Frequently asked questions
Explore frequently asked questions. Review relevant fields, research methods and a sample matched to your product.
Get a data sample
Understand the fields, then review an actual sample. No real transaction data shown.Questions, answered.
What is US customs data?
In this website’s research context, the term refers to import-related shipment, manifest and trade records. They can help identify goods, named trading parties and shipping activity. Coverage depends on the source.
Is US import data the same as customs data?
The terms are often used together in buyer research. US import data here focuses on inbound shipment records and related company information, not every customs declaration or every possible field.
What is useful about bill-of-lading data?
It provides shipping context such as consignee, shipper, goods descriptions, ports and dates. It helps investigate trade relationships but does not prove current buying intent.
Who can use these records?
Export manufacturers, trading companies, supply-chain teams, brands and market researchers can evaluate the records for US market research.
Can I research a list of US buyers?
Use product descriptions, classifications, company names or locations to identify relevant entities, then verify their business role and product fit.
Are phone numbers and email addresses included?
Contact information requires separate matching and verification. It is not a standard guaranteed field in every shipment record; confirm availability in the actual sample.
Should I use Chinese or English product terms?
English product descriptions and synonyms are a useful starting point. You may also provide a Chinese description to the advisor to clarify specifications.
How do HS codes help?
They help organize or broaden product research. Confirm matches against descriptions and specifications because classification alone does not establish product fit.
How should I prioritize a potential buyer?
Consider product fit, repeated activity, recency within the available coverage and compatibility with your supply capacity. Verify the company before outreach.
What should I do with a buyer shortlist?
Validate the companies, segment by relevance and prepare an appropriate business approach. Do not treat a list as permission for indiscriminate messaging.
Can I research competitor customers?
A known supplier name or alias can be compared with related receiving entities and shipment descriptions. Verify matches and do not assume an exclusive relationship.
How can I investigate a new product market?
Compare relevant product terms and classifications, buyer types, origins and routes within a consistent time range. Check source limitations before interpreting demand.
Why can a company have several names or addresses?
Records may refer to subsidiaries, warehouses, intermediaries or spelling variants. Cross-check official company information and delivery context.
Can data replace sales development?
No. It can support research and prioritization, but does not replace product fit, pricing, certification, delivery, communication or follow-up.
Can I request a free sample?
Yes. Submit your product, HS code or reference company so an advisor can discuss a relevant sample and its available fields.
What should I include in my request?
Include product names, English keywords, any known HS code, target market, time range and your main research question. An HS code is not required to start the discussion.
Which sample fields can be available?
Depending on the source, they may include consignee, shipper, goods description, ports, dates, quantity, weight or classification. Confirm actual availability before use.
When is a demonstration useful?
Book a demonstration if you want help combining search terms or assessing whether the available records can answer a particular business question.
How often is the data updated?
Update timing varies by source and field. Confirm the latest available period and delivery schedule with the advisor; this website does not promise a universal live feed.
Why might value or contact fields be missing?
Not all sources publish the same fields. Contact matching is separate from shipment records, and missing values should not be treated as zero.
How should I assess accuracy?
Cross-check names, descriptions, dates and company details against other relevant information. Company status and contact details can change.
What should I consider about compliant use?
Follow applicable privacy, business communication and other requirements, together with your organization’s policies. Website content is not legal advice.
Why do results need human review?
Products can have several descriptions and classifications can include many variants. Review specifications, company roles and intended use before prioritizing a match.
Does no matching record mean there is no market?
No. Try relevant synonyms, supplier names or a broader classification, and check coverage limitations. A missing match does not establish the absence of demand.