Frequently Asked Questions

Great question! Starting with China sourcing can feel overwhelming, but we make it simple:

• Tell us what you need - Share your product idea, even if it's just a rough concept
• We'll find the right suppliers - Our team locates and vets manufacturers for you
• Get transparent pricing - See the real factory price plus our clear 6% fee
• Start with samples - Test quality before committing to bulk orders

Most clients are surprised how straightforward the process becomes with the right guidance. We've helped hundreds of first-time importers successfully source their products.

The more details you can share, the better we can help you. But don't worry if you don't have everything figured out yet:

• Product description - What you want to make or source
• Quantity needed - Even a rough estimate helps
• Target budget - Your price range per unit
• Timeline - When you need the products
• Quality requirements - Any specific standards or certifications

If you only have a basic idea, that's perfectly fine. We'll help you develop the specifications as we go.

Timeline varies based on your product complexity and requirements:

• Supplier search - 1-3 days for most products
• Sample production - 7-15 days typically
• Bulk production - 15-45 days depending on quantity and complexity
• Shipping - 15-30 days by sea, 3-7 days by air

We'll give you realistic timelines upfront and keep you updated throughout the process. Rush orders are possible but may cost extra.

Our pricing is designed to be simple and honest. You see the real factory price, and our service fee is based on that value. Here’s how it works:

• Our service fee is 6% of the factory price.
• To ensure we can provide dedicated support for every project, our minimum service fee is $100 per order.

Here are two examples:

• If your order's factory price is $5,000, our fee is $300 (which is 6%).
• If your order's factory price is $1,200, the 6% fee would be $72. In this case, our $100 minimum fee applies.

We also believe in building partnerships. For very large or long-term orders, our service fee is flexible. We're happy to discuss a pricing structure that supports your growth.

Our 6% covers everything you need for successful sourcing:

• Supplier search and vetting - Finding the right manufacturers
• Price negotiation - Getting you the best factory rates
• Quality control inspections - Ensuring products meet your standards
• Communication support - Bridging language and cultural gaps
• Order management - Handling production coordination
• Shipping coordination - Organizing logistics (shipping costs separate)

Think of it as having your own sourcing team in China, all for one simple, transparent fee.

We believe in complete transparency. Here are the only additional costs you might encounter:

• Sample costs - Usually $50-200 per sample (refundable with bulk orders)
• Shipping fees - Actual courier/freight costs (no markup from us)
• Inspection fees - Third-party testing if required ($100-500 typically)
• Customs duties - Import taxes in your country (varies by product)

We'll discuss any potential additional costs upfront so there are never surprises in your final invoice.

We work with orders of all sizes, but here's what to expect:

• No minimum from us - We don't impose order minimums
• Factory minimums vary - Most require 100-1000 pieces for bulk pricing
• Smaller quantities possible - But unit prices will be higher
• Sample orders - Always possible, usually 1-5 pieces

We'll help you find suppliers that match your order size and budget requirements.

Quality control is built into every step of our process:

• Supplier vetting - We only work with verified, quality-focused manufacturers
• Sample approval - You approve quality before bulk production starts
• Production monitoring - Regular check-ins during manufacturing
• Pre-shipment inspection - Final quality check before products leave China
• Documentation - Detailed quality reports and photos

If quality issues arise, we work with suppliers to fix them before shipment. Our reputation depends on delivering products that meet your expectations.

While rare thanks to our quality controls, if issues do occur:

• Immediate response - Contact us within 7 days of delivery
• Problem assessment - We'll review the issue and determine responsibility
• Supplier accountability - Manufacturers are responsible for fixing their mistakes
• Solutions offered - Replacement, refund, or credit depending on situation

We act as your advocate in China, ensuring suppliers take responsibility for quality issues. Most problems are resolved quickly and fairly.

Yes! We coordinate all types of product testing and certification:

• Safety testing - CE, FCC, UL, FDA compliance
• Quality standards - ISO, ANSI, ASTM testing
• Material testing - RoHS, REACH, California Prop 65
• Third-party labs - SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek

Testing costs vary by product and requirements ($100-1000+ typically). We'll help you understand what's needed for your target markets.

We offer flexible shipping solutions to match your timeline and budget:

• Sea freight - Most economical for bulk orders (15-30 days)
• Air freight - Faster delivery for urgent orders (3-7 days)
• Express courier - DHL, FedEx, UPS for samples and small orders
• Rail freight - Good middle option for Europe (12-18 days)

We'll recommend the best option based on your timeline, budget, and product type. All shipping costs are pass-through with no markup from us.

