The 140th Canton Fair begins on 15 October 2026. For overseas buyers, the goal of a visit should be a comparable supplier shortlist, not just a collection of brochures. Prepare one specification sheet, record the company behind each offer and agree on the evidence needed before a sample order. This is a public market sourcing guide, not a report of a OneBuyDesk customer transaction.
Key points
Select the fair phase from the official product directory. Use consistent questions at every booth. Match the quotation to a supplier identity and a defined product. Treat attractive prices as provisional until specification, packing, trade terms and sample acceptance have been confirmed.
Official autumn 2026 dates
The Canton Fair organizer lists Phase 1 for 15–19 October, Phase 2 for 23–27 October and Phase 3 for 31 October–4 November 2026. Check the official overseas buyer guide for registration and section information. These dates do not establish whether a particular company will attend or which phase contains your exact product.
Prepare your sourcing brief before the visit
Write the product description, intended use, dimensions or material, target quantity, packaging and destination market. Attach the same specification to every quotation request. If the product needs regulated-market documentation, list what your compliance team requires rather than accepting an unexplained logo or certificate image.
Separate essential requirements from preferences. A supplier should be able to identify the exact specification quoted, the sample offered and any proposed substitution. Keep open questions visible so that a promising conversation is not mistaken for completed approval.
Record a supplier identity trail
For each contact, record the company's legal name, website, representative, booth information and the product discussed. Ask which entity manufactures, sells and invoices the goods. The names may differ, but the relationship should be explained and supported before purchase documents are signed.
Ask for a written quotation after the meeting. Compare the entity named on that quotation with the supplier details collected at the fair. If a beneficiary, invoice issuer or exporter changes later, pause the order process and verify the change through a previously confirmed contact channel.
A practical shortlist worksheet
Use columns for company identity, quoted specification, quantity, unit price, currency, trade term, MOQ, lead time, inner pack, carton details, sample conditions, required documents and unanswered questions. Add a reason for keeping each supplier on the shortlist. Price comparisons are meaningful only when the specification and commercial basis are comparable.
For the next stage, agree on the sample identity, delivery arrangement and acceptance criteria. If a factory visit or inspection is needed, define its scope separately. An exhibition booth demonstrates a commercial presence at an event; it does not by itself verify production capacity, quality systems or future delivery performance.
Frequently asked questions
Which phase should I attend?
Use the organizer's current exhibition-section and exhibitor information to map your product to the appropriate phase. Do not choose a phase solely from a broad label such as household goods. Confirm the exact companies and products you want to discuss before booking travel.
Does a low booth price represent my final cost?
Only a confirmed quotation can establish what is included. Packaging, specifications, quantity, trade terms and required checks can change the commercial basis. Compare the complete offer and leave uncertain cost items open until they have been answered in writing.
Is this a verified sourcing project?
No. This article is an editorial market guide using the organizer's public information. It describes a recommended buyer workflow and makes no claim that OneBuyDesk has completed these steps for a particular client.
Plan the follow-up
Send OneBuyDesk a product brief and the supplier questions you need to resolve. Scope, fees and deliverables should be agreed for your project before work begins. A documented shortlist makes that discussion more precise and helps separate evidence from assumptions.