You can install an alternator in modern vehicles for ignition, fans, lights, and other electricity-related uses. It is a direct electric current source and performs all electricity-related functions. The alternator is coupled mechanically to the engine, with a rotor field coil supplied with current through slip rings and a stator with three-phase calls to generate the current.
Sourcing alternators from China to start a wholesale or retailer business of alternators is a good idea. China has one of the most outstanding wholesale markets for almost every object. You can find both good and cheap alternators in China. So you must carefully navigate the chain of suppliers and find the best for you. Moreover, the amount of money you are willing to pay can also impact the quality of your goods. This article will discuss how you can source a reliable alternator supplier in China.
Easy ways to find a reliable alternator supplier in China
If you are trying to find a reliable alternator supplier in China, then you have probably heard about the risk of finding dishonest Chinese suppliers. These fraudulent Chinese suppliers will give poor-quality products with high shipment rates. Although China has many suitable and quality alternator suppliers, you can still get stuck with dishonest ones. Look out for these rotten apples when you delve into any B2B marketplace, online supplier directory, trade show, or wholesale market. Here we have provided some of the best ways to find a reliable alternator supplier in China.
1. The Canton Fair
Canton Fair is China’s largest trade fair. This import/export convention is held twice a year and covers every industry in China. Every supplier in China who makes physical products is present at the Canton Fair. This fair is so huge that it takes place in three phases:
Phase 1: This phase includes electronics, machinery, building materials, and chemical products. This phase is most important to us as we are trying to source an alternator supplier.
Phase 2: The second phase of the Canton fair exhibits consumer goods, home décor, and gifts.
Phase 3: Lastly, phase 3 includes textiles, recreational products, office supplies, shoes, medical devices, and health products.
There is no ticket or fee to attend the fair. But once you have set the foot into fair, be prepared for what’s coming. Here are some things to expect for your convenience:
Each supplier has a sales representative who can speak basic English. Some sales representatives are not permanent employees of the company but hire for fair. That’s why you can only find MOQs and some basic product details.
You can hire an interpreter at the fair to overcome the language barrier. It will cost you 400-500 RMB or $60-$75 per day. But this rate is not fixed. You will be charged more for minority languages.
All suppliers, including alternator suppliers, have samples of the products with them. You can touch and inspect the quality of the alternator to get an idea about its quality.
Low prices and cheaper quality alternators go hand in hand. You should pay more than the advertised price if you want a good quality, high power output, and high-performance alternator.
Speak to the different suppliers, inquire about the product, ask relevant questions, and get all the necessary information. You can also exchange your business cards with the suppliers for follow-up after the Canton fair. If you are hesitant to give your business card to every vendor you meet, then you should have fake cards. For etiquette’s sake, pass out fake cards to every vendor except the suppliers in which you are interested.
At last, you should prepare yourself for the world you are entering. Canton fair is one of the largest fairs in China. For your ease and to save time and energy, visit the trade show website and find the list and locations of various exhibitors attending the fair.
2. Yiwu Market
Yiwu wholesalers are trading companies. Yiwu market is located in Zhejiang, China, and has been open for almost a year. It has 40,000 shops all around the world. But remember that this marketplace is heavily titled on supplying products to the Middle East, Africa, and India. That’s why we can’t guarantee the quality of these products. Their products are not according to regulations and safety standards of EU and USA. Most people don’t source alternators or electronic products from Yiwu. You should look elsewhere if you want a quality alternator.
The main reason why this place is popular despite its poor quality products and frauds is that here prices can go as low as you want. Low prices are the main reason this site is still popular, and people are still buying from it.
3. B2B marketplaces
B2B marketplaces are the online engines on which you can find alternator suppliers. These marketplaces include Alibaba, Made in China, Ali Express, and Global Sources. All the websites mentioned above are famous internationally for finding suppliers and manufacturers in China. However, you can get scammed at these websites too. Here are some things to look out for to avoid scams and fraud.
Trading companies and resellers may also advertise as manufacturers on these websites. That is not a problem if you are sourcing toys, clothes, or cheap electronics. However, when sourcing alternators, you must be careful of these scammers. A good quality alternator requires specific technical requirements only the manufacturer can provide. So before purchasing alternators from them, ensure you are 100% positive about the product’s quality and check the manufacturer’s credibility. Although these websites rate their suppliers, you can’t be sure about the transparency. For example, premium members on Alibaba pay an annual fee and get hold of gold status. This status can increase their visibility on-site, but that doesn’t ensure the quality and ethical behavior of the manufacturer. That’s why even you should verify the vendors on top of the list.
On these websites, you can browse through the supplier, contact them, ask for a sample, and place your order. Every supplier has different MOQs, so check them before reaching the supplier.
B2B marketplaces are an excellent platform for Chinese vendors to showcase their products. These platforms are saturated with suppliers, so you can also find top-quality vendors. You have to be extra careful. The only problem with these platforms is the language barrier between you and your supplier. You both may not share a common language which may pose difficulties while communicating your requirements via email or chat.
4. Sourcing agents
The sourcing agent is the person who will buy alternators on your behalf. The best decision is to hire a sourcing agent to communicate and purchase alternators from Chinese suppliers. A sourcing agent is also ideal in case you want some technical specifications for your product. Your souring agent will visit the factory in China on your behalf. He will inspect the quality controls of the factory and ensure that your order is not late. The sourcing agent will also visit the factory to ensure the quality of raw materials and the first few batches of the product.
A Chinese sourcing agent has boots in China and is well versed in Chinese. He will aid you in overcoming the language barrier and communicating your details and requirements. Chinese suppliers are conscientious about anything they share. They may not tell you about the product delays or any other problems they encounter. Having a sourcing agent will be helpful here also. The sourcing agent will ensure that you and the supplier are on the same page before, during, and after the production.
Having a sourcing agent in China gives you comprehensive support throughout the process. If you want to set foot in the Chinese market and build a long-term relationship with your supplier, then engaging a sourcing agent would be the right choice.
5. Google
Google is the most widely used search engine all around the world. So it’s a logical step to find a supplier on this search engine. Most of the Chinese suppliers have social media appearances and websites on Google. Some of the people you find on this website may be an agent offering to find a suitable supplier for you. However, some suppliers can be trading companies, not actual manufacturers. If you find any genuine supplier, then go ahead, contact them, share your details and requirements, and make inquiries.
6. Baidu
Baidu is another search engine where you can find a reliable alternator supplier. Most people in China use Baidu. Baidu has a translation tool that can be helpful to you in overcoming the language barrier. You can find leads on Baidu and see if those suppliers are available on Google or Alibaba. Follow-up on the suppliers if they look promising. One of the best advantages of Baidu is that you can find supplier details and learn if they are or are involved in legal disputes.
7. Your industry network
The last source for you in finding a reliable alternator supplier in China is your industry network, friends, and business partners. Get help and guidance from your business contacts already sourcing products from China.
Conclusion
Your car alternator supplier plays an essential role in the promotion and growth of your business. So make sure to choose carefully. You may face some initial hiccups but always stay on good terms with your supplier. Communicate all problems and try to overcome language and culture barriers. You can get top-quality alternators at affordable prices when you are on good terms with your supplier.