Alibaba is one of the biggest internet companies in the world and is widely considered to be the gold standard of all the wholesale websites operating in China. Before Alibaba, it was extremely difficult for international buyers to connect with Chinese suppliers, but Alibaba has now made it easy to meet suppliers, source quality products, and build long-lasting relationships.
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Product types
Everything from electronics to clothing, to vehicles. There is almost nothing that you can imagine that isn&#;t for sale on the website as it is one of the biggest wholesale markets online.
Supplier types
There are three main types of suppliers on Alibaba: factories, trading companies & wholesalers.
Buyer safety
Buyers are offered the option of &#;Trade Assurance&#; whereby any order which is not delivered on time or to the standard expected is fully refunded.
Quality assurance
Alibaba provides independent product inspection which can happen at various stages of the production to ensure that everything is up to scratch.
Minimum order sizes
There is no set minimum order size but it is up to the seller how few items they are willing to sell. The majority of trade done on the website is wholesale and most sellers will expect you to buy in bulk.
Payment options
Multiple payment methods are available including bank transfers, credit cards, e-checking, Western Union, and the website&#;s own AliPay system. A &#;Secure Payment&#; feature is also offered so the seller doesn&#;t receive the money until the order has been delivered and checked.
Shipping Options
Various shipping methods are available through Alibaba&#;s own logistics service such as FedEx, DHL, and many others. Buyers can also discuss using their own shipping agent or the supplier&#;s shipping agents.
One downside of Alibaba is that many people find that the website&#;s interface is not very user-friendly. There are also issues with prices not being promptly updated.
Everyone who is looking to buy products in bulk from reputable suppliers and beginner buyers who are nervous about the process.
AliExpress is part of the Alibaba group which puts an emphasis on smaller orders of products from China. It is a very safe and fast China wholesale website. All buyers need to do is add products to their cart and then checkout just like they would with Amazon.
Product types
Aliexpress mostly deals with end consumer products such as shoes, bags, clothing, and other items. Unlike other wholesale websites, there are few big industrial products available on Aliexpress.
Supplier types
Aliexpress has four main types of suppliers: manufacturers, traders, distributors/wholesalers, and dropshippers/retailers.
Buyer safety
Aliexpress ensures buyer safety with their two-year Extra Warranty, and with a Refund Guarantee service. If your products do not arrive on time or are not of good quality, buyers are given their money back.
Quality assurance
Aliexpress is predominantly a marketplace, however, buyers are able to see customer reviews and ratings for all sellers on the website.
Minimum order sizes
Most sellers have no minimum order quantity and there is a tiered pricing system in place. The price of each unit decreases the more volume is purchased but the prices at Aliexpress are not competitive for large wholesale orders.
Payment options
There are various payment methods available on Aliexpress including Western Union, Paypal, and wire transfer. Aliexpress also uses its own Aliexpress pocket which is a gift card system for payments.
Shipping Options
Affordable shipping through China post which will take anywhere between 15 days and 50 days. Buyers can alternatively use ePacket or Aliexpress Shipping which takes around 15 days or pay for express shipping through UPS, DHL or FedEx.
Aliexpress has a very quick and easy ordering process. With worldwide delivery and a built-in shopping cart, it is a winner for anyone looking to make smaller orders from China.
Many sellers on AliExpress offer dropshipping which makes AliExpress the number one choice for small businesses and startups looking to sell products online without having their own warehouse.
DHgate acts as a middle man between wholesalers and buyers. It has had some problems in the past with product quality and delivery and communication issues. DHgate has made some positive steps to address some of the problems and it can now be a very good website to use as long as you do your due diligence.
Product types
DHgate has more than 30 million Chinese products available on its website, from electronics to jewelry to clothing. It is very important to remember that the vast majority of branded items are going to be fakes. This may be what you are looking for but remember that it is illegal in many countries to import counterfeits.
Supplier types
Suppliers are predominantly manufacturers which enables the prices to stay super low.
Buyer safety
DHgate uses an Escrow Payment Model so the money is not given to the seller until the buyer has confirmed receipt. Some suppliers have previously just used stock photos so the item that was delivered was not right. DHgate will give you a refund in this situation.
Quality assurance
Buyers can request a full refund if the quality of the products is not up to scratch or get a partial if they decide to keep the items.
