Sourcing Furniture from China

By everhomedecor May 2, 2024 e-Commerce 0 Comments

Furniture encompasses a wide range of movable objects that support human activities such as seating, sleeping, and storage. It serves both functional and decorative purposes, enhancing the comfort and aesthetics of living and working spaces. From basic necessities like chairs and tables to luxurious items like sofas and beds, furniture plays a crucial role in shaping the functionality and ambiance of interior environments.

Types of Furniture

Sofas

Overview: Sofas are essential pieces of furniture for any living space, providing comfort and style. They come in various designs, materials, and sizes, ranging from sleek modern styles to cozy traditional designs. Sofas typically consist of a frame, padding, and upholstery, with options for customization such as fabric choice, arm styles, and additional features like reclining mechanisms or sleeper options.

Targeted Audience: The audience for sofas is broad, including homeowners, renters, interior designers, and businesses such as hotels and offices. Families, in particular, seek durable and comfortable sofas that can withstand daily use and accommodate multiple people.

Brands:

IKEA (1943, Sweden)
Ashley Furniture Industries (1945, USA)
La-Z-Boy (1927, USA)
Wayfair (2002, USA)
Natuzzi (1959, Italy)
West Elm (2002, USA)
Crate and Barrel (1962, USA)
Ethan Allen (1932, USA)
Bob’s Discount Furniture (1991, USA)
DFS (1969, UK)

Retail Prices:

Walmart: $300 – $2000
Amazon: $250 – $2500

Wholesale Prices in China:

Fabric sofa: $80 – $500
Leather sofa: $150 – $800

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):

Fabric sofa: 20 units
Leather sofa: 10 units

Shipping Cost (MOQ from China to US via Sea Freight): Approximately $1000 – $2000 depending on volume and destination port.

Beds

Overview: Beds are fundamental furniture items designed for sleeping or resting. They come in various sizes, including single, double, queen, and king, catering to different space and comfort requirements. Beds typically consist of a frame, mattress, and sometimes a headboard and footboard, with options for additional features like storage drawers or adjustable bases.

Targeted Audience: The audience for beds includes homeowners, renters, hotels, dormitories, and healthcare facilities. Individuals seek beds that provide adequate support and comfort for quality sleep, while businesses prioritize durability and functionality to meet the needs of their guests or residents.

Brands:

Sealy (1881, USA)
Serta Simmons Bedding (1870, USA)
Tempur-Pedic (1992, USA)
IKEA (1943, Sweden)
Sleep Number (1987, USA)
Ashley Furniture Industries (1945, USA)
Silentnight (1946, UK)
Stearns & Foster (1846, USA)
Beautyrest (1925, USA)
Hypnos Beds (1907, UK)

Retail Prices:

Walmart: $100 – $2000
Amazon: $80 – $3000

Wholesale Prices in China:

Wooden bed frame: $50 – $300
Upholstered bed: $100 – $500

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):

Wooden bed frame: 30 units
Upholstered bed: 20 units

Shipping Cost (MOQ from China to US via Sea Freight): Approximately $1500 – $2500 depending on volume and destination port.

Tables

Overview: Tables are versatile pieces of furniture designed for various purposes such as dining, working, or displaying items. They come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, including wood, metal, glass, and plastic. Tables range from simple designs like coffee tables or side tables to more elaborate pieces like dining tables or conference tables.

Targeted Audience: The audience for tables is diverse, including homeowners, restaurants, cafes, offices, schools, and event venues. Individuals seek tables that complement their decor and meet their functional needs, whether for everyday use or special occasions. Businesses require tables that are durable, practical, and visually appealing to enhance their spaces and accommodate customers or employees.

