"Made in China" - we're used to seeing these three words on many of the products that we own. Products can be created in China for a fraction of the cost of other nations, hence the cheap prices that we can enjoy within the UK.

As an eBay seller you may be wondering if you could purchase goods directly from China to sell on in your own online store. Chinese wholesalers for eBay are common and can provide you with this service, but how can you choose the right organisation to deal with? How can you overcome language and location barriers? How can you know if you are paying the best price? This brief guide aims to answer some of your questions.

As your dealings with a wholesaler in China will likely be purely through e-mail and other online means, finding a reliable source is incredibly important.

Don't rush into a decision

Some Chinese wholesalers for eBay will start to put pressure on you as soon as you express an interest in their business. They will insist that unless you act now you will miss out on the great deal that they are offering. This is simply not true. When selecting your supplier it is absolutely vital that you take your time and don't rush into a decision that you could later regret. Look at reviews of any suppliers that you are considering and ensure that you thoroughly evaluate each and every one.

Do select a supplier that wants to work with you

If a prospective wholesaler is asking you to pay a subscription or membership charge this should be an instant warning to you. You could easily lose the money that you pay for your subscription without ever seeing a legitimate product. You should always remember that your custom will benefit the wholesaler as much as their low prices will benefit you. This mutually beneficial relationship is one obvious way to spot genuine salespeople in the People's Republic of China as they will really want to do business with you.

Don't be tempted by cheap knockoffs

Brand-name goods are big sellers on eBay and, if you can get your hands on the genuine product this is one way to make big profits. However, once you start dealing with Chinese wholesalers for eBay you may start to notice imitation products of said brand-name goods. Selling such cheap knockoffs could be a quick way to get your eBay account banned, especially if you advertise them as the real deal.

Do order a small sample first

It might be tempting to jump in with a large bulk order of goods from your chosen Chinese wholesaler, but you should always order a small sample of the products first. Your contact in China will not mind if their wares are up to scratch so you should not meet any resistance, although you may have to pay a fractionally higher price for the smaller order. As a sample of your product will help you to ascertain if it is of a decent enough quality to sell, this extra expense is well worth it.