Supplier Research Specialist – China Factory Sourcing (E-commerce Brands)

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TYPE OF WORK

Any

SALARY

4-7/hr

HOURS PER WEEK

7

DATE UPDATED

Jul 8, 2026

JOB OVERVIEW

I run multiple e-commerce brands (jewelry/accessories, die-cast collectibles, and consumer products) and I need someone to build verified lists of REAL manufacturers in China — not trading companies.
The problem I need you to solve: Alibaba is full of middlemen posing as factories. The best factories often aren't on Alibaba at all. Your job is to find the actual manufacturers, verify they are factories (not resellers), and organize everything into a clean contact list I can work from.
Your main tasks:

Research manufacturers using ImportYeti, Panjiva, Global Sources, Made-in-China, ---------- (with translation tools), trade show exhibitor directories, and Google
Verify each company is a true factory: check business license scope, factory audit reports, customs shipment records, factory photos/videos, and whether they manufacture or just resell
Build organized Google Sheets with: company name, website, contact person, email, WhatsApp/WeChat, location, product specialty, MOQ, certifications, and evidence they are a real factory
Use US import records to reverse-engineer which factories supply successful competitor brands
Send initial outreach emails using templates I provide and log responses

Requirements:

Excellent written English
Experience with supplier research, product sourcing, or e-commerce purchasing is a big plus
Comfortable with Google Sheets and organized documentation
Resourceful — you enjoy detective work and don't give up after page 1 of Google
Familiarity with ImportYeti or customs data tools is a bonus (I'll train the right person)

To apply: Start your application with the word "FACTORY" so I know you read this. Tell me about any sourcing or research experience you have, and describe one method you would use to tell a real factory apart from a trading company.

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