The Complete Foreign Buyer’s Guide to Meibo City (美博城) – Guangzhou’s Beauty & Cosmetics Wholesale Hub

Table of Contents

1. Quick Facts & Market Overview
2. Location & Transportation
3. Hotels Near Meibo City (KLOOK Links)
4. Floor-by-Floor Shopping Guide
5. Product Categories & Prices
6. Pricing & MOQ Negotiation
7. Quality Control & Safety Testing
8. Payment Methods
9. Shopping Strategies
10. Common Mistakes to Avoid
11. Buyer Q&A (10 Questions)

1. Quick Facts & Market Overview

📊 Essential Information

Attribute	Details
Official Name	Meibo City Beauty & Cosmetics Wholesale Market (美博城化妆品批发市场)
Also Known As	Meibo Cheng, Guangzhou Beauty City
Location	No. 5-13, Zhanqian Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou (站前路5-13号)
Metro	Guangzhou Railway Station (广州火车站站) – Line 2 & Line 5, Exit C, 5-minute walk
Market Size	60,000+ sqm across 5 floors + basement
Total Vendors	2,500+ specialized beauty/cosmetics suppliers
Operating Hours	8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily, including Sunday)
Main Products	Cosmetics (35%), skincare (30%), beauty tools (15%), hair products (10%), nail products (5%), fragrance/perfume (5%)
Price Level	Wholesale 50-80% below retail, factory-direct pricing for bulk orders
Payment	WeChat Pay (98%), Alipay (95%), Cash (100%), Bank Transfer (>¥10,000)
MOQ	3-20 pieces (most flexible MOQ in China beauty market!)
Languages	Mandarin (100%), Cantonese (80%), English (20-30% of vendors), Arabic (10%, many Middle Eastern buyers)
Target Buyers	Beauty stores, e-commerce sellers, salons, African/Middle Eastern traders, makeup artists

Why Meibo City is Unique

#1 Beauty Wholesale Market in South China

Meibo City is to cosmetics/beauty what Yiwu is to small commodities – THE definitive wholesale hub. Key advantages:

✅ Lowest MOQ in China – 3-20 pieces per SKU (vs. 100-500 at other markets)
✅ Massive selection – 2,500+ vendors, 100,000+ SKUs under one roof
✅ All price tiers – Budget (¥3-10 wholesale) to premium (¥50-200 wholesale)
✅ K-Beauty, J-Beauty, C-Beauty – Korean, Japanese, Chinese brands all available
✅ OEM/ODM paradise – 40% of vendors offer private label (add your brand, MOQ: 500-1,000 pcs)
✅ African/Middle Eastern focus – Vendors understand international skin tones, halal products, regional preferences

Who Buys at Meibo City?

Top Buyer Demographics (2024 Survey):

Buyer Type	% of Market	What They Buy	Typical Order Size
African Traders	45%	Makeup (foundation for darker skin tones), hair extensions, skincare for hot/humid climates	Container loads (10,000-30,000 pcs)
Middle Eastern Buyers	20%	Halal cosmetics, luxury-inspired perfumes, Arabic makeup trends (bold eyes, contouring)	¥20,000-50,000 ($2,800-7,000) per trip
E-commerce Sellers	15%	K-Beauty products, trending TikTok makeup, private label cosmetics	500-2,000 pcs mixed SKUs
Beauty Salon Owners	10%	Professional hair products, nail supplies, facial tools	¥5,000-15,000 ($700-2,100) per order
Southeast Asian Buyers	8%	Whitening products, BB creams, Korean skincare	¥10,000-30,000 ($1,400-4,200)
European/American Buyers	2%	Unique Asian beauty products, private label OEM	1,000-5,000 pcs for testing

Meibo City vs. Other Beauty Markets

Market	Location	Specialization	MOQ	When to Visit
Meibo City 🥇	Guangzhou	All-in-one beauty supermarket, lowest MOQ, best for testing/sampling	3-20 pcs	Primary destination
Qingping Medicine Market	Guangzhou (1.5km from Meibo)	Traditional Chinese medicine cosmetics, herbal skincare	50-200 pcs	After Meibo, if need TCM products
Yiwu Cosmetics Market	Yiwu (4 hours from Guangzhou)	Extreme bulk (factory direct), ultra-cheap	1,000-10,000 pcs	Only for very large orders
Seoul Myeongdong	South Korea	Authentic K-Beauty brands, latest trends	Retail (tourists)	For authentic Korean brands (not wholesale)

💡 Pro Tip: Meibo City is THE place for beauty wholesale in Guangzhou. No need to visit other beauty markets unless you have very specific needs (TCM skincare → Qingping, extreme bulk → Yiwu).

Location & Transportation

📍 Exact Address

Full Address: No. 5-13, Zhanqian Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou (广东省广州市越秀区站前路5-13号)

GPS Coordinates: 23.1498°N, 113.2601°E

Landmark: Directly across from Guangzhou Railway Station (广州火车站) – look for large red “美博城” signage on 5-story building

Metro (Easiest)

Guangzhou Railway Station (广州火车站) – Lines 2 & 5

Exit C → 5-minute walk (400m)

1. Exit metro station via Exit C
2. Walk north on Huanshi West Road (环市西路) 200m
3. Turn right onto Zhanqian Road (站前路)
4. Meibo City is 200m ahead on left (large red “美博城” sign)

Alternative Exit: Exit D → 6-minute walk (similar route)

From Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN)

Option 1: Metro – ¥7, 45 min
Airport South → Line 3 → Jiahewanggang (嘉禾望岗, transfer) → Line 2 → Guangzhou Railway Station Exit C

Option 2: Airport Shuttle Bus – ¥20, 50 min
Airport → Guangzhou Railway Station (Shuttle Line 2, departures every 20 min)

Option 3: Taxi/DiDi – ¥90-130 ($12-18), 35-50 min
Show driver: “请带我去越秀区站前路美博城”
(“Please take me to Meibo City, Zhanqian Road, Yuexiu District”)

From Train Stations

Guangzhou Railway Station (广州站): Walk 5 minutes (400m) – literally across the street!