Minimum order sizes
Similar to Aliexpress, DHgate uses a tiered pricing system with no set minimum quantity of orders. The more items are purchased, the cheaper each unit becomes.
Payment options
Multiple payment methods are available on DHgate including bank transfer (from certain countries), credit card, Paypal, Western Union, and more.
Shipping methods
Delivery time can be very slow from DHgate unless you pay for express delivery. One positive development is the launch of DHStorage, with DHgate warehouses now in the US and UK storing products for purchase. Buyers in these countries can usually expect orders coming from these websites in 2-5 working days.
When buying on DHgate, due diligence is needed. Make sure you check the credentials and reviews of suppliers before you deal with them. One issue which is regularly flagged by users is the poor search algorithm which can make finding products difficult.
Customers looking for the cheapest possible items who know how to do the required checks on products and suppliers.
.com is not only a site which offers individual buyers a huge range of quality products, it is also where the other wholesale companies do their shopping. With some of the cheapest prices anywhere in the world, it is an incredible source of products.
Product types
has an enormous range of every type of product available for a great price which is why so many other wholesale companies buy from this website.
Supplier types
has a collection of almost all suppliers in China, both manufacturers, and wholesalers. One downside to is that much of the trade is done between Chinese sellers and buyers and so there may be language issues for international buyers.
Buyer safety
All sellers require a business license from the government before they can sell on . Buyers can check these licenses on the website.
Quality assurance
International buyers can pay agents within China to inspect their products before they are shipped.
Minimum order sizes
There is no minimum order size and many sellers will allow you to just buy one or two units. This can be a good way to check the quality of the products and reliability of the seller before you make a bigger order.
Payment methods
Most suppliers will only deal with local payment methods so international buyers will need to enlist a buying agency to help them make purchases.
Shipping methods
Shipping has to be arranged between buyer and seller. Most sellers do not have the necessary export license because they do the majority of their trade domestically. You will, therefore, need to hire a buying agent to help arrange the import from China.
The language barrier and the necessity for buying agents mean that is not the easiest website for international customers to use.
Experienced buyers, those with Chinese language abilities, and buyers who already have strong relationships with buying agents.
Formed in , Made-In-China is one the oldest Chinese wholesale websites which connects Chinese suppliers and manufacturers with buyers around the world. Made-in-China.com is a supplier directory which is similar to Alibaba but is smaller in both supplier numbers and services.
Product types
Made-in-China provides buyers access to a huge range of products. There is a particular focus on machinery and industrial parts.
Supplier types
Manufacturers and big trading companies selling their products directly. Few small traders as they cannot compete for price.
Buyer safety
A big advantage of Made-in-China is the Online Sourcing Meeting which allows buyers to talk to sellers over video chat.
Quality assurance
Made-in-China offers various products which have won an MEI (manufacturing excellence and innovation) award. These awards are categorized as gold, silver, and bronze.
Minimum order quantity
Buyers are usually required to order hundreds of units on Made-in-China.
Payment methods
Paypal is usually best for small orders but large goods are best paid for through Western Union, bank wire, or L/C.
Shipping methods
Suppliers will usually recommend buyers ship by sea and this can take weeks. For a faster delivery time, buyers can use DHL, FedEx, or another courier.
This is not the easiest website to buy China wholesale goods and in general, does not have a great user rating. This is partly due to the language barrier and cultural differences.
Buyers with experience on China wholesale websites as well as those ordering industrial and construction products in bulk.
Global Market is another major website which connects manufacturers with businesses and buyers. Like Made-in-China, many of the suppliers are factories and major suppliers looking to sell their products in bulk.
Product types
A huge range of China wholesale products available for purchase with extensive supplier listings in certain industries such as children&#;s products and electronics.
Supplier types
Global Sources host many of the world&#;s top trade shows in the Asia World Expo in Hong Kong. You will find many of the same suppliers at the trade shows selling on the website.
Buyer safety
Global Sources has 8 strict benchmark tests which every supplier and business must pass to obtain their Global Manufacturer Certificate (GMC). These include quality control, manufacturing facility inspections, and environmental responsibility.
Quality assurance
The GMC assures the quality of the products on the Global Sources website.
Minimum order quantity
The minimum requirements for orders on Global Sources are around $1,000 t0 $5,000.
