Sourcing work uniforms from China for the Thai market is a very common and strategic business practice. Thailand has a robust garment industry itself, but importing from China offers competitive prices, variety, and scalability for many businesses.
Here is a comprehensive guide to navigating the wholesale process for Thai work uniforms from China.
Step 1: Find Suppliers on Chinese B2B Platforms
This is the most efficient way to connect with manufacturers. The key platforms are:
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Alibaba.com: The world’s largest B2B platform. Focus on “Gold Suppliers” and those with “Trade Assurance” (a buyer protection program).
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Made-in-China.com: Another major platform with a strong focus on verified manufacturers.
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1688.com: Alibaba’s domestic Chinese platform. Prices are lower, but the interface is entirely in Chinese. Best used with a sourcing agent.
How to Search Effectively:
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Use keywords: “work uniform,” “corporate polo shirt,” “hotel uniform,” “security uniform,” “chef coat,” “coverall,” “corporate wear.”
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Filter results by “Verified Supplier,” “Trade Assurance,” and “Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ).”
Step 2: Key Product Categories for the Thai Market
Popular uniform items sourced from China for Thailand include:
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Corporate & Office Wear: Polo shirts and button-down shirts for offices, banks, and showrooms.
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Hospitality Uniforms: Elegant outfits for hotel staff (front desk, concierge, housekeeping) and trendy uniforms for restaurants and cafes.
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Security Uniforms: Shirts and trousers sets, often in specific colors like navy blue or white.
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Industrial Workwear: Coveralls and work trousers for factories, mechanics, and technicians.
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Medical Scrubs: For clinics and hospitals.
Step 3: The Sourcing Process – Step-by-Step
1. Contact & Negotiate:
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Contact 5-10 shortlisted suppliers. Send a detailed Request for Quotation (RFQ).
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Include: product description, fabric composition (e.g., 65% polyester, 35% cotton), quantity, and customization details (e.g., embroidery).
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Negotiate FOB (Free on Board) prices, MOQ (can be as low as 100-300 pieces per style), and payment terms (typically 30% deposit, 70% before shipment).
2. The MOST IMPORTANT Step: Request Samples
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Never skip this. Pay for production samples from your top 2-3 choices.
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Check for: Fabric quality (weight, feel), stitching durability, sizing/fit (compare to Thai/Asian size charts), and the quality of embroidery or printing.
3. Finalize the Order:
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Once the sample is approved, the supplier will issue a Proforma Invoice (PI).
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Make the payment to start production.
Step 4: Shipping & Importing to Thailand
This is a critical part of the process. You have two main choices for shipping:
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FOB (Free on Board): You pay the supplier for the goods and hire your own freight forwarder to handle the sea/air freight from China. You handle Thai customs clearance.
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CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): The supplier organizes and pays for shipping to a port in Thailand (e.g., Laem Chabang, Bangkok). You handle Thai customs clearance. This is simpler for first-time importers.
You MUST understand the Thai Import Process:
It is highly recommended to use a Thai customs broker. Their job is to:
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Classify your goods under the correct Thai Customs Tariff.
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Calculate and pay all import duties and taxes.
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Handle all the complex paperwork with the Thai Customs Department.
haiyuan clothing factory
Calculate Your TRUE Cost (The “Landed Cost”)
The wholesale price from China is only part of the cost. You must add:
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Product Cost: The FOB price from the supplier.
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International Shipping & Insurance: Sea freight is the most cost-effective for large orders.
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Import Duties & Taxes: In Thailand, this typically includes:
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Import Duty: Varies by product, but for many garments, it’s around 5% – 10% of the CIF value.
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Value Added Tax (VAT): 7% on the (CIF Value + Import Duty).
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Customs Broker Fees
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Domestic Transportation in Thailand from the port to your warehouse.
Quick-Reference Table: Popular Wholesale Items & Pricing
*Note: Prices are approximate FOB China for medium-sized orders (300-500 pcs). Landed cost in Thailand will be higher after duties and shipping.*
| Product | Description | Estimated FOB Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Polo Shirt | 65% Polyester / 35% Cotton, Embroidered Logo | $4.00 – $7.00 |
| Button-Down Shirt | Poly-Cotton Twill, Long Sleeve | $5.00 – $9.00 |
| Security Uniform Set | Shirt and Trousers Set | $10.00 – $18.00 (for the set) |
| Chef Coat | Traditional Double-Breasted | $10.00 – $18.00 |
| Hotel Bellman Uniform | More elaborate design with accents | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| Coveralls | Poly-Cotton, One-Piece | $8.00 – $14.00 |
Summary of Action Steps
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Research: Go to Alibaba.com and find potential suppliers.
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Sample: Order and critically evaluate physical samples.
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Find a Freight Forwarder/Customs Broker: Start this process early. Contact a logistics company in Thailand that handles imports from China to get a cost estimate.
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Calculate True Cost: Get the FOB price from the supplier and an estimate for duties, taxes, and freight from your forwarder/broker. This is your “landed cost.”
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Place a Trial Order: Start with a smaller order to test the entire supply chain before scaling up.
By following this structured process, Thai businesses can reliably and profitably import wholesale work uniforms from China. The key is due diligence on suppliers and understanding the full importation cost.
For some insightful reads, we’ve curated a list of recommended articles just for you:
- How do I find a product manufacturer in China?
- How to find cheap manufacturers in China? A guide to avoid pitfalls
- How to complete your first purchase of workwear in China safely and efficiently
- Custom uniforms for Small business
- Choosing the Best Industrial Work Suit
- Ultimate Guide: Best Wholesale Work Clothes in China
- Cut & Sew Customization
- Logo Customize Clonthing Manufacturer
- Labour Uniform manufacturer
- Labor clothing uniform for sale
- Working clothes china wholesale
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