Guides
Sourcing and verifying factories in China, explained.
Short, practical guides for overseas brands. Each one answers a question we get asked, and links to the official sources we use.
Supplier checks
How to Tell a Factory From a Trading Company in China
Five checks we use to tell a real Chinese factory from a trading company: business scope, staff numbers, the production floor and what they can show you.
Registry
How to Verify a Chinese Business Licence (GSXT)
A step-by-step guide to the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System: finding a supplier's licence, scope, status and annual reports.
Compliance
Sunglasses Compliance: EU, UK, Australia and US
What non-prescription sunglasses must meet in the EU, UK, Australia and US, with links to the official standards and the tests each market expects.
Industry
Danyang Eyewear: Sourcing Sunglasses in China
How the Danyang eyewear cluster works, the difference between the trade city and the factories, how to get there, and the questions to ask when you visit.
Quality control
How to Check if Sunglasses Are Really Polarised
Two tests you can run in a minute to check whether sunglass lenses are polarised, plus the acceptance clause to put in your purchase contract.
Budgeting
Sunglasses MOQ and Hidden Costs: What to Ask
A checklist of the minimums and hidden costs in a sunglasses order: per-colour MOQ, mould fees, samples, packaging, printing and freight.
Materials
TAC, Polycarbonate and Nylon Sunglass Lenses
How the main sunglass lens materials differ in optics, impact resistance and cost, and how the choice changes your test report and order minimums.
Fees
China Sourcing Agent Fees and Hidden Kickbacks
How sourcing agents charge, how factory kickbacks work against your interest, and the contract terms that keep an agent on your side of the table.