In our previous article, we focused on why SPLY personally visits factories in China and how this benefits both us and our clients. At SPLY, we believe that being present on-site is irreplaceable. That’s why we regularly visit both our existing and new suppliers to ensure that every product we source for our clients meets the highest standards.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the actual process of a factory visit – what it includes, how long it can take, and what key aspects we address during our time at the manufacturing facility.

Duration of the Visit: Routine Check vs. Critical Negotiation

The time spent at a factory varies significantly depending on the purpose of the visit:

✔ Short visit (1–2 hours) – If we are visiting an existing manufacturer, we conduct routine quality checks, discuss feedback, and inspect the production process.

✔ Long visit (up to half a day or more) – If we are meeting a new supplier or negotiating new terms, exclusive distribution, or custom manufacturing, the visit requires a detailed facility tour and an in-depth discussion of all cooperation conditions.

Arrival and First Contact with the Factory

Upon arrival, it is standard practice for someone to escort us from the factory gate. Since the factory director or production manager may not always speak English, a translator is usually necessary to facilitate smooth communication.

In China, business etiquette is highly valued, which is why visits typically begin with a traditional tea ceremony. Tea is more than just a common beverage in China – it is a symbol of respect and hospitality. Often, the factory director himself pours tea for the guests, emphasizing the importance of the meeting. This initial moment helps establish rapport and sets a friendly tone before getting into business discussions.

Showroom: First Look at the Products

One of the first stops in the factory is usually the showroom, where we can inspect:

✔ Best-selling and most popular products

✔ New product developments

✔ The standard product range

This part of the visit is especially important for clients who have only seen products in pricing quotes or catalogs. Seeing them in person allows us to verify material quality, assess craftsmanship, and select items with high potential for our target market.

Negotiations: Quality, Feedback, and New Agreements

After the showroom tour, the main meeting takes place, focusing on key aspects of the partnership:

✔ Product feedback – We share client opinions, discussing what has worked well and what improvements might be needed.

✔ Negotiation of new terms– If we plan new production, we define conditions regarding materials, design, lead times, and quality standards.

✔ Exclusive distribution rights – For long-term cooperation, we may negotiate exclusive agreements for certain products or regions.

This phase is often the most time-consuming, as negotiations can take several hours and require careful attention to every detail. Each parameter must be clearly defined to prevent misunderstandings in the future.

Factory Tour: Inspecting Production Lines and Packaging

After discussions, we proceed to inspect the production facility, ensuring that manufacturing meets our quality standards. This part of the visit includes:

✔ Production line inspection – Observing how products are made and whether the processes align with agreed-upon specifications.

✔ Raw material checks– Reviewing the origin, quality, and certifications of materials used in production.

✔ Quality control procedures – Evaluating how products are tested before shipment and how defects are handled.

✔ Packaging and warehouse management – Assessing the factory’s logistics efficiency and storage capacity for large orders.

This on-site evaluation helps us detect potential issues before products are shipped, ensuring they meet the high expectations of our clients.

Lunch as Part of Business Culture

In some cases, after business discussions, the factory director invites us to lunch. In China, business meals are not used for negotiationsbut rather for strengthening personal relationships between manufacturers and partners.

✔ Guests are treated with great respect, often with the director personally serving tea and food.

✔ Traditional Chinese meals can sometimes be unusual for Western visitors, but there are often dishes that resemble European cuisine.

✔ This part of the visit is important for building trust and reinforcing long-term business relationships.

Summary: How Factory Visits Benefit Our Clients

By personally visiting factories, we can better ensure product quality, negotiate more favorable terms, and minimize risks. Our process includes:

✔ Direct quality control of products and materials

✔ Ensuring ethical labor practices

✔ Detailed negotiations on new agreements and exclusivity

✔ Evaluating production capacity and warehouse management

✔ Inspecting manufacturing lines and quality testing procedures

At SPLY, we believe that being physically present at the factory is essential. That’s why we regularly visit both existing and new suppliers to guarantee that every product we source meets the highest standards.

If you’re looking for a reliable sourcing partner for manufacturing in China, we are ready to help you find and verify the best manufacturers for your business.