Importing misting equipment from China: what to check before you pay

Seven checks, in order of importance

Do these before discussing price; each one removes a category of risk.

• 1. Manufacturer or trader? Ask for a video walk-round of the workshop and, if the order is large, for third-party inspection before shipment.
• 2. Can they quote the nozzle part number? A real manufacturer can. A trader often cannot, and that is what breaks spare-parts supply later.
• 3. Voltage and frequency for your market, in writing: 110/220/380 V, 50 or 60 Hz.
• 4. Filtration and water-quality advice: if the supplier does not ask about your water, expect clogging.
• 5. Documents: commercial invoice, packing list, specification sheet, and safety data sheet if chemistry ships with the system.
• 6. Spare parts list with prices: nozzles, tubing, fittings, filters, pump wear parts. This is what you will actually need in year two.
• 7. Payment terms: 30/70 T/T is normal; be cautious of anyone demanding full payment before production on a first order.

Freight and terms: ask for them separately

Ask for the equipment price and the freight quoted as separate lines (FOB Shenzhen or Guangzhou is a useful reference point for comparison; CIF if you want it landed). Separate lines let you see whether a cheaper quote is actually cheaper equipment or just optimistic shipping.

What a good supplier sends before you order

A specification sheet with real figures, a nozzle layout drawing for your site, an itemised quotation, and honest answers to awkward questions — including "what do you not do well". If a supplier claims everything is possible, the specification will be vague and the spare-parts list will be missing.