China produces a large share of the world's footwear, and importing directly from a manufacturer can cut out several layers of middlemen. But for a first-time buyer, the process raises a lot of questions: How do I choose a supplier? What do FOB and DDP mean? How long will it take? This guide covers the practical steps from first inquiry to goods in your warehouse.
Step 1: Find the right supplier
Look for a supplier that specializes in the type of shoe you need and can show real production. Useful signs include:
- Photos and videos of production lines, warehouses and container loading, not only product renders
- Clear minimum order quantities (MOQ) and lead times in writing
- Willingness to send samples before bulk production
- Fast, clear communication in your language
- Openness to video calls, factory visits or third-party inspection
Footwear clusters such as Jinjiang in Fujian province concentrate factories, sole makers and material suppliers in one place, which helps with speed and price.
Step 2: Send a clear inquiry
The more precise your inquiry, the more accurate the quote. Include:
- Style references: photos, product links or a physical sample
- Quantity per style and your size range
- Target price and preferred trade term (for example FOB Xiamen)
- Branding needs: logo placement, box and labels
- Destination country and required delivery date
- Any compliance requirements in your market
Step 3: Order and approve samples
Samples protect you from surprises. Check the fit across several sizes, the quality of stitching and bonding, the materials, and how the shoe feels after a few days of wear. Approve a final pre-production sample in writing, because this becomes the reference for bulk production and inspection.
Step 4: Agree on price and Incoterms
Incoterms define who pays for and is responsible for each part of the journey. The most common in footwear:
| Term | What the supplier covers | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| EXW (Ex Works) | Goods ready at the factory; you arrange everything else | Buyers with their own forwarder in China |
| FOB (Free On Board) | Delivery to the port and export clearance | Most importers with a freight forwarder |
| CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) | FOB plus sea freight and insurance to your port | Buyers who want the supplier to book shipping |
| DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | Everything to your door, including import duties | Small buyers who want one all-in price |
We ship from Xiamen, Fuzhou and Guangzhou and can quote FOB, CIF, EXW or DDP, so you can compare the options side by side.
Step 5: Payment terms
A common structure for custom orders is a deposit to start production and the balance before shipment, by bank transfer (T/T). Letters of credit (L/C) are also used for larger orders. For samples and small stock orders, PayPal or Western Union can be convenient. Agree on terms in writing on a proforma invoice before you pay.
Step 6: Production and lead times
- Ready stock: usually packed and dispatched within days of payment
- Custom orders: about 35 days of production after sample approval at our factory
Ask for progress photos during production. It costs the supplier little and gives you early warning of any issue.
Step 7: Quality inspection
Before the balance payment, inspect the goods. You can review the supplier's own photo and video report, visit in person, or hire a third-party inspection company. A footwear inspection typically checks appearance, stitching, sole bonding, correct pairing and sizing, labels, and carton marks against your approved sample.
Step 8: Shipping
- Express (DHL, FedEx, UPS): fastest, best for samples and small urgent orders
- Air freight: faster than sea, suitable for medium orders
- Sea freight (LCL or full container): the most economical choice for larger quantities
Transit times vary by route and season, so ask your forwarder for current schedules and plan a buffer, especially before peak seasons and holidays in China.
Step 9: Customs and import duties
Footwear is classified under chapter 64 of the Harmonized System (HS). Duty rates vary widely by country and by the shoe's materials and construction, for example leather versus textile uppers. Before ordering, ask a customs broker in your country for the correct HS code and duty rate, and check whether you need any product testing or labeling, particularly for children's shoes.
Checklist: clear inquiry → approved sample → written price, Incoterm and payment terms → production updates → inspection → shipping → customs clearance.
Import from Jinjiang with XC Footwear
We supply ready-stock shoes that ship within days and custom OEM production from 300 pairs per style. Send us your inquiry and we will reply with prices, MOQ and a delivery schedule.
Planning an order?
Ready stock ships within days. Custom OEM starts at 300 pairs per style, with about 35 days of production. Tell us what you need and we reply within 2 hours in China business hours.