Payment methods
Payment methods can be agreed upon between buyer and seller. Paypal is best for small orders and Western Union, L/C, and T/T for larger goods.
Shipping methods
There are no well-defined shipping channels available on the Global Sources Platform. You will need to agree on a shipping method with the supplier.
Global Sources website is very easy to use and the focus it puts on exhibitions and trade shows has made it very successful. The lack of well-defined shipping and payment channels, however, means that many beginners may struggle with making purchases on the platform.
Experts in buying Chinese wholesale products and those who are looking for big orders.
Hong Kong Trade Development Council is a highly respected Chinese wholesale website based in Hong Kong. HKTDC provides both an online marketplace and a platform for Hong Kong traders to progress.
Product types
Every kind of product from electronics to jewelry and textiles, premium items, gifts, and much much more.
Supplier types
A mixture of large and small suppliers offering products to buy wholesale. Many suppliers are Hong Kong entrepreneurs looking to connect with international buyers.
Buyer safety
HKTDC awards top suppliers a Premium Advertiser title so buyers can choose the most reputable sellers.
Quality assurance
To become a Premium Advertiser, suppliers pass various benchmark tests such as providing photos and videos of factories and submitting products for testing.
Minimum order sizes
HKTDC has no minimum order size so it is ideal for small wholesale buyers.
Payment methods
There is no payment portal on the HKTDC website so buyer protection can be a problem. Buyers should discuss the payment method with the supplier to agree on a safe, reliable method for both.
Shipping methods
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No direct logistics offered by HKTDC. All shipping will have to be arranged between the buyer and the supplier so the delivery time will vary.
The buying and logistics process is not the easiest because they are not provided by the website itself. Large orders in particular can be difficult to arrange and will need to be agreed upon between the buyer and seller.
Buyers looking to make frequent small China wholesale orders. Also, experienced buyers who already have well-established logistical arrangements.
Choosing the right Chinese wholesale website can be a major factor in building a successful eCommerce or drop shipping business. The most important thing is to check the reputation of every seller and to make sure that payment and logistical arrangements are safe and reliable. Referring to this guide of the top 7 Chinese wholesale websites will help international buyers find the online marketplace to help take their business to another level.
Working with China suppliers is a smart move for Singapore SMEs who need unique and original products. The country&#;s vast manufacturing base offers a wide range of quality goods at competitive prices.
While the potential for profitability is great, there are some hurdles to working with China suppliers. You&#;ll need to identify trustworthy partners from hundreds of options and build trust through messaging apps. Logistics like quality control, shipping, and cross-border payments add an extra layer of complexity.
With the right approach, sourcing products from China can be a rewarding strategy for your SME. Let&#;s explore how you can use Chinese supplier websites to identify manufacturing partners. We&#;ll also cover why opening a business account is critical to your financial operations, and how you can use the Airwallex Business Account to pay suppliers without opening a China bank account.
There are compelling reasons to get wholesale products from China. The country&#;s manufacturing sector has strong capabilities, efficient supply chains, and a large workforce, which allows it to offer high volumes at cost-effective rates. This cost advantage helps you maintain competitive pricing in your markets.
SMEs can also obtain a wide variety of products from China. Whether it&#;s furniture, textiles, or electronics, you can find them all in one geographical location. Generalist retailers can benefit from this diversity, as it simplifies the supply chain and reduces the complexity of dealing with wholesalers in multiple countries. China's manufacturing sector can also handle large-scale production due to its extensive infrastructure, which provides the facilities and logistics for mass production, and its vast low-cost labour force. Working with China suppliers enables Singaporean retailers to meet changing consumer demand without significant delays.
Whether it&#;s electronics or textiles, Singapore SMEs can source practically anything from China. Choosing which products to buy is a matter of identifying market trends and consumer preferences that align with your business goals.
Below are some in-demand product categories you may wish to consider.
Furniture. China wholesale furniture suppliers are skilled at producing durable flat-pack furniture for small condos and HDBs. Ready-to-assemble furniture is also inexpensive and easy to ship.
Handbags. China&#;s bag manufacturers may be infamous for replica bags, but they are just as skilled at creating original designs using genuine leather, nylon, or canvas. By sourcing handbags from China, retailers can tap into the latest trends and cater to the tastes of the fashion market.