Guangzhou South Station (广州南站): Metro Line 2 → 35 min → Guangzhou Railway Station Exit C → 5-min walk (total: 45 min, ¥6)

Guangzhou East Station (广州东站): Metro Line 1 → Gongyuanqian (transfer to Line 2) → Guangzhou Railway Station (18 min, ¥4)

From Other Markets

From New Asia/Nanfang Building (Electronics): 6 km, Taxi 15 min (¥25-35) OR Metro Cultural Park → Line 6 → Haizhu Square (transfer Line 2) → Guangzhou Railway Station (12 min, ¥3)

From Zhonggang Leather Mall: 4 km, Taxi 12 min (¥20-30) OR Metro Sanyuanli → Line 2 → Guangzhou Railway Station (8 min, ¥2)

Parking

Meibo City Underground Parking:

• ¥8/hour, ¥60/day cap
• Entrance on Zhanqian Road (look for blue “P” sign)
• Height limit: 2.2m
• Tip: Arrive before 9 AM (fills up by 9:30 AM weekdays)

3. Hotels Near Meibo City (Book via KLOOK for 10-30% Off)

All hotels within 10-minute walk from Meibo City.

Top 3 Budget-Friendly Recommendations

1. 7 Days Inn Guangzhou Railway Station ⭐⭐
📍 200m walk (3 minutes) | ¥150-240/night ($21-34)
✅ Closest budget option, basic clean rooms, 24-hour service
✅ Many African/Middle Eastern traders stay here (familiar with beauty buyers)
🔗 Book on KLOOK – Search “7 Days Inn Guangzhou Railway Station” for 10% off

2. Hanting Hotel Guangzhou Railway Station ⭐⭐⭐
📍 300m walk (4 minutes) | ¥200-320/night ($28-45)
✅ Reliable Chinese chain, self-service laundry (¥10/load), luggage storage
✅ Front desk can recommend freight forwarders for beauty products
🔗 Book on KLOOK – Search “Hanting Guangzhou Railway Station” for 12% off

3. GreenTree Inn Guangzhou Railway Station ⭐⭐⭐
📍 400m walk (5 minutes) | ¥220-380/night ($31-53)
✅ Free meeting room (1 hour/day), business center with printer
✅ Staff familiar with beauty buyers (can help with vendor negotiations)
🔗 Book on KLOOK – Search “GreenTree Guangzhou Railway Station” for 15% off

Mid-Range & International Chains

4. Vienna Hotel Guangzhou Railway Station ⭐⭐⭐
📍 500m walk | ¥300-480/night ($42-67)
✅ Modern rooms, reliable WiFi, 24-hour hot water
🔗 Book on KLOOK – 10% off

5. Holiday Inn Express Guangzhou Railway Station ⭐⭐⭐
📍 800m walk | ¥380-580/night ($53-81)
✅ International brand, English-speaking staff, free breakfast (Western + Asian)
✅ IHG Rewards Points
🔗 Book on KLOOK – 15% off + drink voucher

💡 Hotel Booking Tips:

✅ Book via KLOOK Hotels for 10-30% exclusive discounts
✅ Filter by “Guangzhou Railway Station” for properties near Meibo City
✅ Peak season (Sept-Nov): Book 3-4 weeks ahead
✅ Low season (Feb, July-Aug): 20-30% lower rates
✅ Long stays (7+ nights): Ask for 10-15% discount at check-in

4. Floor-by-Floor Shopping Guide

Meibo City has 5 floors + 1 basement, organized by product category.

Basement (B1) – Budget Beauty Zone & Bulk Deals

Total Vendors: ~300
Specialization: Extreme budget products, closeout sales, overstock
Price Range: ¥1-8 wholesale (ultra-cheap)

What You’ll Find:

• Generic makeup (no-brand), bulk lipsticks (¥1-3 each, MOQ: 200-500)
• Closeout skincare (expired or near-expiry discounts: 50-70% off)
• Beauty tools (makeup brushes ¥0.50-2, sponges ¥0.30-1)
• Nail polish (¥0.80-2 per bottle, MOQ: 100-300)

Target Buyers: Extreme budget retailers, dollar stores, promotional giveaways, African markets (price-sensitive)

⚠️ Quality Warning: B1 products are hit-or-miss. Inspect carefully (smell test, color consistency, packaging defects). Many products lack safety certificates (not suitable for USA/EU export without testing).

💡 Strategy: Use B1 for disposable/low-risk items (makeup sponges, cotton pads, basic tools). AVOID skincare/cosmetics without certificates for export markets.

Ground Floor (1F) – Korean & Japanese Beauty (K-Beauty & J-Beauty)

Total Vendors: ~400
Specialization: Korean cosmetics, Japanese skincare, trending Asian beauty
Price Range: ¥15-80 wholesale

Section	Products	Price (Wholesale)	MOQ
1F-A (East)	K-Beauty Makeup – Cushion foundations, lip tints, eyeshadow palettes (Etude House-style, 3CE-style, NOT official brands)	¥20-60	5-20 pcs
1F-B (Center)	K-Beauty Skincare – Sheet masks (¥1-3 each), essences, serums, sleeping masks, snail mucin products	¥10-50	10-50 pcs
1F-C (West)	J-Beauty Skincare – Cleansing oils, hydrating lotions, sunscreens (Japanese-style formulations)	¥25-80	5-15 pcs
1F-D (South)	Asian Beauty Tools – Jade rollers, gua sha stones, facial massagers, LED masks	¥8-40	10-30 pcs

🔥 Hot Products (Q4 2025):

1. Glass Skin Serums (Korean trend: dewy, glowing skin) – ¥28-45 wholesale, MOQ: 10 pcs, retail $30-60
2. Cushion Compacts (K-Beauty signature: sponge applicator foundation) – ¥25-50, MOQ: 10 pcs, retail $25-50
3. Sheet Mask Bundles (10-pack mixed: hydrating, brightening, anti-aging) – ¥12-25 per bundle, MOQ: 20 bundles
4. Snail Mucin Essence (96% snail secretion filtrate, K-Beauty cult favorite) – ¥35-60, MOQ: 10 pcs

