10 Things to Consider When Buying Furniture About China

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QUOTE(max_75 @ Jun 10 2013, 01:26 AM)

Actually most of our furniture are NOT from China. Let me give some example what item are mostly from China: High gloss finishing TV cabinet, display cabinet, glass dining table, engineering coated marble top table, polymer/fiberglass designer's chair, sofa bed and etc.

And furniture that mostly made in Malaysia are, bedroom set, divan bed, solid wood bed frame, fabric or leather sofa, shoe cabinet, kitchen cabinet, natural uncoated marble top dining table/set, solid timber dining set, solid timber coffee table, office table, office chair, timber tv console, side board mirror and alot more.

So, buying product from China require some knowledge, NOT all product from China are worth buying such as sofa, divan beds and etc.. Why? Malaysia are well known internationally for furniture products, we export quality product to Europe, US, Australia and alot country for quality furniture because Malaysia manufacturer are more detail than China manufacturer.

Here are few tips buying things from China, I have not bought any from Taobao but I do have suppliers from alibaba.

1. Never buy hand made item from China if the price is unreasonably cheap.
2. Moulded product are China strength, that's y designer's plastic chair are cheap if you can buy directly from China.
3. Don't ever compare price between seller, You get what you paid for.
4. Glass product from China are worth buying too, but 99% are NOT selling tempered glass. But if you buying 10mm or 12mm glass, it should be fine.
5. Metal product are cheap too, but make sure it is epoxy coated, or else you will see those paint fall off easily.
6. Not all China timber suitable for our climate. Different wood react differently in different climate, some might expand, some might crack, some might bend.
7. NEVER buy bonded leather product, it doesn't suitable for our climate. The bonded leather will peel off within 1 year even you NEVER use it. PU, PVC or genuine leather are still ok.

This is some advice for those who like to buy direct from China. Good luck! 

I'm a furniture retailer owner in Seri kembangan, my website is http://www.victoria.my Actually most of our furniture are NOT from China. Let me give some example what item are mostly from China: High gloss finishing TV cabinet, display cabinet, glass dining table, engineering coated marble top table, polymer/fiberglass designer's chair, sofa bed and etc.And furniture that mostly made in Malaysia are, bedroom set, divan bed, solid wood bed frame, fabric or leather sofa, shoe cabinet, kitchen cabinet, natural uncoated marble top dining table/set, solid timber dining set, solid timber coffee table, office table, office chair, timber tv console, side board mirror and alot more.So, buying product from China require some knowledge, NOT all product from China are worth buying such as sofa, divan beds and etc.. Why? Malaysia are well known internationally for furniture products, we export quality product to Europe, US, Australia and alot country for quality furniture because Malaysia manufacturer are more detail than China manufacturer.Here are few tips buying things from China, I have not bought any from Taobao but I do have suppliers from alibaba.1. Never buy hand made item from China if the price is unreasonably cheap.2. Moulded product are China strength, that's y designer's plastic chair are cheap if you can buy directly from China.3. Don't ever compare price between seller, You get what you paid for.4. Glass product from China are worth buying too, but 99% are NOT selling tempered glass. But if you buying 10mm or 12mm glass, it should be fine.5. Metal product are cheap too, but make sure it is epoxy coated, or else you will see those paint fall off easily.6. Not all China timber suitable for our climate. Different wood react differently in different climate, some might expand, some might crack, some might bend.7. NEVER buy bonded leather product, it doesn't suitable for our climate. The bonded leather will peel off within 1 year even you NEVER use it. PU, PVC or genuine leather are still ok.This is some advice for those who like to buy direct from China. Good luck!

This post has been edited by mikessc: Dec 31 2013, 03:34 AM

The problem is Malaysian made furnitures design sucks.

3 key factors to consider when sourcing furniture from China

What are the most important things to be taken into account when buying furniture from China?

Wholesale vs OEM furniture manufactures

When buying furniture from China there are two major options:

• Wholesale

Wholesale factories normally have set quality standards and product specifications, so each piece of furniture is manufactured in accordance with them.

It is possible to make minor alterations in the design, such as adding your logo, changing color scheme or upholstery materials.

• OEM

OEM manufacturers operate on a “make to order” scheme. The OEM process can be broken down as follows:

1. The buyer provides the supplier with all the necessary details, such as design concept, material specifications, dimensions, applicable safety standards, and so on.
2. The supplier manufactures a product sample for two reasons: First, to learn how to produce the product, and to show the buyer that they have the expertise to do it.
3. Production begins. The supplier procures materials and components from its subcontractors. After this is done, assembly begins.

In short, the more details you provide the more accurate the end result will be.

Safety regulations for your country

Each country has different furniture regulations, which must be specified before placing an order. For example, in the European Union there are various compulsory fire safety requirements applicable to upholstered furniture, bedding and seats. Importing non-compliant items is illegal, and may, in a best-case scenario, result in fines and a forced recall.

Factory audit and market research

Factory audit is a must. It is the only way to verify whether a supplier is able to make a specific order according to your requirements. This service includes:

• Assessment of the production capacities and the technology level of the factory.
• Determining the degree of reliability and trustworthiness of the manufacturer as a possible business partner.
• Highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the factory production process.

Also, it is highly advisable to conduct market research. Knowledge of the current market situation and average prices for your product will help you avoid unnecessary expenses on options or features you do not need.

Even if the supplier refuses to negotiate the price, you will have alternative options consider.

 

Sources: chinaimportal.com, simonsense.com