I am a small business owner that is exploring buying merchandise from
China.  Some of my manufacturers have factories there, and I am trying
to obtain more information on what would be involved with getting the
FOB goods from there to here.  I am looking for specific information
on all aspects, door to door.  What will be expected of me?  Is there
a risk?  How much can I expect to save compared to buying the same
goods in the US?  Information on the same but using a consolidator and
taking less than a container would be helpful, as well.

Hi,

For directory lists:

http://www.business-china.com/

http://chinasuppliers.alibaba.com/

http://www.chinainfo.org/index.shtml

BB

What type of products?  Taxes and import tarrifs differ on every good.
 The location of the factory also has an impact on the price.

Having first hand experience of this here are a few things to think about.
We recently purchased a container of spark plugs which we ordered in
China while conducting other business with various suppliers and after
looking at the samples but never saw the factory.
When the container arrived the packing was great but the spark plugs
can now be used as fishing weights.

1) Visit the companies with whom you want to deal with walk around the
factory floor pick up and examine the products have a list of " I
want's"

I want it labeled like this, I want instructions in English, and I
want to approve wording, I want... I want.

2) If financially possible Hire a Chinese Person who speaks your
language has knowledge of the products, set them up with a phone and a
computer and salary for around $8000 - $10000 depending the level of
qualifications. It might seem a little high for Chinese Standards, But
look at it this way we spent over $85000 on "Fishing Weights"

While you will have minor problems, Remember you will be paying these
companies more or less upfront.

I hope you dont take me up the wrong way, China is a great place to do
business and I love it. In fact I fly out to China on Saturday for two
weeks