SourceNook is an independent editorial project helping small businesses buy from China. Our guides explain how to compare suppliers, understand a quotation, review samples and plan a first order.
Practical tools for your next buying decision
We write for independent retailers, small brands and first-time business buyers. Start with Alibaba.com’s international buying workflow, then explore 1688 when you can arrange the China-side purchasing and export steps.
Each guide aims to leave you with something useful: an inquiry you can adapt, a cost comparison you can reproduce, or a checklist with clear approval and follow-up decisions. We explain what to look for in a supplier’s reply and what to do when important information is missing.
How we build the guides
Platform features are checked against the platform’s own documentation. For trade terms, logistics and product requirements, we use sources from the relevant trade bodies, carriers and public authorities. Sources sit beside the claims they support, and review dates reflect actual editorial work.
Our scenarios and example figures are teaching materials, rather than records of purchases, supplier audits or product tests performed by SourceNook. Original diagrams explain the process; practical recommendations are distinguished from the source material they draw on.
What you can use today
The buying guides, templates and comparison worksheets are free to read. We currently focus on publishing sourcing knowledge; any future procurement service will have a separate description of what it includes and how it works.
Start with your next question
- Planning a first order? Follow the Alibaba buying walkthrough.
- Ready to contact suppliers? Adapt the inquiry template.
- Comparing offers? Use the worked price comparison.
- Choosing a platform? Read 1688 vs Alibaba.