Canton Fair for Amazon Sellers: Category Tactics + Post-Fair Logistics
The Canton Fair represents the world’s largest sourcing opportunity, but most Amazon sellers waste their time and money with poor planning. We’ll show you how to navigate the fair strategically by category and execute seamless post-fair logistics to get products to FBA fast.
Canton Fair Overview: Phases and Categories for Amazon Sellers
The China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) runs twice yearly in spring and fall, with each session lasting five days across three phases. Understanding the phase structure is crucial for efficient sourcing.
Phase 1 (Days 1-5): Electronics, Machinery, and Vehicles
Key categories for Amazon sellers:
- Consumer electronics and accessories
- Small appliances and kitchen gadgets
- Automotive accessories and tools
- Industrial equipment and hardware
- Lighting and electrical products
Hall locations: Halls 1.1-15.4 at Area A (Pazhou Complex)
Phase 2 (Days 6-10): Consumer Goods and Gifts
Key categories for Amazon sellers:
- Home and garden products
- Sports and outdoor equipment
- Toys and games
- Arts, crafts, and stationery
- Personal care and beauty products
Hall locations: Halls 1.1-15.4 at Area A (Pazhou Complex)
Phase 3 (Days 11-15): Textiles, Food, and Medical
Key categories for Amazon sellers:
- Apparel and fashion accessories
- Bags, luggage, and leather goods
- Food and beverage products
- Health and medical devices
- Office and school supplies
Hall locations: Halls 16.1-18.4 at Area B and Area C
Pre-Fair Planning: Research and Route Strategy
Research Phase (6-8 Weeks Before)
Successful Canton Fair sourcing starts months before you arrive in Guangzhou.
Exhibitor database research:
- Download the official exhibitor list from cantonfair.org.cn
- Filter by your target product categories and keywords
- Create a prioritized list of 50-100 target exhibitors
- Research each company’s background, certifications, and product range
Product research preparation:
- Identify trending Amazon products in your categories
- Analyze competitor products for improvement opportunities
- Prepare detailed specifications for custom product requirements
- Set clear MOQ and pricing targets for each product type
Documentation preparation:
- Business cards with QR codes linking to your company profile
- Product specification sheets with images and requirements
- NDA templates for protecting your product ideas
- Sample request forms with your shipping address and requirements
Route Planning Strategy
The Canton Fair covers 1.18 million square meters across multiple complexes. Efficient routing saves days of walking and ensures you hit priority suppliers.
Day-by-day breakdown:
- Day 1: Focus on your top 20 priority exhibitors from pre-research
- Day 2: Explore adjacent halls for similar products and new opportunities
- Day 3: Return visits to promising suppliers for detailed discussions
- Day 4: Final negotiations and sample collection
- Day 5: Backup meetings and last-minute discoveries
Navigation tools:
- Download the official Canton Fair app for real-time exhibitor locations
- Use WeChat to connect with suppliers and coordinate meetings
- Plan routes by hall clusters to minimize travel time between meetings
Category-Specific Sourcing Tactics
Electronics and Tech Accessories (Phase 1)
Prime locations: Halls 1.1-3.4 (consumer electronics), Halls 4.1-6.4 (components)
Sourcing strategies:
- Focus on exhibitors with existing certifications (FCC, CE, RoHS)
- Ask about MOQs for custom branding and packaging
- Verify compatibility with major device ecosystems (Apple, Android)
- Request detailed specification sheets and user manuals
Key questions for suppliers:
- What certifications do you hold for US/EU markets?
- Can you provide custom packaging with our branding?
- What’s your typical lead time from order to shipping?
- Do you offer drop shipping or FBA prep services?
Home and Garden Products (Phase 2)
Prime locations: Halls 1.1-4.4 (home goods), Halls 11.1-12.4 (outdoor products)
Sourcing strategies:
- Look for seasonal product capabilities (Christmas, summer, spring)
- Evaluate packaging for Amazon’s dimensional weight requirements
- Test product functionality and durability on-site when possible
- Assess color and finish consistency across sample batches
Key questions for suppliers:
- Can you adjust product dimensions for optimal Amazon FBA shipping?
