Developers buy doors, windows and tiles direct from China factories by sourcing at project scale through a buyer-side agent or their own China setup: they send drawings or a BOQ, get quoted at real factory prices, approve samples and certificates, run factory QC, and consolidate multiple factories into containers. Buying direct removes the trading-company markup (typically 10–30%), but it only works safely with factory verification, quality control and the right compliance certificates in place.
Direct-from-Factory vs Through a Trading Company
- Direct (with an agent): factory prices, full spec control, disclosed commission, QC and consolidation included
- Trading company: convenient but undisclosed markup and little visibility of who actually makes the goods
See our full sourcing agent vs trading company comparison.
Do Factories Sell Direct at Project Volumes?
Yes — for project quantities (containers, not single units), factories quote and sell directly. Minimum orders are met easily at project scale, and multiple products can be consolidated so no single factory MOQ is a barrier.
Sourcing this for a commercial project?
FBM Sourcing works with project owners, developers, main contractors and FF&E contractors on hotel, apartment, school, office and other commercial building projects. Send us your BOQ, drawings or product list — we’ll come back with a sourcing plan and budget estimate.
What Do Developers Need to Buy Direct?
- Drawings or a BOQ: for accurate pricing and custom items (the agent reviews CAD and shop drawings)
- Factory verification: confirm you are buying from the maker, not a reseller
- Certificates: CE/UKCA for doors and windows, glass safety, slip ratings for tiles — see which certificates to ask for
- QC and inspection: before the balance payment and loading
- A shipping plan: consolidation and an agreed Incoterm
What Are the Risks of Buying Direct — and How to Manage Them?
The risks are paying unverified accounts, quality substitution and missing certificates. They are managed with secure payment terms, independent QC and written compliance — the same controls covered in our guide to buying safely from China.
Buy Direct with FBM Sourcing
FBM Sourcing gives developers and contractors factory-direct access with the controls built in — verification, drawing review, QC, certificates and consolidated shipping under one contract. Submit your project requirements for a quotation at real factory prices.