Brands:

IKEA (1943, Sweden)
Ashley Furniture Industries (1945, USA)
West Elm (2002, USA)
Wayfair (2002, USA)
Crate and Barrel (1962, USA)
Ethan Allen (1932, USA)
Restoration Hardware (1979, USA)
Pottery Barn (1949, USA)
CB2 (2000, USA)
Design Within Reach (1999, USA)

Retail Prices:

Walmart: $20 – $500
Amazon: $15 – $1000

Wholesale Prices in China:

Wooden dining table: $30 – $200
Glass coffee table: $20 – $150

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):

Wooden dining table: 50 units
Glass coffee table: 30 units

Shipping Cost (MOQ from China to US via Sea Freight): Approximately $1200 – $1800 depending on volume and destination port.

Chairs

Overview: Chairs are essential pieces of furniture designed for sitting, providing support and comfort for various activities such as dining, working, or relaxing. They come in a wide range of styles, materials, and designs, from traditional wooden chairs to modern ergonomic office chairs. Chairs may feature armrests, upholstery, adjustable height, and other ergonomic features for enhanced comfort and functionality.

Targeted Audience: The audience for chairs includes homeowners, offices, restaurants, cafes, schools, and event venues. Individuals seek chairs that are not only comfortable and stylish but also durable and functional for daily use. Businesses prioritize chairs that can withstand heavy traffic, are easy to clean, and enhance the overall ambiance of their space.

Brands:

IKEA (1943, Sweden)
Herman Miller (1905, USA)
Steelcase (1912, USA)
Ashley Furniture Industries (1945, USA)
La-Z-Boy (1927, USA)
Wayfair (2002, USA)
West Elm (2002, USA)
Knoll (1938, USA)
HON (1944, USA)
Haworth (1948, USA)

Retail Prices:

Walmart: $10 – $300
Amazon: $15 – $500

Wholesale Prices in China:

Plastic chair: $5 – $20
Metal dining chair: $10 – $50

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):

Plastic chair: 100 units
Metal dining chair: 50 units

Shipping Cost (MOQ from China to US via Sea Freight): Approximately $800 – $1500 depending on volume and destination port.

Wardrobes

Overview: Wardrobes are storage furniture designed for organizing and storing clothes, shoes, and accessories. They come in various sizes, styles, and configurations, including single-door, double-door, sliding-door, and walk-in wardrobes. Wardrobes may feature shelves, drawers, hanging rods, and mirrors, offering functional storage solutions while enhancing the aesthetics of a bedroom or dressing area.

Targeted Audience: The audience for wardrobes includes homeowners, renters, hotels, dormitories, and clothing retailers. Individuals seek wardrobes that provide ample storage space, efficient organization, and complement their bedroom decor. Businesses require wardrobes that are durable, versatile, and space-saving to accommodate the storage needs of their guests or customers.

Brands:

IKEA (1943, Sweden)
Ashley Furniture Industries (1945, USA)
Home Depot (1978, USA)
Wayfair (2002, USA)
ClosetMaid (1965, USA)
Rubbermaid (1920, USA)
California Closets (1978, USA)
IKEA PAX (1995, Sweden)
John Lewis & Partners (1864, UK)
Stanley Furniture (1924, USA)

Retail Prices:

Walmart: $100 – $1000
Amazon: $80 – $1500

Wholesale Prices in China:

Wooden wardrobe: $50 – $300
Metal wardrobe: $80 – $400

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):

Wooden wardrobe: 30 units
Metal wardrobe: 20 units

Shipping Cost (MOQ from China to US via Sea Freight): Approximately $1500 – $2500 depending on volume and destination port.

Shelves

Overview: Shelves are versatile furniture items designed for storing and displaying items such as books, decorative objects, or kitchenware. They come in various designs and materials, including wood, metal, glass, and plastic, offering solutions for different spaces and purposes. Shelves may be wall-mounted, freestanding, or modular, providing customizable storage solutions while adding visual interest to a room.

Targeted Audience: The audience for shelves includes homeowners, renters, offices, retail stores, and libraries. Individuals seek shelves that are not only functional for organizing their belongings but also stylish and space-saving. Businesses require shelves that can showcase products effectively, maximize storage capacity, and complement their brand aesthetic.