Recommended Vendor: Stall 1F-089 (Guangzhou K-Beauty Wholesale) – Specializes in Korean-style cosmetics for export. “K-Beauty Starter Pack”: 100 pcs mixed (20 cushions + 30 lip tints + 50 sheet masks), ¥2,800 ($392). WeChat: kbeauty_meibo

2nd Floor (2F) – Face Makeup & Color Cosmetics

Total Vendors: ~500 (largest floor)
Specialization: Foundations, powders, lipsticks, eyeshadows, blushes
Price Range: ¥5-50 wholesale

Section	Products	Price	MOQ
2F-A	Foundations & Concealers – Liquid, powder, stick, BB/CC creams, wide shade ranges (light to deep)	¥10-45	5-20 pcs
2F-B	Lipsticks & Lip Products – Matte, glossy, liquid, lip liners, lip stains	¥5-25	10-50 pcs
2F-C	Eye Makeup – Eyeshadow palettes (9-40 colors), eyeliners, mascaras, brow products	¥8-40	5-30 pcs
2F-D	Face Products – Blush, bronzer, highlighter, contour kits, setting powders/sprays	¥6-35	10-40 pcs

💄 Foundation Shade Range (Critical for African/Black Markets):

Skin Tone	Shade Range Availability	Vendor %	Price Premium
Fair (Light 1-3)	Abundant (Chinese/Korean market focus)	90% of vendors	Baseline
Medium (4-6)	Good availability (Southeast Asian demand)	70% of vendors	+¥2-5
Tan/Olive (7-9)	Moderate (Middle Eastern demand)	40% of vendors	+¥5-8
Deep/Dark (10-15)	Limited (African market niche)	20% of vendors	+¥8-15

💡 African Market Tip: Look for vendors with “非洲专供” (Africa Special Supply) signs – they stock 10-15 deep shades. Typical brands: “Black Opal-style”, “Fashion Fair-style” (inspired designs, not official).

Recommended Vendor for Deep Shades: Stall 2F-156 (Africa Beauty Specialist) – 15-shade foundation range (light to deep), ¥28 wholesale, MOQ: 10 pcs. Popular in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya. WeChat: africa_makeup_meibo

---

Eyeshadow Palette Trends:

Palette Type	Color Count	Wholesale Price	MOQ	Best For
Neutrals (browns, taupes, beiges)	9-12 colors	¥12-20	20-50 pcs	Universal appeal, office wear, mature buyers
Colorful (bright pinks, blues, greens)	15-35 colors	¥18-35	10-30 pcs	Gen Z, festival makeup, content creators
Glitter/Shimmer (metallic, sparkle)	9-18 colors	¥15-28	15-40 pcs	Party/club makeup, Instagram/TikTok trends
Matte (no shimmer, pigmented)	9-15 colors	¥12-22	20-40 pcs	Everyday wear, professional settings

Quality Check for Eyeshadows:

1. Finger swatch test – Rub finger on palette, should transfer color easily (not chalky/patchy)
2. Fallout test – Tap palette, excessive powder falling = poor quality (will waste product)
3. Blendability – Swipe 2 colors together on hand, should blend smoothly (not separate/muddy)
4. Pigmentation – One swipe should show rich color (not sheer/barely visible)

3rd Floor (3F) – Skincare Products

Total Vendors: ~450
Specialization: Cleansers, moisturizers, serums, treatments, masks
Price Range: ¥8-120 wholesale

Section	Products	Price	MOQ
3F-A	Cleansers – Foaming, gel, oil, micellar water, cleansing balms	¥8-35	10-50 pcs
3F-B	Moisturizers – Creams, lotions, gels, sleeping packs	¥15-60	5-30 pcs
3F-C	Serums & Treatments – Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, retinol, niacinamide, peptides	¥20-80	5-20 pcs
3F-D	Specialty Products – Sunscreens (SPF 30-50+), acne treatments, anti-aging, whitening (Asian market)	¥12-120	5-40 pcs

🧴 Skincare Ingredient Trends (2024-2025):

Ingredient	Benefits (Marketing Claims)	Wholesale Price	Target Market
Hyaluronic Acid	Hydration, plumping, anti-aging	¥25-50	Universal (all skin types, all ages)
Vitamin C	Brightening, dark spots, antioxidant	¥30-70	Asian markets (whitening focus), Western anti-aging
Niacinamide	Pore minimizing, oil control, brightening	¥28-60	Oily/combo skin, acne-prone, Gen Z
Retinol	Anti-aging, wrinkles, texture	¥35-80	Mature buyers (35+ years), Western markets
Snail Mucin	Repair, hydration, K-Beauty trend	¥30-65	K-Beauty fans, Asian markets, content creators
Centella Asiatica (Cica)	Soothing, sensitive skin, redness	¥25-55	Sensitive skin, eczema/rosacea, European market
Peptides	Firming, collagen boost, luxury positioning	¥40-120	High-end market, luxury buyers, 40+ years

⚠️ “Whitening” Products Note:

In China/Asia: “Whitening” (美白) means brightening, even skin tone, reducing dark spots (not changing race/ethnicity).

For Export to USA/EU: AVOID marketing as “whitening” or “skin lightening” (controversial, associated with colorism). Instead use:

• “Brightening” ✅
• “Even skin tone” ✅
• “Dark spot reduction” ✅
• “Radiance-boosting” ✅

---

Skincare Safety Certificates (Required for USA/EU):

USA (FDA):

• Cosmetics: Generally no pre-market approval needed (but must be safe)
• Sunscreens: Require FDA OTC drug approval (expensive, ¥200,000+/$28,000+, 18-24 months)
• Tip: For sunscreens, focus on Asian markets (easier import regulations)

Europe (EU):

• Cosmetics: Require CPNP registration (Cosmetic Products Notification Portal)
• Safety assessment required (¥15,000-40,000/$2,100-5,600 per product)
• Tip: Ask Meibo vendors if they have EU-compliant products (some do for European export)

💡 Vendor Tip: 30-40% of 3F vendors have MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) and test reports for export. Ask: “Do you have test reports for export?” (有没有出口检测报告?)

