Where solo exporters get stuck
Factories have goods. Websites exist. What is missing is who in this city actually sells the category. Trade shows happen a few times a year. Inbox lists cannot be verified.
Search retail, wholesale and import separately. The app UI is in Chinese; these English pages describe the same steps.
Do not run three steps at once
- Specific product term, one city — for example Los Angeles.
- Retail to test packing; wholesale to fill a region; import for volume. Different scripts.
- Call the public number. If it fails, use outreach copy on the website.
Frequently asked questions
Can one person do this without a sales team?
Yes. Pick one product and one city, search three channels, call public numbers, then use website Contact forms.
Do I need to buy an email database?
No. Public phones and official Contact pages are easier to verify than a purchased mailbox file.
Related guides
- How to find overseas buyers：Public phone numbers and websites of local retail shops.
- How to write outreach：Short copy you paste into the shop’s Contact form.
- How to contact overseas buyers：Phone first, website form second, samples after a reply.
- Cold start with no clients：One product, one city, then a list you can actually call.
- How does the factory find overseas customers?：When there is a shortage list, find importers and wholesalers by city.
- WhatsApp develops overseas customers：I will add it after there is a public phone number and do not send it in bulk.
- How to send foreign trade samples：Please confirm the category and address before sending to avoid empty mailing.
- How to write a foreign trade quotation：Specifications, MOQ, delivery date and trade terms are clearly written.