Brands:

IKEA (1943, Sweden)
Wayfair (2002, USA)
Amazon Basics (2009, USA)
The Container Store (1978, USA)
ClosetMaid (1965, USA)
Elfa (1948, Sweden)
West Elm (2002, USA)
Target (1902, USA)
Home Depot (1978, USA)
CB2 (2000, USA)

Retail Prices:

Walmart: $10 – $200
Amazon: $10 – $300

Wholesale Prices in China:

Wooden shelf: $5 – $30
Metal shelf: $10 – $50

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ):

Wooden shelf: 100 units
Metal shelf: 50 units

Shipping Cost (MOQ from China to US via Sea Freight): Approximately $800 – $1500 depending on volume and destination port.

Why Choose Furniture to Import and Resell

Furniture presents a lucrative opportunity for import and resale due to its high market potential and consistent demand. According to industry reports, the global furniture market size was valued at over $500 billion in 2020 and is projected to continue growing steadily. The rise in urbanization, disposable income, and housing construction fuels the demand for furniture, particularly in emerging economies.

Amazon, one of the world’s largest online marketplaces, generates billions of dollars in annual sales from furniture categories alone. With the growing trend of online shopping and home furnishing, sellers have access to a vast customer base and can capitalize on e-commerce platforms to reach consumers worldwide.

Moreover, the diversity of furniture types, styles, and price points allows for targeting different customer segments and niche markets. From budget-friendly options to high-end designer pieces, there is a wide range of opportunities for sellers to cater to various preferences and budgets.

In addition to retail opportunities, the wholesale furniture market offers competitive pricing and profit margins for importers and distributors. By sourcing directly from manufacturers in countries like China, sellers can benefit from cost-effective production and economies of scale, maximizing their profitability.

Overall, the furniture industry presents a dynamic and profitable landscape for importers and resellers seeking to capitalize on the growing demand for quality furnishings in both domestic and international markets.

Popular Ways to Source Furniture in China

Sourcing furniture from China offers several advantages, including cost-effectiveness, a wide selection of suppliers, and flexible manufacturing capabilities. Here are some popular ways to source furniture in China:

Trade Shows and Exhibitions: Attending trade shows and exhibitions such as the Canton Fair or CIFF (China International Furniture Fair) allows buyers to connect with a wide range of furniture manufacturers and suppliers in one location. These events provide opportunities to explore new products, negotiate deals, and build relationships with potential suppliers.
Online Marketplaces: Online platforms like Alibaba, Made-in-China, and Global Sources provide access to a vast network of furniture suppliers and manufacturers in China. Buyers can browse product catalogs, compare prices, and communicate directly with suppliers to negotiate terms and place orders.
Factory Visits: Visiting furniture factories in person enables buyers to assess the quality of products, production processes, and manufacturing capabilities firsthand. Building a rapport with suppliers and conducting on-site inspections can help ensure product quality, compliance with regulations, and timely delivery.
Sourcing Agents and Trading Companies: Sourcing agents and trading companies in China can assist buyers with supplier identification, product sourcing, negotiation, quality control, and logistics. These intermediaries provide valuable expertise and local knowledge to streamline the sourcing process and mitigate risks. Here, we recommended Zhengsourcing.
Supplier Directories and B2B Platforms: Utilizing supplier directories and B2B platforms like ThomasNet, GlobalSpec, and HKTDC (Hong Kong Trade Development Council) facilitates supplier discovery and verification. Buyers can access detailed supplier profiles, product information, and customer reviews to make informed sourcing decisions.
Custom Manufacturing and OEM/ODM Services: Many furniture manufacturers in China offer custom manufacturing and OEM/ODM (Original Equipment Manufacturer/Original Design Manufacturer) services to accommodate specific design requirements and branding preferences. Collaborating with manufacturers on custom projects allows buyers to create unique products tailored to their target market.