LED lights. TikTok lights generated incredible demand for LED strip lights and indirect ambient lighting. LED light suppliers in China are at the forefront of this trend, providing a diverse selection of innovative lighting that cater to different aesthetic preferences.
Once you&#;ve selected a product category, it&#;s time to find the right suppliers. Most SMEs use online marketplaces to research suppliers and compare options. These digital platforms are a good place to start, as they offer detailed product listings, supplier profiles, and customer reviews.
Some popular China supplier websites include:
Alibaba.com: Alibaba is the most well-known B2B eCommerce platform. Its search engine helps you to find verified suppliers by product, and buy in bulk directly from the manufacturer. You can also collaborate with a manufacturer to create custom products.
.com: Another B2B platform by the Alibaba Group, offers a rich variety of products with low MOQs. Unlike Alibaba, caters to businesses in mainland China. Overseas buyers may face challenges due to the language barrier, and they may struggle with paying suppliers as they only accept CNY and RMB.
Made-in-China.com: Since , Made-in-China has been connecting businesses to wholesalers across various industries. They also offer services for assessing suppliers, quality checks, and logistics. Unlike other platforms, it does not directly sell products or facilitate transactions on its platform.
DHgate.com: DHGate connects China manufacturers with small global businesses. They have several suppliers that don&#;t require a minimum order quantity (MOQ), which can make them ideal partners for dropshipping.
Shortlisting suppliers requires research and attention to detail. Here&#;s what to look out for:
Verification status. It&#;s best to work with verified suppliers, as they have passed the marketplace&#;s rigorous review process and quality standards. Verification details can be found on the supplier&#;s profile.
Years of experience. Choose a supplier with at least 5 years of experience, as they&#;re more likely to have an efficient manufacturing process and stringent quality assurance systems. Experienced suppliers generally have better customer relations and supply chains too.
Product catalogue. A reputable supplier will have a specialised product catalogue aligned with their niche. For example, an experienced handbag manufacturer should offer a variety of purses, clutches, or shoulder bags. However, a handbag supplier that also sells kitchen goods and umbrellas signals a lack of expertise.
Name and address of the production facility. Profiles without an address are likely sourcing agents or trading companies - middlemen who will connect you to the suppliers and charge a fee for it.
Reviews and ratings. Customer reviews give you a glimpse into what it&#;s like to work with a supplier. They help you understand the quality of products, the supplier&#;s responsiveness, and their production times. You can tell if the reviews are legitimate if the supplier has received them over several years. But if most positive reviews are submitted within a few days, proceed with caution.
Once you&#;ve identified potential suppliers, the next step is to initiate contact and negotiate a deal. However, starting a business relationship isn't as straightforward as sending a Request for Quote (RFQ). You need a clear idea of what you want, and you must present yourself as an ideal buyer.
Follow these tips for effective communication with Chinese suppliers.
The first message you send is the most critical, as this starts the relationship-building process. Avoid sending a generic RFQ, as this won&#;t get a response. Suppliers receive dozens of inquiries from prospective clients, and the most in-demand ones are highly selective about whom they do business with.
Instead, write a thoughtful message that shows you are a serious buyer who&#;s interested in placing an order. We&#;ll cover how to do that in the succeeding sections.
To come across as a legitimate buyer, you need to show that you know your product. Do your homework and be clear about your desired specifications and technical requirements. Once you know what you want, you can start writing to suppliers.
Let&#;s say you&#;re a lighting retailer looking for an LED light supplier in China. Your message must describe the lights&#; intended applications, LED type, colour temperature, installation method, etc. You can even include rough sketches or photos of your preferred design.
This attention to detail makes you a more attractive potential partner and can increase the chances of a response. It also helps you identify which manufacturers are capable of creating unique products for your business.
Knowing basic Mandarin can be an asset, but you don&#;t need to speak the language to communicate with suppliers. Leading B2B marketplaces like Alibaba and DH Gate will automatically translate messages from English to Mandarin, and vice versa. Suppliers who export overseas often have staff members who speak English.
However, complex words and phrases can get easily misunderstood. To overcome the language barrier, you need to make your message as simple as possible. Here are some good guidelines:
Write simple sentences and avoid technical terms.
