On-the-ground Support
Trade shows and factory visits in China. Brief, organisation, travel, deliverables — we take care of it all.
The service
Visiting a factory, meeting a manufacturer, prospecting at the Canton Fair: these trips often change the trajectory of a sourcing project. Provided they are properly prepared, properly supervised, and you come back with more than business cards. Our teams in China organise and accompany your field trips from A to Z, individually or as a group. You land at the airport, we take it from there.
Who is it for?
- Executives who want to meet their manufacturers in person before a significant commitment
- Procurement managers who must audit several factories within a short period
- Growing brands ready to structure their sourcing through a discovery mission
- Distributors travelling to the Canton Fair who want professional support
- Engineering offices that need to understand specific industrial capabilities
- Groups of several companies organising a collective mission
Our approach
- 01
Upstream: preparation
In-depth briefing on your project and objectives. Shortlist of relevant manufacturers or trade shows. Appointments booked, factory fact-sheets prepared. Recommendations on visa, logistics and the optimal mission duration.
- 02
On site: execution
Airport pick-up and end-to-end accompaniment by a member of our local team. Hotel booking and coordination. Internal transport (driver, train, domestic flight). Translation and conversational facilitation. Visit hosting and negotiation support. Structured note-taking, photos, video.
- 03
Downstream: deliverables
Detailed report for each visit. Comparison table of manufacturers met (capabilities, indicative prices, strengths, red flags). Supply7 recommendations on next steps.
Typical use cases
Canton Fair
China's largest trade show, twice a year in Guangzhou. Support across all 3 phases, individually or as a group.
Targeted factory visits
3 to 6 factories to audit in 2–4 days, with optimised itinerary and structured comparison.
Specialised trade shows
Furniture, PPE, electronics, events, sport… We identify the relevant show and organise your trip.
Discovery mission
A 4–7 day mission combining factory visits, supplier meetings and a read on the sector's market.
Mission format
Individual mission
A dedicated Supply7 host and a fully tailored programme. The preferred format for confidential missions, precise briefs or executive travel.
Group mission
Several non-competing companies grouped together. Shared cost, common programme for the highlights (show, lunches, joint visits) and tailored programme for the specific factory visits.
Deliverables & outcomes
- Mission programme prepared upstream
- Supply7 host on the ground
- Detailed reports of each visit
- Comparison table of manufacturers met
- Supply7 recommendations on next steps
FAQ
How long should a mission last?
A targeted visit to a few factories can fit into 2 to 4 days on site. A discovery mission combining a trade show and factory visits typically spans 4 to 7 days. We calibrate the duration with you during the briefing.
How much does on-the-ground support cost?
Pricing depends on the format (individual or group), duration, number of cities covered and level of customisation. We send a detailed quote after the briefing.
Do I need a visa?
Yes, a visa is required for China. We guide you on the procedure suited to your nationality and the type of mission, but we are not a visa provider.
When is the best time to visit China?
For the Canton Fair: April and October. Outside the fair, spring and autumn are the most comfortable windows. Avoid Chinese New Year (January–February) when factories are closed.
Can this be combined with a structured sourcing assignment?
Yes, and it's a common pattern. The field mission then becomes the audit or negotiation phase of a sourcing assignment led by Supply7.
Do your teams speak Mandarin?
Yes. Our hosts in China speak Mandarin and French (or English depending on the mission) and bridge the cultural gap between you and the manufacturers.
Request a quote
Your On-the-ground Support project
Fill in the details below. Our team replies within 24–48 business hours.