Trade Fair Season Is Here: How Importers Can Get the Most Out of China Trade Shows

September through October marks the peak of China’s trade fair calendar, with major events like the Canton Fair in Guangzhou and other key exhibitions in Shanghai. Many importers are already planning their trips to source new suppliers and products. To help you make the most of your visit, RUDI FURNITURE—your trusted furniture manufacturing partner—has put together a few practical tips for a productive and focused fair experience.

Register in Advance to Save Time
Trade fairs can be crowded and registration lines long. Signing up online beforehand lets you walk straight in and start exploring. If you’re unsure about the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your existing contacts—they often have useful insights. Most events offer easy online registration through their official websites.

Plan Your Visit with Purpose
Exhibition maps are usually available online in advance. Use them to locate both your current suppliers and the companies you’re keen to meet, then plot a sensible route. Beyond scheduled appointments, take time to visit industry leaders and innovative newcomers. Seeing products side-by-side, comparing pricing, and discussing services in person can give you a real feel for market trends. A little prior research goes a long way in building a shortlist of must-visit booths.

Collect Information Systematically
A trade fair is as much about gathering information as it is about conversations. Make sure to collect business cards, catalogs, and brochures, and jot down notes during meetings—stick them right onto the relevant catalog pages for easy reference later. Details like pricing, lead times, and material options will be invaluable when reviewing options after the show. Bring a comfortable bag or a small rolling case to keep everything organized, and don’t forget plenty of your own business cards.

Many Chinese representatives include WeChat QR codes on their cards. Scanning and connecting on WeChat allows for smooth, immediate follow-up. As China’s primary communication platform, WeChat is perfect for quick, informal contact with suppliers.

Prepare Your Questions Ahead of Time
Once you know which suppliers and products you’re targeting, prepare a clear set of questions. Key areas usually include:

Pricing – What’s the MOQ and unit price? Are there sample or tooling charges? Write down answers to compare with later proposals.

Packaging – What packaging options are offered, and how do they affect cost? Can custom packaging be arranged?

Shipping – What’s the estimated delivery time? How and from where are goods typically shipped?

Payment Terms – Is 30% deposit with 70% balance after shipment standard? Clarify and confirm terms early.

Trader or Manufacturer? Know Who You’re Dealing With
Some trading companies present themselves as manufacturers to attract international buyers. Working directly with a factory, however, often means greater supply chain transparency, better pricing, and stronger control over your intellectual property. During meetings, ask specific questions about production processes and whether factory visits are possible—this can help reveal the true nature of the supplier.

Meet Us at the Fair!
RUDI FURNITURE will be exhibiting at the Canton Fair in Guangzhou (April 23-27 Oct 23–27), China (Guangzhou) International Furniture Fair (March 18-21) and China International Furniture Expo in Shanghai (Sept 8–11). If you’re planning to attend, feel free to contact us in advance, we’d be happy to assist with arrangements. We also warmly invite you to visit our factory after the fair. See the workshops, meet our team, and discuss your needs in detail. We’re confident we can become your reliable, long-term partner.