Recommended Vendor: Stall 3F-078 (International Skincare Export) – Specializes in export-compliant skincare, has MSDS/test reports, works with EU/USA buyers. Vitamin C serum (20%): ¥45 wholesale, MOQ: 20 pcs. WeChat: skincare_export_meibo

4th Floor (4F) – Hair Products & Extensions

Total Vendors: ~350
Specialization: Shampoos, conditioners, hair treatments, styling products, wigs, extensions
Price Range: ¥5-300 wholesale

Section	Products	Price	MOQ
4F-A	Hair Care – Shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, leave-in treatments, oils	¥8-45	20-100 pcs
4F-B	Styling Products – Gels, mousses, sprays, pomades, waxes, heat protectants	¥6-30	20-80 pcs
4F-C	Hair Extensions – Clip-ins, tape-ins, sew-ins, wefts (straight, curly, wavy)	¥25-150 per bundle	5-20 bundles
4F-D	Wigs & Hairpieces – Full lace, lace front, synthetic, human hair (Brazilian, Peruvian, Indian hair)	¥80-300 per wig	3-10 pcs

💇 Hair Extension Market (HUGE in African Market):

Hair Types:

Hair Type	Source	Wholesale Price	Durability	Best For
Synthetic	Artificial fiber (Kanekalon, Toyokalon)	¥25-60 per bundle	2-3 months	Budget market, temporary styles, braiding
Human Hair Blend	50-70% human + synthetic	¥60-100 per bundle	4-6 months	Mid-market, affordable natural look
100% Human Hair	Brazilian, Peruvian, Indian, Malaysian	¥120-300+ per bundle	6-12 months (with care)	Premium market, reusable, can be dyed/styled

Hair Textures (African Market Focus):

Texture	Pattern	Demand	Price Premium
Straight (1A-1C)	Sleek, no wave	Moderate (Asian preference, some African buyers)	Baseline
Wavy (2A-2C)	S-shaped waves	High (versatile, natural look)	+10-20%
Curly (3A-3C)	Spiral curls, bouncy	Very High (African, Latina markets)	+20-30%
Kinky/Coily (4A-4C)	Tight coils, Afro texture	Highest (African market, natural hair movement)	+30-50%

Wig Cap Construction:

Type	Description	Price	Best For
Full Lace	Entire cap is lace (can part anywhere, most natural)	¥180-300	High-end market, celebrities, natural hairline
Lace Front	Lace only at hairline (natural front, wefts in back)	¥100-200	Mid-high market, most popular (balance of price/quality)
U-Part/Half Wig	Leave out natural hair at top	¥80-150	Protective styling, blend with natural hair
Full Cap	Machine-sewn wefts (no lace)	¥60-120	Budget market, quick install

Recommended Vendor: Stall 4F-123 (Africa Hair Specialist) – Focuses on 3C-4C textures (kinky/coily), Brazilian human hair bundles ¥150-220, lace front wigs ¥180-280, MOQ: 5 pcs. Ships globally (experience with Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa). WeChat: africahair_meibo

5th Floor (5F) – Beauty Tools, Nail Products & Packaging

Total Vendors: ~300
Specialization: Makeup brushes, applicators, nail supplies, beauty devices, packaging materials
Price Range: ¥0.50-80 wholesale

Section	Products	Price	MOQ
5F-A	Makeup Brushes – Face brushes (foundation, powder, blush), eye brushes (shadow, liner), brush sets (5-20 pcs)	¥0.80-8 per brush, ¥15-60 per set	50-500 pcs
5F-B	Beauty Tools – Makeup sponges (¥0.30-2), eyelash curlers (¥1-4), tweezers (¥0.50-3), mirrors (¥2-10)	Varies	100-1,000 pcs
5F-C	Nail Products – Gel polish (¥2-8 per bottle), UV lamps (¥20-80), nail art supplies (rhinestones, stickers, brushes)	Varies	50-300 pcs
5F-D	Packaging & Private Label – Custom boxes, tubes, bottles, labels, logo printing services	¥0.20-5 per unit	500-5,000 pcs

🖌️ Makeup Brush Quality Tiers:

Grade	Bristles	Handle	Price	Best For
Budget	Synthetic (nylon), sheds bristles, scratchy	Plastic, lightweight	¥0.80-2 per brush	Promotional giveaways, dollar stores
Mid-Range	Synthetic (taklon), soft, durable, vegan-friendly	Wood/plastic, decent weight	¥2-5 per brush	General retail, Amazon FBA, mass market
Premium	Natural hair (goat, pony, squirrel) OR high-end synthetic, ultra-soft, professional	Wood (bamboo, birch), metal ferrule, weighted	¥6-15 per brush	Professional makeup artists, high-end boutiques, luxury market

Brush Set Strategy for Amazon FBA:

• Starter Set (5 pcs: powder, blush, foundation, eyeshadow, eyeliner) – Wholesale ¥18-30, Retail $35-60
• Pro Set (12-15 pcs with case) – Wholesale ¥45-80, Retail $80-150

Recommended Vendor: Stall 5F-045 (Guangzhou BrushPro) – Mid-to-premium brush sets, 12-piece set ¥55 wholesale, includes vegan leather roll case. OEM available (add brand logo, ¥0.60/brush, MOQ: 500 sets). WeChat: brushpro_meibo

💅 Nail Product Market:

Gel Polish (Most Popular Category):

Type	Wholesale Price	MOQ	Retail Price	Margin
No-Brand Generic	¥2-4 per 10ml bottle	100-300 bottles	$5-10	3-5x
“OPI-Style” (Inspired Design)	¥4-6	50-150	$10-15	3-4x
Private Label (Your Brand)	¥3-5 + logo/packaging	500-1,000	$12-20	4-6x

UV/LED Nail Lamp:

• Wholesale: ¥25-60 (36W-80W power)
• MOQ: 20-50 units
• Retail: $40-100
• Safety Check: Must have auto-shutoff timer (30-120 seconds), overheat protection. Ask for CE certificate for EU export.

