What this site is, and what it is not
China Import Pilot is a buyer-focused directory of tools for overseas importers. We list the software, platforms, and services that an importer actually uses — from finding suppliers to clearing customs — and we keep the list short, current, and honest.
By the numbers
How we keep the list honest
A directory of useful tools is only useful if it is honest. These are the four rules we apply every time we add or remove a tool.
Buyer-only
Every tool is evaluated from the perspective of an overseas importer. We reject tools that exist to find leads for suppliers — those belong on seller platforms, not here.
Independently written
Tool descriptions are not lifted from vendor copy. Each entry is written after reading the actual site, signing up where reasonable, and noting what is good and what is not.
Affiliate links marked
Some links are affiliate. We mark them clearly. Affiliate earnings help cover hosting and writing time, but they never change the ranking or the content of a review.
Reviewed regularly
We re-check links monthly. Tools that disappear, raise prices, or change focus get removed. The site is not a one-time dump — it is a living list.
Who this site is for
The site is built for anyone who buys from China and wants to do it more competently. Specific groups who write to us most often:
- First-time importers — starting their first sourcing trip and unsure where to look.
- Small brand owners — sourcing from China for Amazon FBA, Shopify, or direct sales.
- Procurement managers — comparing freight quotes, QC partners, or trade finance providers.
- Logistics coordinators — looking for a digital alternative to traditional forwarders.
Where the content comes from
We are not a content farm. Every description, every Pros and Cons, every pricing note is sourced from one of four channels:
Hands-on testing
Whenever practical we sign up for the tool, request quotes, and place a small trial order. The notes from that process become the Pros and Cons.
Public documentation
API docs, pricing pages, status pages, and product changelogs are quoted directly when relevant.
Importer feedback
Email questions and reader corrections are tracked. Recurring concerns from buyers are surfaced in the Pros and Cons.
Independent review sites
Tools that consistently rank well on third-party review sites (G2, Capterra, TrustRadius) are flagged, but we do not copy scores verbatim.
Important: Pricing, feature availability, and supported countries change constantly. Every tool page is dated when it was last reviewed; cross-check the official site before committing money. We do our best to keep the site accurate, but we cannot guarantee real-time parity with every vendor.
What is covered
The site spans the full import workflow, from the moment you decide to look for a supplier to the moment your goods clear customs.
Get in touch
Suggestions, corrections, or a tool worth adding? Email hello@chinaimportpilot.com. We reply to every message that includes a working tool link or a concrete correction.