———————————————
Chinese goods, including furniture, are in high demand on the Ukrainian market. Modern manufacturers in China produce high-quality upholstered furniture at very competitive prices. Is it profitable for Ukrainian entrepreneurs to supply sofas from China, and what nuances await importers — these questions were analyzed by specialists from Dragon Logistics.
Furniture from China: finding a manufacturer and product range
The first issue is finding a reliable manufacturer or supplier. When searching for furniture, buyers pay attention not only to affordable prices but also to assembly quality, materials, and comfort in use. The best modern Chinese factories are concentrated in Guangdong Province, with Foshan considered the center. Here, in addition to factories, there are showrooms and markets. Online platforms where furniture can be ordered include Alibaba, Taobao.com, 1688.com, Made-in-China.com.
The top Chinese brands of upholstered furniture are Kuka Home, ZuoYou, Cheers Sofa (Man Wah), Landbond, Qumei, Dom Cook. These manufacturers are known worldwide as exporters of upholstered furniture that meets international standards. High-quality sofas and armchairs, daybeds, couches, and settees are equipped with durable, long-lasting mechanisms and made from reliable, wear-resistant materials.
The furniture product range is impressive. Sofas are available in a variety of models, including:
- straight and corner;
- classic;
- modular;
- with a folding mechanism;
- leather for home and office use.
Products are available in different price segments, from budget to premium. Additionally, many factories are ready to produce custom sofas and armchairs — you just need to provide sketches and preferences regarding materials and fittings.
Supplying furniture from China: advantages
Purchasing goods from China has been appreciated by many Ukrainian entrepreneurs. The products feature affordable prices (much lower than European), acceptable quality, and the possibility of custom orders. Considering Ukraine’s trade cooperation with China, logistics is well developed.
The main advantages of supplies from China:
- manufacturers use accessible local raw materials, their own equipment, and low-cost labor, which reduces production costs;
- factories are customer-oriented and ready to work with individual projects;
- high quality control, thanks to manual processes;
- a wide selection of materials, and consequently, many style and design options.
Entrepreneurs should carefully consider all the nuances of transporting goods from China to Ukraine. One of the best options is to find a reliable logistics operator.
Organizing furniture supplies: possible challenges
The answer to whether it is worth buying Chinese furniture depends on many factors. Despite the advantages, there are nuances that must be considered. One of the first steps for a beginner furniture importer is to find a reliable manufacturer or intermediary. If this is neglected, potential problems include:
- inconsistency between the design of the finished product and the photos;
- use of cheaper, lower-quality materials;
- color mismatches or outdated shades of upholstery.
To avoid these issues, it is necessary to request a full description and specification of products from the supplier, preferably conduct a factory inspection, and request and approve all samples — types and colors of fabrics (Pantone system), fittings, base materials, and decorative elements.
Another important question is how to transport the furniture: by which transport, along which route, and how much the delivery will cost. One of the most economical options is sea freight. For urgent or valuable shipments (premium models), air transport can be used. To determine the cost of shipping a sofa from China, multiply the price per 1 m³ by the total volume for sea freight or by the total weight for air transport (rate per kg).
Before purchasing upholstered sofas, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the list of restrictions on transporting furniture from China to avoid financial losses.
Key prohibitions and restrictions:
- furniture with medical or other specialized functions (heating, recliners, massage blocks) must be accompanied by certificates of compliance;
- importing counterfeit products (replicas of famous brands with logos) is prohibited;
- all wooden furniture must have certificates confirming fumigation (treatment against pests) of the materials used;
- the import of items made from exotic wood or upholstery made from the skins of rare animals and reptiles is strictly prohibited.
Violation of customs standards or errors in filling out product declarations can result in fines, delivery delays, or even seizure of the cargo.
Experts at Dragon Logistics recommend finding a responsible and reliable logistics partner who can handle all the complexities of procurement and transportation, including customs brokerage. For example, Dragon Logistics specializes in cargo transportation from China, offering a full range of services: finding and inspecting manufacturers/suppliers, purchasing, packing, customs clearance, and door-to-door delivery.