📦 Private Label / OEM Services (5F Specialty):

40-50% of 5F vendors offer custom packaging + logo printing:

What You Can Customize:

1. Product Labels – Add your brand name, logo, ingredient list (¥0.10-0.50 per label, MOQ: 500-2,000)
2. Bottles/Tubes – Custom shapes, colors, sizes for skincare/cosmetics (¥0.50-3 per unit, MOQ: 1,000-5,000)
3. Retail Boxes – Full-color printed boxes with your brand (¥0.30-2 per box, MOQ: 500-3,000)
4. Hang Tags – For brushes, tools (¥0.05-0.20 per tag, MOQ: 1,000-5,000)

Example Private Label Cost:

• 1,000× Vitamin C Serum (30ml)
• Product cost: ¥30 per bottle
• Custom bottle + label: ¥1.50 per unit
• Retail box with your brand: ¥0.80 per box
• Total: ¥32.30 ($4.52) per unit
• Retail Price on Amazon: $35-50
• Gross Profit: $30-45 per unit (8-10x markup)

Recommended OEM Vendor: Stall 5F-089 (Private Label Beauty Solutions) – Full-service OEM: product sourcing + packaging design + logo printing + shipping coordination. Minimum ¥30,000 ($4,200) first order, includes 1,000-2,000 units mixed products. WeChat: privatelabel_meibo

5. Product Categories & Prices

💄 Quick Price Reference

Product Category	Wholesale Price Range	Typical MOQ	Retail Price	Margin
Lipstick	¥5-25	10-50 pcs	$8-30	4-8x
Foundation	¥10-45	5-20 pcs	$15-60	3-6x
Eyeshadow Palette (12-color)	¥12-35	10-30 pcs	$20-70	4-6x
Sheet Masks (10-pack)	¥12-25	20-100 bundles	$15-40	3-5x
Vitamin C Serum	¥30-70	5-20 pcs	$25-80	3-5x
Makeup Brush Set (12-pc)	¥45-80	20-100 sets	$40-120	3-5x
Gel Nail Polish	¥2-6 per bottle	100-300 bottles	$8-15	4-6x
Hair Extensions (Human Hair)	¥120-300 per bundle	5-20 bundles	$60-200	2-3x
Lace Front Wig	¥100-280	3-10 pcs	$80-300	2-4x

6. Pricing & MOQ Negotiation

💰 MOQ Flexibility (Meibo City’s Biggest Advantage)

Meibo City MOQ: 3-20 pieces (most flexible in China!)

Comparison:

• Yiwu Cosmetics Market: 1,000-10,000 pcs
• Shenzhen Factory Direct: 3,000-5,000 pcs
• Alibaba.com: 500-2,000 pcs
• Meibo City: 3-20 pcs ✅

Why Low MOQ Matters:

• Test products cheaply (buy 5-10 pcs × 20 products = 100-200 total pcs, ¥3,000-8,000/$420-1,120 investment)
• Reduce inventory risk (no 1,000-piece commitment to untested products)
• Build diverse catalog (50 SKUs × 10 pcs each = 500 total pcs, still manageable)

🎯 Negotiation Tactics (Adapted for Beauty Products)

Tactic #1: Bundle Across Categories
“I’ll buy 20 lipsticks + 10 foundations + 30 sheet masks from your shop (60 total). Can we use 100-piece pricing?”
Success rate: 70%

Tactic #2: Accept Mixed Shades
“For foundation, can I buy 20 pieces total (5× shade 1 + 5× shade 2 + 5× shade 3 + 5× shade 4) at 20-piece single-shade rate?”
Success rate: 65%

Tactic #3: Sample Pack Offer
“I’m testing for my store. Can you create a sample pack (1 of each shade/product) for ¥200? If I like it, I’ll order 500 pieces next month.”
Success rate: 50% (vendors value potential large orders)

Tactic #4: Cash + Immediate Purchase
“I’ll buy 50 pieces cash right now (no WeChat Pay delay) if you give me 100-piece pricing.”
Success rate: 60%

Tactic #5: End-of-Day Timing
Visit at 5:30-5:50 PM: “I need to decide quickly – 30 pieces, cash, right now. Best price?”
Success rate: 55%

Volume Discounts

Order Quantity	Discount	Example: ¥20 Lipstick
1-9 pcs	0% (sample price)	¥20 each
10-49 pcs	-10% to -15%	¥17-18
50-99 pcs	-20% to -25%	¥15-16
100-299 pcs	-25% to -35%	¥13-15
300-999 pcs	-35% to -45%	¥11-13
1,000+ pcs	-45% to -55%	¥9-11

7. Quality Control & Safety Testing

✅ On-Site Inspection (15-Minute Checklist)

For Makeup Products:

1. Smell test – Should smell pleasant or neutral (not chemical/rancid)
2. Texture test – Smooth, creamy (not grainy/separated/dry)
3. Swatch test – Apply on hand, check pigmentation (vibrant, not patchy)
4. Packaging test – Tubes/compacts open/close smoothly, no loose parts
5. Ingredient list – Check for allergen warnings, expiry date (生产日期/保质期)

For Skincare:

1. Smell test – Fragrance-free or light scent (not overpowering chemical smell)
2. Texture test – Creams should be smooth (not grainy), serums should be liquid (not thick/goopy)
3. pH test (bring pH strips)** – Cleansers 5-7, toners/essences 4-6 (too high/low = skin irritation)
4. Packaging integrity – Pumps work, droppers seal properly, no leaks
5. Expiry date – Check 生产日期 (production date) + 保质期 (shelf life, usually 2-3 years)

For Hair Products:

1. Sniff test – Pleasant scent (not overpowering perfume or chemical smell)
2. Texture test – Shampoo/conditioner should be smooth, not watery or too thick
3. Lather test (for shampoo) – Apply drop to wet hand, should foam/lather easily
4. Rinse test – Should rinse clean (not leave sticky residue)

