China-Based Sourcing Specialist Needed – Custom Premium Automotive Plastic Product

About the project

I am looking for an experienced China-based sourcing specialist to identify and negotiate with manufacturers for a custom premium automotive plastic product. I am specifically looking for someone with strong local market knowledge, fluent Mandarin and their own sourcing methods, supplier network and research channels. I do not want to prescribe where you should search. I am hiring a local specialist precisely because I want access to manufacturers and sourcing opportunities that may be difficult for an overseas buyer to discover independently. THE ASSIGNMENT I need two separate supplier shortlists: A. At least 5 manufacturers capable of producing only the custom decorative front component and B. At least 5 established manufacturers capable of producing the complete automotive wheel cover / hubcap, including the retention system The final objective is to compare both production routes and identify the most cost-effective solution. ⸻ PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS Approximate size: 400–440 mm diameter The exterior design has a relatively complex, sculpted 3D geometry and must have a premium appearance. Expected quantities: 1 prototype/sample 20 pcs 100 pcs 200 pcs 400 pcs and, where appropriate, 1,000 pcs Sizes required for the complete wheel-cover version: 15” / 16” / 17” ⸻ QUALITY AND PRICE ARE BOTH CRITICAL This is intended to be a premium product, therefore quality is non-negotiable. At the same time, I am sourcing in China specifically because I want a highly competitive manufacturing cost. I need suppliers capable of delivering: premium quality + reliable manufacturing + excellent finish + aggressively competitive pricing I am NOT looking for the cheapest possible product if quality suffers. I am also NOT interested in unnecessarily expensive prototype suppliers when a more efficient Chinese manufacturing solution exists. The objective is to identify the lowest realistically achievable manufacturing cost while fully maintaining premium quality and technical requirements. Strong supplier price negotiation is an important part of this assignment. ⸻ ROUTE A — DECORATIVE FRONT ONLY For the decorative front, the current material requirement is: virgin, automotive-grade, UV-stabilized ASA No PLA, PETG, recycled plastic, unidentified blends or low-grade substitutes. The supplier must provide the exact material grade and technical datasheet. The component must be suitable for: * long-term UV exposure * rain and moisture * high and low temperatures * road salt * automotive cleaning chemicals * vibration * premium surface finishing The supplier may propose the most economical suitable production technology. I am not committed to any specific manufacturing method. Expensive conventional tooling for every new design is undesirable. ⸻ ROUTE B — COMPLETE WHEEL COVER / HUBCAP I am particularly interested in existing, experienced wheel-cover manufacturers that already have a proven retention/base system for steel wheels. Ideally, the manufacturer should be able to: * reuse an existing proven 15”/16”/17” retention/base system * develop a completely custom premium exterior design * manufacture the complete finished product * offer premium finishing such as black chrome / smoked chrome / high-quality automotive coating * provide technical documentation for materials and retention * explain what retention, durability and environmental testing they perform I am NOT looking for a supplier that needs to develop the entire wheel-retention technology from scratch. For complete wheel covers, the manufacturer should recommend the technically appropriate automotive-grade material for the base/retention structure and exterior. ⸻ FOR EACH SUPPLIER I NEED * company name * factory location * direct contact person * confirmation: factory or trading company * manufacturing process * MOQ * tooling/setup cost * prototype/sample cost * price per unit at requested quantities * lead time * material manufacturer and grade * material datasheet availability * finishing capabilities * quality/testing capabilities * approximate shipping cost to Poland * any useful factory verification information Please negotiate the initial supplier quotations rather than simply forwarding their first price. ⸻ IMPORTANT I am particularly interested in manufacturers that may not be easily discoverable through standard English-language Google searches or international marketplaces. I want to benefit from your local knowledge, Mandarin communication skills, local sourcing channels, industry contacts and negotiation ability. Initial concept visuals will be shared privately when required. Full CAD/STL files will only be provided later to shortlisted manufacturers. ⸻ COMPENSATION This is a fixed-fee sourcing assignment. I require an independent sourcing specialist. No supplier commissions, undisclosed referral fees or hidden supplier markups. ⸻ PLEASE INCLUDE IN YOUR APPLICATION 1. Your current city in China 2. Your sourcing experience 3. Your experience with plastics, automotive parts or custom manufacturing 4. One or two examples of similar sourcing assignments 5. How you normally discover manufacturers beyond obvious international listings 6. Your fixed fee 7. Your estimated turnaround time The objective is simple: find excellent manufacturing quality at the most competitive realistic price available in China.

Skills required