Sourcing & trading
Sourcing in China, with a team on the ground.
ECI identifies and qualifies Chinese suppliers, negotiates prices and runs competitive bidding on your behalf. A single French-speaking point of contact, offices in Shanghai and Montélimar, no unnecessary middlemen.
What we do
From the first brief to the signed order, we handle the sourcing
One-off project or recurring purchases: we take care of the whole supplier side so you can focus on your business.
01
Supplier search and shortlist
We identify manufacturers that match your specification, volumes and budget, from heavy industry and raw materials to finished goods.
02
Supplier validation
Company and factory background checks, certificate review and sample testing, before you commit to anything.
03
Competitive bidding
Several qualified suppliers quote on the same specification, so prices and conditions can be compared like for like.
04
Price and terms negotiation
Unit price, tooling, payment terms, lead times and Incoterms® negotiated in the supplier’s own language.
05
Samples and pre-production
Samples requested, compared with your specification and approved by you before mass production starts.
06
Order and production follow-up
One contact follows the order, flags delays early and keeps you informed until the goods are ready to ship.
How it works
From your brief to the order, in 4 steps
A clear process, with you in control of every decision.
1
Brief
You share your specification, target volumes and budget. We clarify anything that is missing.
2
Search and shortlist
We approach suppliers and send you a comparison of the qualified offers.
3
Samples and negotiation
Samples are checked, prices and terms negotiated, and the supplier chosen together with you.
4
Order and follow-up
We monitor production, coordinate quality control and hand over to logistics.
Who it’s for
For buyers who want control over their China sourcing
We work with SMEs, mid-sized companies, large accounts and manufacturers, for one-off projects as well as recurring purchases.
Team on the ground
An office in Shanghai lets us meet suppliers in person.
Cost focus
We target savings of 20%+ on your purchases.
Fewer middlemen
A direct model, designed to cut costs with full transparency.
Your language
French, English, Chinese, Italian and Spanish spoken.
On site with suppliers, not just on paper.
FAQ
Sourcing in China: your questions
What types of products can ECI source?
Our network covers heavy industry, raw materials and finished goods, from tools and machinery to protective equipment, building materials and furniture, across more than 15 product categories. If your product is not on that list, ask us: we will tell you honestly whether we can help.
Do I need to have imported from China before?
No. We work with experienced importers and with first-time buyers. We help you write the specification, choose the right trade terms and avoid the usual pitfalls of buying in China.
How do you make sure I pay a fair price?
By putting several qualified suppliers in competition on the same specification and negotiating on your behalf. We aim for savings of 20% or more on your purchases, depending on the product and the market.
Keep reading
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An import project from China?
Tell us what you need: we will come back to you with a clear approach, qualified suppliers and a controlled budget.
