China Artificial Flowers RFQ Checklist

Sourcing Artificial Flowers from China: What Wholesale Buyers Need to Know

China remains the world’s largest producer of artificial flowers, offering wholesale buyers competitive pricing, diverse product ranges, and established export logistics. However, successful sourcing requires understanding supplier expectations, trade terms, and quality verification processes.

This guide provides a practical framework for wholesale buyers, importers, and brand owners seeking to establish or improve their China-based supply chain for real touch artificial flowers and related botanicals.

Key Takeaways

Prepare a detailed RFQ with styles, quantities, and specifications
Expect MOQ of 500–576 pcs/style for Real Touch premium lines
Budget ~15 days for samples and 60–90 days for bulk production
Standard terms: FOB Xiamen, sea freight (FCL/LCL), 30% deposit
Sample before bulk whenever possible—avoid skipping quality verification
Communicate clearly on packing, labeling, and inspection requirements

Step 1: Define Your Product Requirements

Before contacting suppliers, clarify your sourcing needs:

Style Selection

Identify target flower types (roses, orchids, tulips, greenery)
Specify finish preference (Real Touch latex, PU, silk, mixed)
Note size requirements (stem length, bloom dimensions)
Collect reference images for clarity

Quantity Planning

Estimate order volume per style
Consider MOQ constraints (typically 500–576 pcs/style for Real Touch)
Factor in mixed-SKU consolidation opportunities

Market Positioning

Define your price target and margin requirements
Identify whether premium (Real Touch) or value lines suit your market
Consider seasonal vs. evergreen product strategy

Step 2: Prepare Your RFQ (Request for Quotation)

A well-structured RFQ accelerates supplier response and pricing accuracy.

RFQ Checklist: What to Include

Product Details:

Specific styles with reference images or catalog codes
Quantity per style (confirm against supplier MOQ)
Material preference (latex, PU, silk, or flexible)
Color specifications (use Pantone codes if critical)

Logistics Information:

Destination port or city
Preferred Incoterms (FOB, CIF, DDP)
Target shipment date or season

Packing Requirements:

Inner box configuration needs
Carton marking specifications
Private label or OEM requirements

Quality Expectations:

Inspection requirements (in-house QC, third-party)
Certification needs (if applicable)
Documentation requirements (packing list, commercial invoice)

Step 3: Evaluate Supplier Responses

When comparing quotations, assess more than just price:

Pricing Analysis

Compare FOB pricing across suppliers for same products
Note any volume-based tiering
Check what’s included (packing, labeling, documentation)

Capability Assessment

Review supplier catalogs for product range depth
Assess manufacturing capacity (can they scale with your growth?)
Evaluate communication responsiveness and English proficiency

Terms Verification

Confirm MOQ flexibility for mixed orders
Clarify sample costs and credit policies
Verify production lead time guarantees

Step 4: Sample Before Bulk

Avoid committing to bulk without physical sample verification.

Sample Request Process

Specify exact styles and finishes for evaluation
Expect ~15 days from order to delivery (express shipping)
Sample costs are typically charged but may credit toward bulk orders

What to Evaluate in Samples

Color accuracy: Compare to your specifications or previous orders
Texture quality: Real Touch should feel soft and natural
Construction: Check stem flexibility, petal attachment, overall durability
Finish consistency: Look for uniform coating without defects

Documentation

Photograph samples with good lighting
Record any deviations for discussion with supplier
Share feedback promptly to avoid delays

Step 5: Confirm Order and Production Timeline

Once samples are approved:

Order Confirmation

Issue formal purchase order with complete specifications
Confirm pricing, quantities, and packing details
Agree on production schedule and milestone checkpoints

Payment Terms

Standard: 30% deposit to initiate production
Balance due before or upon shipment (varies by relationship)
Payment methods: T/T (wire), L/C, PayPal, bank transfer

Production Timeline

60–90 days from deposit to shipment-ready
Request progress updates at key milestones
Plan for 3–4 weeks additional sea freight transit

Step 6: Quality Control and Inspection

Supplier-Side QC

Reputable manufacturers implement:

Incoming material inspection
In-line production checks
Final inspection before packing
Packing list verification

Buyer-Side Options

Request pre-shipment QC photos
Arrange third-party inspection if required
Video call walkthrough of finished goods (increasingly common)

Documentation Requests

Commercial invoice and packing list
Loading photos
Certificate of origin (if required)
Compliance documents (if applicable)

Step 7: Shipping and Logistics

Incoterms

FOB Xiamen is standard for China artificial flower exports:

Seller responsible for goods until loaded on vessel
Buyer arranges freight and insurance

Shipping Options

FCL (Full Container Load): Best value for larger orders; faster customs clearance
LCL (Less than Container Load): Suitable for smaller volumes; more handling
Express air freight: For urgent samples or small orders (high cost)

Transit Planning

Sea freight: 2–4 weeks depending on destination
Allow buffer for customs clearance and inland delivery
Coordinate with freight forwarder on document requirements

B2B CTA: Start Your Sourcing Inquiry

Ready to source Real Touch artificial flowers from Xiamen?

Submit your RFQ — Share your product list and requirements
Check MOQ & Best-Seller List — Start with MOQ guidance and a curated wholesale shortlist
WhatsApp consultation — Get quick answers

Trade Terms at a Glance:

Term	Value
MOQ	500–576 pcs/style (Real Touch)
Samples	~15 days
Bulk production	60–90 days
Incoterms	FOB Xiamen
Shipping	Sea freight (FCL/LCL)
Payment	T/T, L/C, PayPal (30% deposit)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum order quantity for wholesale?

For Real Touch lines, typical MOQ is 500–576 pcs/style. Mixed-SKU orders can be consolidated—discuss carton planning with your supplier.

How long does production take?

Budget 60–90 days from sample approval and deposit to shipment-ready. Add 3–4 weeks for sea freight transit.

Can I visit the factory or showroom?

Yes. Many buyers visit showrooms (ours is 1,000㎡ in Xiamen) to review product range and confirm supplier capability. Advance booking recommended.

What if quality doesn’t match samples?

Communicate immediately. Reputable suppliers work to resolve issues—replacement, credit, or documented agreement. Clear sample approval process minimizes this risk.

Do you handle customs clearance?

Most suppliers operate on FOB terms. You’re responsible for freight and customs, but full export documentation is provided to facilitate clearance.

What payment methods are accepted?

T/T (wire transfer), L/C (letter of credit), PayPal, and direct bank transfer. 30% deposit is standard to initiate production.