The Canton Fair runs in three phases each spring and autumn at the Pazhou Complex in Guangzhou. Phase 1 (April/October) covers electronics, home appliances, and building materials; Phase 2 focuses on consumer goods, gifts, and home décor. JLA Link's Guangzhou team helps buyers plan hall routes, interpret on-site, and convert booth conversations into verified supplier shortlists.
Before you travel: registration & Pazhou hall planning
Register online in advance and confirm your buyer badge category. Define clear goals: product categories, target FOB prices, MOQ limits, and certification requirements. JLA Link can pre-map halls (Areas A, B, C, D) so you spend time with the right exhibitors — not walking empty aisles.
- Book flights and hotels early — Guangzhou fills up during fair phases.
- Prepare a one-page product brief with photos, dimensions, materials, and packaging.
- List must-have vs. nice-to-have supplier criteria before you arrive.
- Schedule meetings with priority suppliers where possible — we coordinate in Mandarin.
At the fair: hall strategy & what to ask
Phase 1 electronics and machinery halls differ from Phase 2 gifts and consumer goods. Walk with a structured checklist — strong suppliers answer clearly and provide evidence.
- Are you a factory or trading company? Can we visit your production site?
- What is your MOQ, lead time, and sample policy?
- Which markets do you export to? Can you share references or certifications?
- Who owns the tooling? What are your payment terms?
- Take photos of booths, products, and name cards — note hall and booth numbers.
After the fair: follow-up that converts
Most deals are won or lost in the two weeks after the fair. Move quickly while suppliers are still engaged.
- Email suppliers within 48 hours with your product brief and quantity estimate.
- Request formal quotations with Incoterms, payment terms, and lead times.
- Shortlist 3–5 suppliers for factory audits or sample orders — not 20.
- Use a local partner to verify factories before you commit to production.
A successful Canton Fair trip is not about collecting the most business cards — it's about identifying verified suppliers aligned with your specs, budget, and timeline. JLA Link can help you plan your visit, interpret on-site, and follow up after the fair.