For Hair Extensions:

1. Tangle test – Run fingers through hair, should glide smoothly (not tangle/shed)
2. Burn test (for human vs. synthetic) – Pull one strand, burn with lighter:
   • Human hair: Smells like burnt hair, turns to ash
   • Synthetic: Melts/drips like plastic, chemical smell
3. Shedding test – Hold weft, tug gently, <5 hairs shed = good quality
4. Color consistency – All bundles same dye lot (no color mismatch)

Safety Certificates (Export Requirements)

USA (FDA – Cosmetics):

• No pre-market approval needed (but products must be safe)
• Required: Accurate ingredient labeling, allergen warnings
• Prohibited ingredients: Check FDA’s list (e.g., mercury in skin lightening)
• VCRP Registration (Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program) – Optional but recommended

Europe (EU – Cosmetics Regulation):

• CPNP Registration – Required (Cosmetic Products Notification Portal)
• Safety Assessment – Required by qualified toxicologist (¥15,000-40,000/$2,100-5,600 per product)
• PIF (Product Information File) – Mandatory documentation

China Export Requirements:

• Hygiene License (卫生许可证) – Verify vendor has this (required for legal cosmetics production in China)
• Test Reports (检测报告) – Heavy metals, microbiological tests, preservative tests

💡 Vendor Question: “Do you have test reports and hygiene license for export?” (有没有检测报告和卫生许可证供出口?)

Recommended Testing Lab: SGS Guangzhou (No. 91-93, Yuexiu North Road) – Cosmetics safety testing, CPNP compliance, MSDS preparation. ¥5,000-20,000 ($700-2,800) per product depending on scope. Contact: +86-20-8213-9688

⚠️ Product Safety Red Flags (AVOID)

❌ No ingredient list (illegal in USA/EU, indicates unregulated product)
❌ Skin lightening with hydroquinone/mercury (banned in USA, dangerous)
❌ “Miracle” claims (“removes wrinkles in 7 days!”, “whitens skin 10 shades!”) – false advertising, FDA violations
❌ Extremely cheap + no certifications (¥3 foundation, ¥5 serum with no hygiene license = risky)
❌ Strong chemical smell (indicates harsh preservatives or contamination)
❌ Expired or near-expiry products (check 保质期 shelf life – should be >12 months remaining)

8. Payment Methods

(Same as other markets – see previous guides)

Primary: WeChat Pay (98%), Alipay (95%), Cash (100%)
For large orders: Bank Transfer (>¥10,000)

Payment Structure for Large Orders (>¥20,000):

• 30% deposit
• 65% upon inspection
• 5% after delivery/loading

9. Shopping Strategies

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

Avoid:

• September-November (pre-Christmas, 10-15% higher prices)
• Chinese New Year (late Jan/early Feb, market closed 7-10 days)

Best Deals:

• March-April (post-CNY clearance, 20-30% off)
• July-August (summer slump, vendors negotiate)

Best Day: Tuesday-Wednesday (Monday vendors restocking, Thursday-Friday they’re packing weekend orders)

Best Time: 9:00-11:00 AM (vendors fresh, not yet tired, fewer buyers)

📝 4-Hour Efficient Route

9:00-9:30 AM: 1F K-Beauty Reconnaissance (30 min)
Scan trends, take photos, collect 5-10 business cards, don’t buy yet

9:30-10:30 AM: 2F Makeup Deep Dive (60 min)
Foundations, lipsticks, eyeshadows. Compare 5 vendors for same product. Buy small samples (5-10 pcs) from 2-3 vendors

10:30-11:15 AM: 3F Skincare (45 min)
Focus on serums, moisturizers. Check for test reports/hygiene licenses. Buy 5-10 piece samples

11:15 AM-12:00 PM: 4F Hair Products (45 min)
Hair extensions/wigs (if targeting African market), hair care products. Test quality (tangle test, burn test)

12:00-1:00 PM: Lunch + Review (60 min)
Nearby restaurant (many halal options within 500m for Muslim buyers). Review notes, calculate costs

1:00-2:00 PM: 5F Tools & OEM Consultation (60 min)
Makeup brushes, packaging vendors. Discuss private label options for future orders

2:00-3:00 PM: Return for Large Orders (60 min)
Go back to 2-3 top vendors from 2F-3F. Place orders (50-200 pieces). Inspect before paying. Collect receipts + vendor WeChat

🎒 Sample Collection Strategy

Problem: Want to test 30 products, but can’t afford 30× 50 pieces = 1,500 total pieces

Solution: Buy 5-10 pieces of each at slightly higher price

• Budget: ¥100-300 ($14-42) per product × 30 = ¥3,000-9,000 ($420-1,260)
• Ship home (air freight or carry in luggage, cosmetics <100ml each = airline-safe)
• Test for 2-3 weeks (sell on social media, test at local market, give to friends for feedback)
• Identify best 10 products
• Return to Meibo (or order via WeChat) with 100-500 piece orders

10. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Mistake #1: Not Checking Ingredient Compliance

Trap: Buy skin lightening cream with hydroquinone (¥15 wholesale) → US Customs seizes (hydroquinone >2% banned in USA)
Solution: Check FDA/EU banned ingredient lists. Ask vendors for ingredient lists in English.

❌ Mistake #2: Ignoring Expiry Dates

Trap: Buy ¥5 foundation (great price!) → Check production date: 2 years old, expires in 6 months → Can’t sell in time, waste money
Solution: Check 生产日期 (production date) + 保质期 (shelf life). Need >12 months remaining for retail sale.

❌ Mistake #3: Buying Wrong Shades for Target Market

Trap: Buy 100 foundations (all light shades for Asian market) → Selling in Nigeria → No customer has light skin → Dead inventory
Solution: Research target market skin tones. For African market: 60-70% deep shades, 20-30% medium, 10% light. Ask vendors for “非洲专供” (Africa supply) products.

