Before the 140th Canton Fair: 7 Questions Global Buyers Should Be Ready to Ask Suppliers

Walking through a Canton Fair exhibition hall can introduce international buyers to thousands of products. But seeing an interesting product is only the beginning.

The more important step is turning a promising conversation into useful supplier information.

As the 140th Canton Fair Phase 1 approaches on October 15–19, 2026, buyers can prepare several practical questions before meeting suppliers.

1. Can You Customize the Product?

Customization can include product specifications, colors, materials, functions, logos, packaging, or other requirements.

Instead of simply asking whether customization is available, buyers should explain their intended market and ask which aspects can realistically be modified.

This is particularly relevant for consumer electronics, lighting, household appliances, tools, and personal-care products.

2. What Is Your MOQ?

Minimum order quantity can directly affect purchasing decisions.

Ask whether the MOQ applies to the entire order, individual models, colors, or specifications. For businesses testing a new product, understanding MOQ conditions early can help avoid unnecessary follow-up.

3. What Certifications Are Available?

Different markets may have different regulatory and compliance requirements.

For electrical and electronic products, buyers should ask suppliers what certifications and test reports are available for the specific product and market they intend to serve.

For lighting, appliances, consumer electronics, and other electrical products, this question should be part of the initial supplier discussion rather than something considered after placing an order.

4. Can You Provide Samples?

A sample allows buyers to evaluate product quality, functionality, packaging, and other details before making a larger purchasing decision.

Ask about sample availability, sample costs, lead time, and whether the sample can reflect the final mass-production specification.

5. What Is the Production Lead Time?

A competitive product is not useful if the supplier cannot meet the required delivery schedule.

Buyers should ask about normal production lead times and whether they change during peak seasons.

For products with multiple customization requirements, it is also useful to ask how customization affects the production schedule.

6. How Do You Handle Quality Control?

Quality expectations should be discussed before an order is confirmed.

Ask suppliers about their inspection process, production quality control, finished-product inspection, and whether third-party inspection is accepted.

For buyers sourcing from multiple suppliers, having a consistent QC process can make supplier management easier.

7. Can You Support Packaging and Shipping Requirements?

The product itself is only one part of international procurement.

Packaging specifications, carton dimensions, labeling, shipping marks, pallet requirements, and other logistics details may also need to be confirmed.

For buyers purchasing multiple products, coordinating these details early can reduce communication problems later.

The Right Questions Create Better Supplier Conversations

The purpose of asking these questions is not to make every supplier conversation complicated.

Instead, they help buyers move from “I like this product” to “Can this supplier meet my business requirements?”

At the 140th Canton Fair, international buyers will have opportunities to explore electronics, appliances, lighting, hardware, tools, automotive products, motorcycle accessories, and many other Phase 1 categories.

For buyers managing multiple products or suppliers, “Market Union” can provide additional support with product sourcing, supplier communication, samples, quality inspection, order follow-up, and international logistics coordination.

If you already have a sourcing list for the 140th Canton Fair, you can contact the Market Union team before your visit and discuss the products and requirements you plan to explore.

Prepare your questions. Bring your sourcing list. Let's talk business at the 140th Canton Fair.

WhatsApp: +86 139 5749 8438