- What seasonal production capacity do you have?
- How do you ensure color consistency across large production runs?
- Do you offer product liability insurance for international sales?
Apparel and Fashion (Phase 3)
Prime locations: Halls 16.1-18.4 (clothing), Halls 2.1-4.4 (accessories)
Sourcing strategies:
- Bring size charts and fit specifications for your target markets
- Evaluate fabric quality and care instruction compliance
- Check labeling compliance for textile regulations (US/EU)
- Assess size range capabilities and grading accuracy
Key questions for suppliers:
- What size ranges can you produce accurately?
- How do you ensure fabric quality consistency?
- Can you provide compliant care labels for US/EU markets?
- What’s your minimum order quantity per size/color combination?
At-the-Booth Evaluation Process
Initial Supplier Assessment (5-10 minutes per booth)
Quick evaluation criteria to determine if a supplier warrants deeper investigation.
Immediate qualification checklist:
- Product quality meets your minimum standards upon visual inspection
- Sales staff can communicate effectively in English
- Company displays appropriate certifications for your target markets
- MOQs align with your order capacity and cash flow
- Pricing falls within your target cost parameters
Red flags for immediate disqualification:
- Reluctance to discuss production capacity or lead times
- No certifications or documentation for products requiring compliance
- Inability to provide clear pricing or minimum order information
- Poor product samples or obvious quality control issues
- High-pressure sales tactics or demands for immediate commitments
Detailed Supplier Evaluation (15-30 minutes for qualified suppliers)
For suppliers passing initial screening, conduct thorough evaluation.
Production capability assessment:
- Daily and monthly production capacity for your products
- Current order backlog and available capacity timing
- Quality control processes and testing capabilities
- Customization options and development timelines
Business relationship evaluation:
- Experience with Amazon sellers or international e-commerce
- Understanding of FBA requirements and prep services
- Flexibility on payment terms and order modifications
- Post-sale support and warranty policies
Sample and documentation collection:
- Request samples with detailed specifications sheets
- Collect company brochures and certification documents
- Exchange contact information and establish communication preferences
- Schedule follow-up meetings or factory visits if appropriate
Post-Fair Follow-up Strategy
Sample Management and Evaluation (Week 1-2 Post-Fair)
Proper sample handling determines the success of your Canton Fair investment.
Sample organization system:
- Photograph and catalog each sample with supplier contact information
- Create detailed comparison spreadsheets with pricing and specifications
- Test samples thoroughly for functionality and quality
- Document any customization requirements or improvement suggestions
Supplier communication protocol:
- Send follow-up emails within 48 hours expressing continued interest
- Provide detailed feedback on samples and any modification requests
- Request formal quotations with complete terms and conditions
- Establish timelines for decision-making and next steps
Sample Labeling and Shipping Strategy
Efficient sample management prevents confusion and delays in your evaluation process.
Sample labeling system:
- Use waterproof labels with supplier name, product code, and your reference number
- Include key specifications (color, size, model) on sample packaging
- Photograph samples before and after shipping for quality comparison
- Create tracking spreadsheet linking samples to supplier contact information
Shipping logistics:
- Consolidate samples from multiple suppliers for cost efficiency
- Use reliable international courier services (DHL, FedEx, UPS)
- Include customs declaration forms with accurate product descriptions
- Plan for 5-7 days shipping time to major international destinations
RFQ Templates and Negotiation Framework
Professional RFQ Template Structure
Standardized RFQ templates ensure you get comparable quotes from all suppliers.