❌ Mistake #4: Not Testing Product Quality

Trap: Vendor shows perfect lipstick sample → Order 500 pieces → Receive products: different formula, chalky, no pigment
Solution: Buy 5-10 piece sample first. Test personally for 1-2 weeks. THEN order 100-500 pieces.

❌ Mistake #5: Buying Counterfeit “Luxury” Makeup

Trap: Vendor offers “MAC lipstick” for ¥8 (real MAC costs $19) → Order 200 → US Customs seizes (counterfeit) → Total loss + potential fine
Solution: Buy generic/no-brand OR private label (your own brand). NEVER buy counterfeit luxury brands.

❌ Mistake #6: Ignoring Packaging Quality

Trap: Buy ¥12 serum (good product) but packaging leaks during shipping → 30% of bottles arrive damaged → Angry customers + refunds
Solution: Inspect packaging (pump test, cap test, leak test). For fragile items, budget extra ¥0.50-1 per unit for better packaging.

❌ Mistake #7: Not Documenting Everything

Trap: Verbal agreement “100 lipsticks, shade Red, ¥15 each” → Vendor ships mixed shades (Red, Pink, Nude) at ¥18 each
Solution: WeChat text confirmation + photos + receipt for every payment >¥1,000.

❌ Mistake #8: Buying Basement (B1) Products for Export

Trap: Buy ¥2 lipsticks on B1 (super cheap!) → No hygiene license, no test reports → US/EU rejects import
Solution: B1 = domestic China market only (or very price-sensitive markets with lax regulations). For USA/EU export, buy 1F-5F from vendors with certificates.

❌ Mistake #9: Not Building Vendor Relationships

Trap: Buy from 15 different vendors once (¥500 each) → Next trip 6 months later, vendors don’t remember you, no special pricing
Solution: Concentrate with 3-5 key vendors. After 2-3 orders, they offer 10-20% loyalty discounts + flexible MOQ.

❌ Mistake #10: Skipping Market Research

Trap: Fall in love with “cute Korean sheet masks” at ¥3 → Order 1,000 pcs → Discover everyone selling same masks on Amazon for $5 (no profit after fees)
Solution: Check Amazon/eBay competition before buying. Use Helium 10, Jungle Scout to validate demand + competition level.

11. Buyer Q&A: 10 Most Asked Questions

Q1: Is Meibo City safe for foreigners?

Yes, very safe. Guangzhou is one of China’s safest cities. Meibo City area (near railway station) has heavy foot traffic + police presence.

Safety Tips:

• Watch belongings (pickpockets target tourists in crowded areas)
• Use hotel safe for passport/large cash
• Avoid displaying expensive jewelry/electronics
• Use DiDi (Chinese Uber) instead of unlicensed taxis at night

Language: 20-30% of vendors speak basic English (numbers, product names). Bring translation app (Google Translate, WeChat Translate).

Q2: Can I get halal-certified cosmetics at Meibo City?

Yes! 10-15% of vendors specialize in halal cosmetics (popular with Middle Eastern buyers).

Look for: “清真 Halal” signs OR ask “有没有清真化妆品?” (Yǒu méiyǒu qīngzhēn huàzhuāngpǐn? = Do you have halal cosmetics?)

Halal Certification: Some vendors have halal certificates from Malaysian/Indonesian certification bodies. Ask to see certificates before ordering large quantities.

Alcohol-Free Products: Many halal cosmetics are alcohol-free (important for Muslim consumers). Check ingredient list: 酒精 (jiǔjīng) = alcohol.

Q3: How do I ship cosmetics internationally? Any restrictions?

Shipping Methods:

Sea Freight (cheapest for >500 pcs):

• Cost: $1,500-3,000 for 20-foot container
• Time: USA 25-40 days, Europe 35-45 days, Middle East 20-30 days, Africa 25-35 days
• Cosmetics rules: No issues for sea freight (liquids OK)

Air Freight (faster):

• Cost: $4-10 per kg
• Time: 5-10 days
• Cosmetics rules:
  • ✅ Allowed: Liquids <100ml per container (but unlimited total quantity in cargo)
  • ❌ Prohibited: Flammable (alcohol content >70%), aerosols (spray cans), nail polish (some airlines restrict)

Restrictions:

• Alcohol-based products: Check airline/freight forwarder (some limit alcohol content >70%)
• Aerosols (hairspray, setting spray): May need special dangerous goods handling (adds $100-300 to shipping)
• Nail polish: Some airlines classify as hazardous (check with freight forwarder)

💡 Vendor Tip: Many Meibo vendors have freight forwarder partnerships. Ask: “Can you arrange shipping to [country]?” (你能安排运输到[国家]吗?)

Q4: Are these products fake/counterfeit brands?

Mostly NO, but be careful.

3 Types of Products at Meibo:

1. Generic/No-Brand (60-70% of products) ✅ LEGAL
   • No brand names, no logos
   • Generic cosmetics (like CVS brand vs. name brand)
   • 100% legal to buy/resell
2. Private Label / OEM (20-25%) ✅ LEGAL
   • Vendors produce with YOUR brand name
   • MOQ: 500-3,000 pcs
   • Legal way to build your own brand
3. “Inspired” / Lookalike (10-15%) ⚠️ GRAY AREA
   • Packaging similar to luxury brands (but no fake logos)
   • Example: Pink tube that looks like Glossier but says “Beauty Co.”
   • Legal if NO trademark infringement (no fake logos/names)
4. Counterfeit (<5%, mostly in B1 basement) ❌ ILLEGAL
   • Fake MAC, fake Kylie Cosmetics, fake Urban Decay with logos
   • 95% customs seizure rate
   • Federal crime in USA (18 USC § 2320)

How to Avoid Counterfeits:

• Shop on 1F-5F (B1 has more counterfeits)
• Ask: “Is this your brand or private label?” (这是你们自己的品牌还是可以贴牌?)
• If vendor says “1:1 copy” or “AAA quality replica” → RUN (counterfeit)

---

Q5: Can I test products before buying?

YES! Unlike electronics markets, beauty vendors encourage testing.

