As a seller of phone cases, which China trade shows will be best for me to attend?

Full Question I currently wholesale phone cases in the UK and get them from a local supplier. He gets them from China. I am now looking to buy bulk from China myself. I have contacted many companies and received samples. We are now looking to come over and visit the factories. We also wish to attend a tradeshow. All the products are made of plastic, could you please help with what tradeshow would be best to attend and any other advice would be grateful as it will be my first time doing business in China.

Answer There are two types of shows in China. On one hand there are the large shows that cover a wide range of products, often held in HK. Of the large shows in HK, I think the Global Sources show  would be an excellent tradeshow for you. While you are there, check out the free seminar on China sourcing. On the other hand, there are smaller shows scattered across China which focus on one specific product or industry. These small shows can be hit or miss, so review the overview from the show organizers carefully. You can find a list of all shows, big and small at the "trade show center"

On a final note, I see that you are getting ready to visit some factories and place an PO. You are wise to make the trip to China as the combination of using the list of verified suppliers from GlobalSources.com with an audit in person is an excellent step in the right direction in terms of finding a legitimate supplier. As you move forward, please keep the service providers found at http://www.smartchinasourcing.com/service-providers.html as they are the corporate sponsors of the CSIC which allow us to offer this "ask the experts" service and "China Sourcer" magazine for free. They offer the following services:

•Business Intelligence, Investigations, and Surveillance (to keep an eye on suppliers and competition)

•Company Formation (setting up your own offices in China and HK)

•Due Diligence (verifying that what the supplier is telling you about their business is accurate)

•Engineering (creating specifications and designs while protecting IP)

•Lawyers (protect your IP, review contracts and take suppliers to court if they have done you wrong)

•On-Line Resources (educational material for international buyers)

•Outsourced Accounting

•Inspections, Factory Audits & Quality Control Specialists(3PQC)

•Sourcing/Purchasing Agents (help finding and managing vendors)

•Tool & Die Shops/ Tooling Stewards (protecting your tools/molds against improper use by your suppliers)