Buyer guides
Practical, plain-language guides for business buyers.
- Importing from China into Canada: a practical guide for businessesHow importing from China into Canada works for a business: tariff classification, duties and GST, customs brokers, CARM, Incoterms, landed cost and compliance.
- MOQ explained: why factories set minimum order quantities and how to work with themWhat a minimum order quantity (MOQ) is, why manufacturers set one, and practical ways to order less: trial orders, mixed containers, stock colours and samples.
- How freight consolidation works (LCL vs FCL) and when it saves moneyA plain-language explanation of consolidated ocean freight: LCL vs FCL, how goods from several factories are combined, timing, and how it lowers landed cost.
- Certifications Canada requires for electrical products, medical devices and children's productsAn overview of Canadian product requirements for imported electrical equipment, medical devices, children's products and small engines, and what documents to ask for.
- SPC vs laminate flooring: which is right for rentals, condos and commercial spaces?Compare SPC (stone plastic composite) rigid-core vinyl and laminate flooring on water resistance, durability, comfort, installation and where each works best.
- Commercial kitchen equipment buying guide for restaurants and caterersWhat to check when buying commercial kitchen equipment: certification, utilities, capacity, stainless grades, cleaning, space planning and spare parts.
- Snow and ice equipment buying guide for contractors and property managersHow to choose snow shovels, pushers, snow blowers, salt spreaders and sweepers for commercial properties, plus when to order so equipment arrives before winter.
- LED lighting retrofits: a guide for property managers and building ownersPlan an LED lighting retrofit: what to replace first, colour temperature, lumens vs watts, certification, controls and how to estimate payback.
- Landed cost: how to compare a factory quote with a local supplier's priceA step-by-step landed cost calculation so you can compare an overseas factory quote with a local delivered price fairly, including the hidden costs buyers miss.
- 30/70 payment terms and quality inspection: protecting your orderHow 30% deposit / 70% balance payment terms work in import orders, and the checkpoints (samples, pre-production approval, pre-shipment inspection) that protect buyers.