Shipping Lithium Batteries from China by Air: The Rules Small Importers Actually Need

Checklist for shipping lithium batteries by air from China showing key requirements

Short Answer Not all lithium batteries are treated the same way, and whether you can ship them by air depends on the battery type, capacity, and how they are packed. Small lithium ion batteries (like those in power banks and most consumer electronics) can be shipped by air, but they must meet specific UN testing … Read more

MOQ for Custom Printed Packaging From China Explained (With Negotiation Tips)

MOQ Options Cost Comparison for Custom Printed Packaging From China

Short Answer MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) for custom printed packaging from China is usually 500-1000 units for most factories, but it can vary from as low as 100 units for digital printing to over 10,000 units for offset printing. Understanding why suppliers have MOQ requirements and how to negotiate them can save you money when … Read more

“Foam Inserts and Blister Cards: Why They Fail and How to Specify Them Correctly”

Foam insert and blister card specification checklist for China sourcing

Foam Inserts and Blister Cards: Why They Fail and How to Specify Them Correctly Your fragile electronic product arrives packed in a custom foam insert inside a full-color shipping box. You open it at home and find the product has shifted during shipping. In another shipment, the foam has collapsed after three months in storage. … Read more

‘Dead on Arrival Chargers from China: What Normal Looks Like and Who Pays’

DOA protection checklist for importing chargers from China

A small percentage of dead-on-arrival (DOA) units is normal in consumer electronics sourcing — but 5% is on the high end of acceptable, and anything above that points to a problem with the factory’s quality control, packaging, or the shipping conditions. The buyer usually bears the cost unless you have a written agreement that says … Read more

How to Spot Fake Alibaba Suppliers Before You Pay: The 2025 Verification Guide

Featured image for article on spotting fake Alibaba suppliers

How Did This Happen Again? You found a supplier on Alibaba. The price was right. The product samples looked great in photos. You sent a deposit. Then the excuses started—delays, strange tracking numbers, someone picking up the phone who said they had never heard of your order. You are not alone in this experience. This … Read more