We coordinate the entire shipping process including customs:

• Export documentation - All Chinese export paperwork handled
• Import assistance - Guidance on customs requirements in your country
• Broker connections - Introductions to reliable customs brokers
• Duty calculations - Help estimating import taxes and fees

While you're responsible for import duties and customs clearance in your country, we provide all necessary documentation and guidance to make the process smooth.

Absolutely! We handle complex shipping arrangements:

• Multi-destination shipping - Split orders to different warehouses
• Amazon FBA prep - Direct shipping to Amazon warehouses
• Dropshipping support - Direct to customer shipping
• Consolidation services - Combine multiple orders to save costs

We'll work with you to design the most efficient shipping strategy for your business model.

Our approach is built on transparency and honesty:

• Transparent pricing - You see the real factory price, not inflated quotes
• No hidden markups - Clear 6% fee vs competitors' hidden 15-30% markups
• Direct communication - Honest updates, even when there are challenges
• Long-term partnership - We succeed when you succeed
• Educational approach - We teach you about sourcing, not keep you in the dark

Many clients tell us they wish they'd found us first, before wasting time and money with agents who weren't transparent about costs.

Clear communication is key to successful sourcing:

• Regular updates - Weekly progress reports on active projects
• Multiple channels - Email, WhatsApp, video calls as needed
• Photo documentation - Visual updates on production progress
• Honest reporting - We tell you about problems early so we can solve them
• Bilingual team - Fluent English and Chinese speakers

You'll never wonder what's happening with your order. We believe informed clients make better decisions.

Yes! We work with clients of all sizes:

• Individual entrepreneurs - Starting their first product line
• Small businesses - Looking to expand or reduce costs
• Amazon sellers - Sourcing private label products
• Established brands - Scaling production or finding new suppliers
• Startups - Developing and manufacturing new products

Our transparent pricing and educational approach works well for everyone, regardless of experience level or order size.

That's a great question. Platforms like Alibaba and Made-in-China are excellent tools for finding a wide range of suppliers, and we see them as valuable resources in the industry.

The main difference is in the business model and how it affects your price and experience:

• Platform Costs: For a supplier to get noticed on these large platforms, they often pay significant fees for membership, advertising, and preferred placement. These are real costs that must be covered. As a result, the price they quote you on the platform is often higher to cover these expenses.
• The Lyspire Model: We are not a platform; we are your sourcing partner on the ground. We take you directly to verified factories—many of which we have long-term relationships with. Because these factories don't have to pay high platform fees to work with our clients, you often get a more direct and competitive price from the very start.

In short, while platforms are great for broad discovery, we provide a focused, transparent partnership that aims to connect you directly to the source, potentially saving you money and providing a more personal level of service.

Absolutely! Product customization is one of our specialties:

• Design modifications - Changes to existing products
• Custom colors and materials - Matching your brand requirements
• Packaging customization - Branded boxes, inserts, and labels
• Size adjustments - Scaling products up or down
• Feature additions - Adding functionality to existing designs

We work with manufacturers who specialize in customization and can handle everything from simple logo additions to complex engineering changes.

Yes! We support the entire product development process:

• Concept development - Turning ideas into viable products
• Design and engineering - Working with experienced product designers
• Prototyping - Creating samples to test and refine
• Manufacturing setup - Finding the right production partners
• Testing and compliance - Ensuring products meet safety standards

We've helped clients develop everything from simple accessories to complex electronic devices. The process typically takes 2-6 months depending on complexity.

We work with all common design formats:

• CAD files - AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Fusion 360
• 2D drawings - PDF, JPG, PNG with dimensions
• 3D models - STL, OBJ, STEP files
• Sketches - Even hand-drawn concepts work
• Reference products - Photos of similar items you like

Don't have technical drawings? No problem! We can create professional specifications from your concept sketches or reference materials.

Yes! China is a global hub for electronics manufacturing:

• Consumer electronics - Gadgets, smart devices, accessories
• Electronic components - Chips, sensors, displays, batteries
• IoT devices - Connected products and smart home items
• Audio equipment - Speakers, headphones, microphones
• Custom PCBs - Circuit board design and manufacturing

We work with electronics manufacturers who handle everything from simple gadgets to complex products requiring FCC certification.