Searching for products
The easiest way is to use BigChina's search. Find products that you interested in and add them to the favourites. Next to the product's name you've got producer's name. Write inquiries to every supplier and choose only reliable factories. About the price you will talk later...

Reliability
To check it, is a must. When you check a supplier take a look at: website with recommendations and full address details, full items descriptions, check the precision of company's work (many firms don't care about the precision and accuracy), ask on BigChina is there anyone who was trading with that company. If your company's big you may also ask for help in embassies and consulates (they don't reply to small enterpreneurs). It's a good idea to use trade agent, but you have to be carefull with that, check his credibility and recommendations.

Prices
It's good to haggle for your price, because it's always a chance for bargain, but don't go too far with it, unless you want to receive trash products.

Transport
Check as many shippers as you can, because the prices can be much different. Sometimes there's the problem with sneaky suppliers - they make a huge price for transport to have additional profits, but the real price is much lower. When you choose your shipper, choose the biggest. Usually they have (like TNT) their own Customs Agency and can delivery your package smoothly. They just know customs officers.