Budget planning
What does a China factory visit cost?
The budget depends on where your suppliers are, what you need to check and the support you book. Compare the same scope before comparing prices.
Build the budget in separate parts
This is a planning worksheet, not a published rate card. Request a written quote for your dates and route; do not assume every item below is included in a daily fee.
| Item | What changes the cost | Ask the provider |
|---|---|---|
| Planning and appointments | Existing shortlist or new supplier research; number of sites; access requirements. | Does the fee include supplier research and appointment confirmation, or only the visit day? |
| Local transport | Factory addresses, vehicle size, waiting time, parking and intercity travel. | Are the driver, tolls, parking and overtime included? |
| Interpreting and on-site support | Language, technical vocabulary, working hours and meeting scope. | Who will attend, for how long, and how is extra time charged? |
| Your travel | Flights or trains, hotel location, nights away and local transfers. | Which bookings do you make yourself? Is staff travel charged separately? |
| Samples and follow-up | Sample purchases, shipping, records, translation and additional supplier contact. | What written output is included? Which later tasks require a separate quote? |
| Specialist work | Formal audits, laboratory tests or product inspections. | Is a separate specialist needed, and who quotes that work? |
Two routes can mean very different budgets
One region, confirmed suppliers
Your shortlist and production addresses are already confirmed. Budget for the agreed local support, travel between sites and enough time for records. Check whether preliminary document review is included.
Multiple cities, suppliers still being selected
Allow for research, appointment changes, intercity travel and overnight stays. Price each travel leg and working day separately so that moving between cities does not hide inside the visit allowance.
These are planning scenarios, not customer case studies or quoted packages. Use the visit planning guide to decide how much can fit into a day.
Compare the total scope
For each quote, record the currency, covered dates, working hours, transport, written deliverables, exclusions, payment schedule and cancellation or rescheduling terms. A lower daily rate may cover fewer tasks.
Keep a separate allowance for changes you have not priced. Agree how additional work will be approved before it starts.
What to send for a useful quote
- Product and the decision you need the visit to support.
- Supplier names and production addresses, or a request for help building a shortlist.
- Preferred dates, visitor numbers and starting city.
- Language, technical topics and any filming or access needs.
- The records, samples or follow-up you want after the visit.
If an address or appointment is unconfirmed, say so. That uncertainty affects both the route and the price.