Blog
Sourcing guides & insights
Practical knowledge from our sourcing team — verification checklists, QC methods, and platform comparisons you can actually use.
Supplier VerificationSourcing Basics
How to Verify a Chinese Supplier Before You Send a Dollar
A polished storefront means nothing. Here is the exact verification checklist our team runs — business license, live factory tours, audits, and payment terms — before recommending any supplier.
CN Ally TeamJune 12, 2026
Quality ControlInspections
The QC Inspection Checklist Every Importer Needs
Pre-production, during production, pre-shipment, and container loading — the four inspections that protect your margins, and what each report must contain.
CN Ally TeamMay 20, 2026
Sourcing Basics1688
1688 vs Alibaba: Which Platform Should You Actually Source From?
Same parent company, 15–30% price difference. When to use Alibaba's buyer protection, when to switch to 1688 pricing, and how to get the best of both.
CN Ally TeamApril 8, 2026