Write numbers as numbers, i.e. use &#;1&#; instead of &#;one&#;.
Instead of long paragraphs, use lists or bullet points.
Attach as many photos as possible so you can minimise describing your product in words.
China supplier websites have busy interfaces, and it&#;s easy to miss the &#;contact&#; button that lets you write to the supplier. Avoid clicking &#;start order&#; or &#;buy now&#;, as this will let you buy products as-is.
Instead, locate the &#;send message&#;, &#;chat&#;, or &#;contact&#; buttons to start a conversation with the supplier.
As soon as you&#;ve established trust and are satisfied with the supplier&#;s samples, it&#;s time to start negotiating. Here are 3 negotiation points that help set expectations.
Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs). As the name suggests, MOQs are the smallest quantity of a product that buyers must purchase. China manufacturers operate on small margins, and MOQs ensure that production is cost-effective. You'll often find MOQs listed in the supplier's profile. If the standard MOQ is too high for your business, you can negotiate small trial orders or negotiate a higher price for lower quantities.
Lead times. This is the time it takes for the supplier to manufacture and deliver the products. Knowing the lead times is essential for planning your inventory and ensuring that you have products in stock. It's also important to discuss and agree on lead times to avoid any unexpected delays.
Payment terms. These are the conditions under which you will pay the supplier. Common payment terms include a 20-30% deposit, partial payment upon passing quality control (QC) inspections, and full payment upon delivery. Negotiating favourable payment terms is important for managing your cash flow while assuring suppliers that they will get paid.
SMEs have several options for paying Chinese suppliers, such as opening a China business bank account or paying from Singapore via bank transfers and fintech business accounts. Here&#;s a quick view of the international money transfer methods from Singapore and what they cost:
Airwallex
SWIFT/Telegraphic transfer via banks
Wise business
Transfer fees
Free for local transfer methods
SWIFT: $20 (SHA), $30 (OUR)
Varies by bank
From 0.43%
Additional cost for transfers via SWIFT
Transfer speed
0 - 1 working days
1 - 5 business days
0 - 1 working days
Conversion fees from SGD to CNY
0.40%
Yes
From 0.43%
Other fees
None
Intermediary bank fees, commission, fees, account fees etc.
54 SGD to create a Wise business account
Sources: Airwallex, Wise as of 25 March
Due to their long-standing relationship with banks, most Singapore businesses send money to China via SWIFT - wire transfer or telegraphic transfers. However, payments made through traditional banks may be slower than other options and often come with hidden fees, which increase overall transaction costs.
Fintech firms like Airwallex or Wise can be more cost-effective and convenient, as they may offer faster transfer times, transparent fees, and friendlier conversion rates compared to banks. The Airwallex Business Account offers several benefits for SMEs who send money to China:
Convert SGD to CNY at market-leading rates. You&#;ll always see the fees before you send your payment.
No transaction fees when you send CNY to your supplier via your China-registered business, or if the sender and recipient are Chinese citizens. Unlike banks, Airwallex uses local payment rails in Hong Kong and China to send your payment. It&#;s treated like a local transfer, which means you don&#;t have to pay hefty telegraphic transfer fees. For transfer via SWIFT (SHAD), Airwallex charges a standard rate of S$20.
Receive CNY without unnecessary conversion fees. With the Airwallex CNY Account, you can generate local bank details and accept CNY payments without unnecessary conversion to SGD.
Free to open. Create an Airwallex Business Account at no cost, and start using it as soon as you verify your business details.
If you&#;ve clearly defined your product requirements, you&#;re halfway to producing high-quality goods. The other half involves quality control (QC) and compliance with international standards. Here are broad guidelines for ensuring QC throughout the production process:
Visit your supplier&#;s facilities. Make at least one trip to your supplier&#;s production facility. This is an opportunity to see the manufacturing process up close and ensure that the factory adheres to international regulations.
Inspect goods in production. Final inspections are essential for approving the finished product, but try to see the product in the early stages of production. This lets you identify possible QC issues and avoid costs associated with returns or corrections.
Hire a third-party QC service. If a visit to China is not feasible, consider hiring a third-party QC inspector who specialises in your product. A QC service can check and confirm the quality of products before they are sent to Singapore. Some firms can also do an ethical audit to ensure compliance throughout the manufacturer&#;s supply chain.
