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Finding a partner in China
How to pick a distributor, a Tmall Partner, or a Douyin Partner in China, and check one before you sign. From the team behind Compass.
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LatestMarket StrategyHow to tell a real China distributor from a trading companyA real China distributor holds stock and retail accounts. A trading company takes an order and leaves. Eight checks tell them apart, six from a desk.13 min read · Oct 2026Read the article 
Compliance & SetupTmall Global importer of record: who fills the role
Tmall Global has no importer of record. Your overseas company owns the stock, a mainland agent clears it and a TP runs the store. What each one costs.
Market StrategyChina distributor exclusivity: what to give, and what to keep
How to grant China distributor exclusivity: by region and channel, each tied to a yearly target and a review date, with your online flagship kept apart.
Compliance & SetupDouyin cross-border brand verification: what it changes for your partner
Douyin cross-border brand verification asks brands to prove they are made and sold abroad. Your partner can file it, but only you hold the evidence.
E-CommerceCan the same agency be your Tmall Partner and Douyin Partner?
One agency can run your Tmall store and Douyin shop if its live-room team has its own Douyin results. How to check that team and write the contract.
Market StrategyTmall Partner vs distributor in China: who to hire first
Hire a distributor if your product needs a shelf, a Tmall Partner if shoppers search for it, a Douyin Partner if it sells on camera. Costs side by side.
Compliance & SetupChanging your cosmetics responsible person in China
Since July 29, 2026, a foreign cosmetics brand can replace its China responsible person without the old distributor's consent. What to file and sign.
Market StrategyChina distributor margin and imported product price
How China distributor margins, duty and VAT turn an ex-works price into a shelf price, with a worked ladder and the cross-border comparison.
Compliance & SetupChina distributor price control: a clause that held
A Shanghai court held a cosmetics distributor to a 200,000 RMB diversion clause. What works against parallel sales, and what China bans.
Market StrategyChina trade fairs to find a distributor in 2026-27
The China trade fairs where foreign food and beauty brands meet distributors in 2026-27, who is buying at each, and what to book before you fly.
E-CommerceDouyin agency cost: retainer, commission, creators
Douyin agency cost, line by line: the retainer, GMV commission, creator fees and Qianchuan ads, with a worked year at RMB 5 million of sales.
E-CommerceDouyin return rate by category and what it costs
The Douyin return rate runs from about 5% in food to 50% or more in women's apparel. What it does to cost per kept order, and how to pay a partner.
Market StrategyPayment terms with a Chinese distributor
Prepayment or a letter of credit first, open terms after a payment record, then insurance. What each payment term costs with a Chinese distributor.
Market StrategyReplace a China distributor without losing the shelf
How to replace a China distributor: sign the new partner first, give written notice, clear old stock, then move labels, filings and store rights.
Market StrategySell-in vs sell-out with a Chinese distributor
Sell-in is what your distributor buys. Sell-out is what shoppers buy. How to spot stock pushing in China, and the one ratio to check every month.
Compliance & SetupWhen a Tmall agency fakes orders, the brand pays
When an agency fakes orders on your Tmall or Douyin store, your deposit, listings and name are on the line. What China's courts and rules say.
E-CommerceTmall Partner agency vs distributor: who sets price
A service Tmall Partner runs your store for a fee while you own the stock and the price. A buy-out partner buys your stock and sets the price.
E-CommerceTmall Partner contract terms that decide your exit
Tmall Partner contract terms that decide a clean exit: store ownership, data handover, notice, KPIs, commission base, ad spend and a sabotage penalty.
E-CommerceTmall and Douyin partner ratings: what they mean
Tmall Global rates partners Gold, Silver or Bronze Star, Tmall certifies five- and six-star operators, Douyin grades Diamond, Gold or Silver.
E-CommerceWho owns your Tmall store when a partner runs it
A Tmall store or Douyin shop belongs to the company that registered it. What to keep in your name when a Tmall partner runs it, and what to sign.
Market StrategyVerify a Chinese company on Qichacha and GSXT
How to verify a Chinese company before you sign: the eight fields to read on GSXT and Qichacha, and the court records that should stop a deal.
Market StrategyChina distributor vs own store: honest comparison
A distributor gets you into China with no cash and no team. Your own store costs money up front. Here is what each one really costs, row by row.
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