Canton Fair Window & Door Sourcing Checklist for Project Buyers

What to prepare before the fair, record during meetings and verify before requesting final quotations.

A Canton Fair window and door sourcing checklist keeps supplier meetings focused on project requirements rather than catalogs and general price discussions. It also makes quotations easier to compare after the trip.

Start by confirming the Canton Fair 2026 dates, phases and location. Window, door and building-material buyers should pay particular attention to Phase 2, from October 23 to 27, while checking the current exhibitor directory before finalizing meetings.

Before the Fair: Prepare a One-Page Project Brief

Create a short brief that can be understood quickly but does not expose unnecessary confidential information. Use the same version with every supplier so responses can be compared.

Prepare Drawings and a Window & Door Schedule

• Architectural floor plans and elevations where available
• Opening references and room/location identification
• Width, height and quantity
• Opening type and handing
• Frame color and finish
• Glass configuration or performance requirement
• Hardware and security requirements
• Screens, trims, flashing, subframes or other accessories
• Installation responsibility and interface conditions

If final drawings are not available, clearly label every dimension and specification as preliminary. This prevents budget quotations from being mistaken for production-ready offers.

Choose the Right Phase and Meeting Priorities

Phase 2 is the closest match for building and home-related sourcing. Read the Phase 2 building-material guide before building the schedule. Do not spend equal time with every exhibitor: prioritize suppliers whose product systems, manufacturing role and project experience match the brief.

Questions to Ask Each Window and Door Supplier

Product and Engineering

• Which system is recommended for this project and why?
• What are the profile depth, wall thickness and thermal-break details?
• Which sizes and opening configurations are within the system limits?
• Can the supplier prepare shop drawings and coordinate revisions?
• Which installation interfaces must be resolved by the buyer or contractor?

Glass, Hardware and Finishes

• What exact glass build-up is proposed?
• Which hardware brand and model are included?
• What security, load and corrosion options are available?
• How are colors and finish samples approved?
• How are substitutions controlled?

Performance and Documentation

• Which reports apply to the proposed system?
• Do tested dimensions and components match the project configuration?
• Which project-specific calculations or reviews may be required?
• What inspection records will be provided with production?

Record Every Meeting in the Same Format

Do Not Compare Unit Price Before Normalizing Scope

Two quotations can use the same dimensions while containing different profiles, glass, hardware, finishes, accessories, packaging and services. Before ranking prices, place every offer against one comparison specification and mark every exclusion.

• Product series and frame depth
• Aluminum specification and finish
• Glass build-up and safety treatment
• Hardware brand and configuration
• Screens, trims, subframes and accessories
• Shop drawings and engineering support
• Testing or documentation supplied
• Packaging and freight basis
• Spare parts and after-sales scope

Shortlist Suppliers for Verification

A good booth meeting earns a supplier a place on the shortlist; it does not complete due diligence. Use the factory inspection checklist to review the manufacturer’s materials, process, records, customization and export packaging.

KANOD is not exhibiting at the 140th Canton Fair. Buyers with active projects can arrange a separate visit to KANOD’s 30,000 m² manufacturing facility and 2,000 m² showroom in Foshan. The Foshan factory visit guide explains what to send and how to structure the appointment.

After the Fair: Use a 48-Hour Follow-Up Routine

1. Consolidate notes while meetings are still fresh.
2. Remove suppliers that do not match the required product or manufacturing role.
3. Send the same updated brief and drawing package to shortlisted suppliers.
4. Request clarification of exclusions before comparing prices.
5. Book technical calls or factory visits for unresolved questions.
6. Set a response deadline and assign one owner for each follow-up.

Common Sourcing Mistakes

• Collecting catalogs without recording why the supplier was shortlisted
• Requesting “best price” before defining glass, hardware and accessories
• Assuming all certificates apply to every system
• Comparing quotations with different scope
• Leaving opening direction and interior/exterior orientation unclear
• Failing to reserve time for factory verification
• Waiting too long after the fair to send drawings and questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Canton Fair phase is best for building-material buyers?

Phase 2 is the most relevant phase for building and decorative materials and related home categories.

Should I send drawings before meeting a supplier?

Yes. Even preliminary drawings help suppliers identify suitable systems and missing information. Clearly mark documents that are not approved for production.

Should I book a factory visit before travelling?

Yes. A scheduled visit allows the supplier to prepare relevant product systems, materials and technical staff.

Is KANOD exhibiting at the fair?

No. KANOD factory and showroom visits in Foshan are arranged separately by appointment.

Official Sources

• Canton Fair Official Website
• 140th Canton Fair Official Schedule Notice
• 140th Canton Fair International Pavilion Information
• Overseas Buyer Registration

Last reviewed: August 2026. Canton Fair schedules, categories and registration requirements may change. Verify the latest information with the organizer before travel.