Your products have passed multiple QC inspections and are ready to leave the factory. All you need to do is understand your shipping options and ensure that you comply with Singapore customs requirements.
Before choosing a shipping method, you must know your budget, what type of goods you&#;re shipping, their weight and size, and how quickly you need them. Based on these, you have 3 options:
Door-to-door express shipping. This service replicates the experience of eCommerce delivery to your home and can send goods as quickly as 3 business days. It is also the most expensive, and only suitable for small packages.
Air freight. Shipping by air costs less than door-to-door, and is suitable for delicate or high-value goods. However, air freight fees are charged per kilogram. The heavier your package is, the more expensive it is to deliver.
Sea freight. Shipping by sea is the most cost-effective option for high-volume goods and heavy loads. For smaller volumes, you can opt for a Less than Container Load (LCL). Its downside is speed - it can take several weeks for a sea freight delivery to reach Singapore from China.
Importers need to follow several customs procedures when importing goods from China. According to Singapore Customs, you need to do the following:
Activate your customs account on TradeNet
Check if your goods are controlled or prohibited by searching the HS/CA product code
Apply for Inter-Bank GIRO, which lets you pay all GST, fees, and charges directly to Singapore Customs from your business bank account
Provide a security payment via a Banker&#;s Guarantee, Insurance Bond, or Finance Company Guarantee
Get your Customs Import Permit through TradeNet
Prepare documents for cargo clearance
Sourcing from suppliers in China gives SMEs an unfair advantage through cost savings, access to quality goods, and scalable manufacturing. To capitalise on these advantages, you need to find suppliers and build trust from Singapore.
Several tools can ease the process. B2B marketplaces like Alibaba let you browse hundreds of suppliers and compare options based on your requirements. Their in-platform messaging apps have translation features that break the language barrier.
Finally, fintech firms like Airwallex simplify cross-border payments to China suppliers, with 70% of payments arriving on the same day. The Airwallex Business Account gives you CNY local bank account details that you can use to invoice customers, hold, and pay CNY without unnecessary conversion fees. You can also convert SGD to CNY at friendly interbank rates and minimise the impact of foreign exchange risks. On top of that, Airwallex has tools to streamline your bill payments, accounting, and eCommerce payments.
Ready to discover how Airwallex can help you grow your business? Open a free Airwallex Business Account today and start sending fast payments to your suppliers in China.
There&#;s no hard and fast answer for production lead times, as this varies per supplier, product, and project. The only way to find out is to write to potential suppliers with clear product details, specifications, and order quantities. A reliable manufacturer will have a production schedule and provide realistic timelines.
To minimise production delays, check the samples thoroughly and document your feedback clearly. If the sampling and prototyping stage is done well, production should happen as scheduled.
However, be prepared for delays due to unforeseen issues beyond the manufacturer&#;s control. The only way to prevent this is to work with multiple suppliers. If one supplier runs into issues, you can switch to another one without disrupting your ability to serve customers.
To ensure compliance with international shipping regulations, label your packaging according to global shipping standards and prepare all documents required by Singapore customs. Consider working with a freight forwarder that specialises in importing goods from China. They can help you prepare the right documents and avoid issues that can cause delays at customs.
***Note: This publication does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice from Airwallex nor substitute seeking such advice, and makes no express or implied representations/warranties/guarantees regarding content accuracy, completeness, or currency.
Sources:
https://www.dwell.com/article/tiktok-led-lighting-trends-tumblr-aesthetic-180bfe3b-b7f-710b83de
https://www.customs.gov.sg/businesses/importing-goods/overview/
https://www.tradenet.gov.sg/TN41EFORM/tds/sp/splogin.do?action=init_acct
https://www.tradenet.gov.sg/tradenet/portlets/search/searchHSCA/searchInitHSCA.do
https://go.gov.sg/customs-ibg-form
https://www.customs.gov.sg/businesses/new-traders-and-registration-services/registration-services/security-lodgement/
https://www.customs.gov.sg/businesses/valuation-duties-taxes-fees/permits-documentation-and-other-fees/
https://www.customs.gov.sg/businesses/importing-goods/import-procedures/documents-for-clearance-of-goods/#:~:text=For%20conventional%20cargo%20and%20hand,the%20entry%20points%20for%20verification.