Essential RFQ components:
Company Introduction:
- Brief company background and Amazon selling experience
- Target markets and sales volume expectations
- Quality standards and certification requirements
Product Specifications:
- Detailed product description with technical specifications
- Material requirements and quality standards
- Packaging and labeling requirements
- Any customization or branding needs
Order Information:
- Initial order quantity and future volume projections
- Target pricing and payment terms
- Required lead times and shipping preferences
- Quality control and inspection requirements
Business Terms:
- Sample costs and payment methods
- Tooling costs and ownership terms
- Warranty and after-sales support expectations
- Intellectual property protection requirements
Negotiation Strategies Post-Canton Fair
Price negotiation tactics:
- Request quotes from 3-5 qualified suppliers for comparison
- Negotiate based on projected annual volume, not just initial orders
- Ask for detailed cost breakdowns to identify negotiation opportunities
- Consider longer payment terms or larger deposits for better pricing
Quality and service negotiations:
- Include specific quality standards and inspection procedures in contracts
- Negotiate sample approval processes and production milestone checkpoints
- Establish clear procedures for handling quality issues or delays
- Include penalties for missed delivery dates or quality failures
FBA Shipping Integration Planning
AGL vs Forwarder Decision Framework
Post-Canton Fair success depends on efficient China-to-FBA logistics planning.
Amazon Global Logistics (AGL) considerations:
- Best for shipments over 1 CBM with predictable timing needs
- Simplified customs clearance and delivery appointment coordination
- Higher cost per unit but reduced complexity and management time
- Limited flexibility for consolidation with other suppliers
Third-party forwarder considerations:
- More cost-effective for smaller shipments or mixed supplier consolidation
- Greater flexibility in shipping methods and routing options
- Requires more management but offers better cost control
- Essential for suppliers not enrolled in AGL program
SEND to Amazon Integration
Many Canton Fair exhibitors now offer SEND to Amazon services, streamlining your logistics.
SEND service evaluation:
- Verify supplier’s SEND enrollment status and experience
- Compare SEND pricing to your current logistics costs
- Understand any restrictions on packaging or labeling modifications
- Evaluate integration with your existing FBA prep requirements
Documentation requirements:
- Ensure supplier understands Amazon’s prep requirements
- Provide detailed FBA labeling and packaging specifications
- Establish quality control checkpoints before SEND shipment
- Create backup logistics plans if SEND services fail to meet requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
When should Amazon sellers attend Canton Fair vs sourcing online? Canton Fair is most valuable for sellers doing $50k+ annual volumes who need to evaluate multiple suppliers quickly or require custom product development. For smaller volumes or standard products, online sourcing is typically more cost-effective.
How much should I budget for a Canton Fair trip? Plan $3,000-5,000 for a 5-day trip including flights, accommodation, meals, transportation, and sample shipping. Factor in additional costs for sample evaluation and follow-up orders.
Can I place orders directly at Canton Fair? While possible, we recommend collecting samples and conducting proper due diligence before placing significant orders. Use the fair for relationship building and sample collection, not immediate purchasing decisions.
How do I handle language barriers at Canton Fair? Most major exhibitors have English-speaking staff, but consider hiring a local interpreter for complex technical discussions. Translation apps can help with basic communication, but avoid relying on them for important negotiations.
What’s the best way to follow up with suppliers after Canton Fair? Send personalized follow-up emails within 48 hours, referencing specific conversations and products. Provide clear next steps and timelines for decision-making to maintain supplier engagement.
Should I visit supplier factories during Canton Fair week? Factory visits during fair week are typically not productive as key personnel are at the exhibition. Schedule factory visits for the week after Canton Fair when staff can provide full attention.
How do I evaluate new suppliers discovered at Canton Fair? Use the same vetting process you’d apply to any new supplier: verify business licenses, check references, request samples, and consider third-party factory audits for significant relationships.
What products sell best when sourced from Canton Fair? Products requiring customization, seasonal items, and trending categories perform well. Avoid commodity products where online sourcing offers better pricing and convenience.
Ready to maximize your Canton Fair sourcing results with seamless FBA logistics? We provide complete post-fair services from sample evaluation to FBA delivery. Get a Quote or Talk on WhatsApp to discuss your Canton Fair sourcing strategy.
Meta Title: Canton Fair Guide for Amazon Sellers: Sourcing + FBA Logistics
Meta Description: Master Canton Fair sourcing with our category-specific tactics and post-fair logistics guide. Get products from Guangzhou to Amazon FBA efficiently.
URL Slug: canton-fair-amazon-sourcing
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- FBA sourcing from China guide – main hub article
- AGL vs forwarder comparison – lateral link to C1
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Last updated: August 12, 2025
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