be handled by properly qualified parties.

CBSA guidance says commercial importers generally need a CRA business number and access to CARM. Importers must also address classification, origin, valuation, duties and taxes, records, and any permits or requirements applied by other government departments.

An estimate may be possible, but a bookable quote requires reliable carton dimensions, weight, value, pickup location, destination, incoterm and ready date. Changes to the final cargo or route can change the price and schedule.

That may be possible when the seller provides a current destination and preparation instructions and the shipment meets the applicable requirements. Calgary Imports cannot control Amazon acceptance or the seller’s account.

Fees depend on the service scope, product complexity, supplier work, sample rounds, inspection requirements and logistics coordination. Send the project details so the work can be defined before a quotation is prepared.

No. Product pricing depends on specification, quantity, materials, tooling, customization, packaging, terms and supplier. The goal is to make options comparable and commercially useful—not to promise a price without the full basis.

No. Production and international shipping involve supplier, carrier, border and destination factors. A project can coordinate milestones, readiness and route options, but estimates should not be presented as guaranteed delivery dates.

The Canadian importer is responsible for understanding the rules that apply to its goods. Calgary Imports can coordinate supplier documents and project information, but legal compliance, admissibility, classification, certification and product claims may require customs, legal, engineering or accredited testing experts.