If you are in the outdoor furniture business, then importing outdoor furniture from China is a good idea. WHY? ..are you asking?
The question is:
What are the benefits of importing outdoor furniture from china?
There are so many benefits to importing from China, including lower costs (What China is famous for of course) and a wider selection of products.
In this blog post, we will go over the reasons why importing outdoor furniture from China is a wise decision for every outdoor furniture retailer.
We will also look at some of the potential downsides of this process so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to import outdoor furniture from China.
So would you like the good news first, or the bad news? the good news right?
Then let’s dive into the pros:
1- Lower Costs
I’m sure it’s a no-shock to you, one of the main reasons why businesses import from China is because labor and production costs are kinda lower there.
The cost of developing plants in China is about 1/10 that of the United States, hourly salaries are far less, and these inexpensive labor costs allow outdoor furniture manufacturers in China to keep their prices low.
This lower cost of production will translate into lower prices for you, the retailer.
This means that you can sell outdoor furniture at a lower price point and still make a profit. and guess what? your customers are looking for affordable prices as well, so it’s a win-win!
What’s even better is that you can find outdoor furniture that is of high quality in China. This is because Chinese manufacturers are always looking to improve their products and make them better.
Remember your ultimate goal is to provide your customers with outdoor furniture that they will love and use for years to come. (Be the hero they need)
Why the outdoor furniture production is lower in China than in other countries?
When it comes to outdoor furniture, the cost of production can vary drastically from country to country.
For example, outdoor furniture made in the United States will be much more expensive than outdoor furniture made in China. This is because the cost of labor is much higher in the United States.
Italian outdoor furniture is known for being high quality, but it comes with a higher price tag. This is because the cost of materials and production is higher in Italy.
Materials for outdoor furniture are readily available in China, and the cost of production is relatively low.
2- Wider Selection of Products
When you plan to import outdoor furniture from China, you will have access to a wider selection of products. This is because there are more outdoor furniture manufacturers in China (50,000 factories) than in any other country.
This means that you can find outdoor furniture to fit any style or budget.
Different types of outdoor furniture made in China:
- Cast aluminum outdoor furniture: You can find a wide variety of outdoor furniture made from cast aluminum in China. This includes patio sets, chairs, tables, and more.
- Outdoor wicker furniture: Wicker outdoor furniture is very popular in China. This type of outdoor furniture is durable, stylish, and affordable.
- Outdoor rattan furniture: Rattan is a type of material that is often used to make outdoor furniture. It is lightweight, yet strong and durable.
- Teak outdoor furniture: Teak furniture is popular because it’s beautiful and long-lasting.
- Metal patio furniture: inexpensive Metal patio furniture is a great option for those on a budget.
- Polymer and plastic patio furniture: Plastic patio furniture is another affordable option that is perfect for those who want to save money.
- Modern outdoor furniture: outdoor furniture that has a more contemporary design. This includes items like outdoor dining sets, lounge chairs, and sofas.
- Rustic outdoor furniture: outdoor furniture that has a more rustic or country feel to it. This includes items like Adirondack chairs, log benches, and picnic tables.
- Fabric upholstered outdoor furniture: chairs, sofas, and chaises that have fabric upholstery.
No matter what type of outdoor furniture you are looking for, you can be sure to find it in China.
3- Strong Supply Chain
When you import outdoor furniture from China, you will be working with a strong supply chain.
This is because there are many outdoor furniture manufacturers in China who are able to produce large quantities of furniture quickly and efficiently.
Without a strong supply chain, it would be difficult to find the outdoor furniture that you need in a timely manner.
The supply chain is important because it ensures that retailers always have access to the outdoor furniture that they need.
Seasonal items like patio furniture and beach chairs are especially difficult to find without a strong supply chain.
The Government of China Encourages Business
China’s well-established supply chain network and organization allow for a higher degree of efficiency and quality control.
In addition, the Chinese government offers a number of incentives to encourage companies to set up manufacturing operations in China.
These incentives include tax breaks, cheap land, and access to low-cost labor.
All of these factors make China an attractive place to import outdoor furniture from.
Should I order low-volume outdoor furniture from china if I own a small store?
If you own a small retail store, you may be wondering if it’s worth it to order outdoor furniture from China.
The answer is: “not suggested”
The reason is that when you order outdoor furniture from China, you will be required to pay for a minimum order quantity (MOQ).
This means that you will have to purchase a large volume of furniture all at once.
This can be difficult for small retailers who may not have the storage space or the budget to do so.
It’s suggested that you find another supplier who can provide you with the outdoor furniture that you need in smaller quantities.
This way, you will not have to worry about paying for a minimum order quantity and you can gradually increase your inventory as needed.
4- Production Lead-Time
One of the pros is production lead time.
Production lead time is the amount of time that it takes for a manufacturer to produce an order of goods.
The production lead time for outdoor furniture can vary depending on the type of furniture and the quantity that you order.
But since the Chinese manufacturers have a strong supply chain, they are generally able to produce orders quickly and efficiently.
Just be sure to factor in the production lead time when you are planning your purchase.
The total lead time for an order can be anywhere from four to six weeks.
What are the downwards of importing outdoor furniture from China?
While there are many benefits to importing outdoor furniture from China, there are also a few downsides that you must be aware of.
Downwards of importing outdoor furniture from China
One of the downsides that you may have to deal with is:
1- Language barriers
This is because most of the manufacturers in China do not speak English. This can make communication difficult and may lead to misunderstandings.
To avoid any problems, it’s suggested that you find a Chinese-speaking agent who can act as a middleman between you and the manufacturer.
The agent will be able to communicate with the manufacturer on your behalf and make sure that your orders are being produced correctly.
Another choice is to use Wechat live time translator. This might not be the best solution but at the same time, it helps you to deliver your thoughts and requirements to the supplier.
But in Yoho, we have a team that is fluent both in English and Chinese
Another downside of importing outdoor furniture from China is:
2- Intellectual property theft
Unfortunately, intellectual property theft is a common problem in China.
This means that there is a risk that your designs or ideas for outdoor furniture could be stolen by the manufacturer.
To protect yourself, it’s important to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with the manufacturer before you share any confidential information with them.
The NDA will help to ensure that your ideas are protected and that the manufacturer cannot use them without your permission.
3- Long Shipping Times
Another downside to importing outdoor furniture from China is that the shipping times can be quite long.
It can take anywhere from four to six weeks for your order to arrive, so you need to factor this into your timeline when you are planning your purchase.
In busy seasons, the shipping times can even be longer.
In conclusion, while there are some downsides to importing outdoor furniture from China, the benefits outweigh the risks.
Just make sure to work with a reliable and experienced supplier, you can be sure that you will receive high-quality outdoor furniture
Feel free to contact us if you are in the outdoor furniture business, we will be more than happy to help you get started, or Improve the variety of outdoor furniture you offer.