How to Test:

1. Ask politely: “Can I test this?” (我可以试一下吗? Wǒ kěyǐ shì yīxià ma?)
2. Swatch on hand: Most vendors provide tissue/wipes
3. Open products: Check texture, smell (vendors expect this)
4. Small sample first: Buy 5-10 pieces to test for 1-2 weeks before large order

Testing Tips:

• Bring makeup remover wipes (you’ll swatch 20-30 products per hour)
• Take photos of swatches (compare later when reviewing)
• Test on back of hand (not face, to avoid breakouts from unsanitized testers)

Q6: What’s MOQ for private label / adding my brand?

Typical Private Label MOQ: 500-3,000 pieces per SKU

Cost Breakdown:

Service	Setup Cost	Per-Unit Cost	MOQ
Logo printing on product	¥300-800	¥0.30-1	500-2,000 pcs
Custom packaging (boxes)	¥800-2,000	¥0.40-2	1,000-3,000 pcs
Custom labels	¥200-500	¥0.10-0.50	500-2,000 pcs
Formulation change	¥5,000-20,000	Varies	3,000-10,000 pcs

Example: Private label lipstick

• Product cost: ¥12 per lipstick
• Logo printing: ¥0.60 per lipstick
• Custom packaging: ¥0.80 per box
• MOQ: 1,000 pcs
• Total cost: ¥13.40 ($1.88) × 1,000 = ¥13,400 ($1,880)
• Retail on Amazon: $18-28
• Gross profit: $16-26 per lipstick (9-14x markup)

Timeline: 15-30 days (design approval + production + packaging)

Q7: How do I know if foundation shade will match my customers?

Challenge: Chinese foundation shades tend toward light/fair (Asian market focus). Need deeper shades for African, Latina, South Asian markets.

Solution:

1. Look for “Africa Supply” Vendors (非洲专供)

• These vendors stock 10-15 shades (light to deep)
• Located mostly on 2F
• Ask: “有没有非洲市场的色号?” (Do you have shades for African market?)

2. Swatch on Hand

• Bring foundation shade reference (e.g., MAC NC42, Fenty 360)
• Swatch Meibo products next to reference
• Take photos in natural light (market lighting distorts colors)

3. Buy Shade Range Sample Pack

• Ask vendor: “Can I buy 1 of each shade?” (每个色号买一个可以吗?)
• Most vendors allow this (¥100-200 for 10-15 shades)
• Test on actual customers at home before ordering 100+ of each

4. Check Undertones

• Warm (yellow/golden undertones) – Most common in Asian foundations
• Cool (pink undertones) – Popular in Western markets
• Neutral (balanced) – Universal appeal
• For African market: Focus on warm/neutral undertones

Q8: Can I order remotely (via WeChat) after first visit?

YES, 70-80% of repeat orders happen via WeChat.

Process:

1. First visit: Collect vendor WeChat + stall number, buy samples
2. Test samples for 2-4 weeks
3. Reorder via WeChat: Send message: “Hi, I’m [Name], bought samples from your stall (2F-156) last month. Ready to order 200 lipsticks (shade Red). What’s price + delivery time?”
4. Vendor replies: Photos + price list
5. Negotiate: Via text
6. Pay 30-50% deposit (WeChat Pay)
7. Vendor sends progress photos (production, packaging)
8. Pay remaining 50-70%
9. Vendor ships (to your address or freight forwarder)

⚠️ Remote Order Tips:

• Start small (100-300 pcs remote order before scaling to 1,000+)
• Video call during packing (reduce bait-and-switch risk)
• Use freight forwarder for inspection (¥300-500 fee) for orders >¥20,000

Q9: What about shelf life / expiry dates?

Critical for cosmetics!

Chinese Labeling:

• 生产日期 (shēngchǎn rìqī) = Production Date
• 保质期 (bǎozhìqī) = Shelf Life (usually “3年” = 3 years OR “36个月” = 36 months)
• Format: YYYY-MM-DD (e.g., 2024-08-15 = produced Aug 15, 2024)

What to Check:

• Remaining shelf life: Need >12 months remaining for retail sale (preferably 18-24 months)
• Example: If today is Nov 2025, production date Aug 2024, shelf life 3 years → Expires Aug 2027 = 20 months remaining ✅ GOOD

⚠️ Warning Signs:

• Production date >18 months ago (product may expire before you sell it)
• No production date/expiry date visible (illegal, unregulated product)
• Basement (B1) often has near-expiry products at 50-70% discount (OK for immediate domestic sale, NOT for export/long-term storage)

💡 Negotiation Tip: If product expires in 12-18 months (borderline), negotiate 10-20% discount: “Expiry date is soon, can you discount?”

Q10: Meibo City vs. Yiwu Cosmetics Market – which is better?

Aspect	Meibo City (Guangzhou)	Yiwu Market (Zhejiang)
Location	Guangzhou (easy to combine with other wholesale markets)	Yiwu (4-hour train from Guangzhou, 2.5-hour from Shanghai)
MOQ	3-20 pcs 🔥	1,000-10,000 pcs
Price	Mid-range wholesale (¥8-50 typical)	Slightly cheaper (¥5-40), but offset by higher MOQ
Selection	2,500+ vendors, 100,000+ SKUs	3,000+ vendors, 150,000+ SKUs (larger but similar)
Best For	Testing, sampling, small-medium orders (<5,000 pcs)	Very large orders (>10,000 pcs), established businesses only
Vendor Service	Better English (20-30%), used to foreign buyers	Less English (10-15%), mostly domestic focus
When to Visit	First trip, testing phase, orders <5,000 pcs	Second/third trip, proven products, orders >10,000 pcs

💡 Strategy:

1. Start at Meibo City – Test 20-30 products (buy 5-10 pcs each = 100-300 total)
2. Identify best 5-10 products (based on sales at home)
3. Return to Meibo for 500-2,000 pcs of proven products
4. After 2-3 successful orders → Consider Yiwu for 5,000-10,000 pcs (lower price, but higher commitment)

If you want to local people as guide, please contact us