When I started sourcing custom metal parts from Vietnam, I tested over ten B2B platforms—and only a few were truly useful.
The most effective B2B platforms for sourcing custom metal parts from Vietnam are Alibaba, SourceVietnam.com, Vietnam Export, Kompass Vietnam, and LinkedIn. Each offers a different blend of supplier access, verification, and cost-efficiency.
When I started sourcing custom metal parts from Vietnam, I tested over ten B2B platforms—and only a few were truly useful.
The most effective B2B platforms for sourcing custom metal parts from Vietnam are Alibaba 1, SourceVietnam.com 2, Vietnam Export Portal 3, Kompass Vietnam 4, and LinkedIn 5. Each offers a different blend of supplier access, verification, and cost-efficiency.
But if you’ve ever sent RFQs and received no reply, or found suppliers that weren’t actual manufacturers, then you know how painful poor sourcing platforms can be. Let me walk you through what actually works.
Is Alibaba reliable for finding Vietnamese manufacturers?
I used to think Alibaba was only good for Chinese suppliers—until I filtered by country and found Vietnamese factories with ISO certifications and CNC photos right in their profiles.
Alibaba is reliable for sourcing custom metal parts from Vietnam if you use the right filters, verify certifications, and work only with suppliers who accept Trade Assurance 6.
Dive deeper into Alibaba’s sourcing process
When sourcing through Alibaba, here are some best practices I follow:
How to effectively filter suppliers:
- Use the “Country/Region” filter to select Vietnam.
- Under “Supplier Types”, choose “Manufacturer”, not “Trading Company”.
- Add production method filters like CNC machining, stamping, or casting.
Sample verification checklist:
| Criteria | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Factory photos | Real machines, employees, and facilities—not stock images |
| ISO Certification | ISO 9001 7 or IATF16949 for automotive-grade |
| Response Time | Replies within 24 hours are a good sign |
| Trade Assurance | Always request this for first orders |
Alibaba can be powerful—but only if you ask the right questions and verify samples. Otherwise, you’re at risk of overpromising and underdelivering.
What local platforms list verified Vietnam suppliers?
I’ve wasted time on Vietnamese B2B websites that looked promising but turned out to be abandoned or full of non-responsive suppliers.
The best local platforms for verified Vietnam suppliers are SourceVietnam.com 2, Vietnam Export Portal 3 (gov-run), and Kompass Vietnam 4. These offer curated directories and confirmed exporters.
Dive deeper into local sourcing platforms
Here’s how I compare the top 3:
Platform Comparison Table
| Platform | What It Offers | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| SourceVietnam.com | Vietnam-only B2B directory, trusted suppliers, flat-fee listings | Quick access to verified manufacturers | Some categories lack depth |
| Vietnam Export Portal | Government-run portal listing certified exporters | Firmographic data, export history | Limited product-level info |
| Kompass Vietnam | Detailed business profiles, supplier contacts | Cross-checking company legitimacy | Many are trading firms, not factories |
These sites are especially useful for confirming legitimacy before you send RFQs or payments. They reduce the risk of running into ghost suppliers.
How can LinkedIn help source custom metal parts?
To be honest, LinkedIn wasn’t even on my radar until a sourcing agent showed me how to find factory managers directly.
LinkedIn 5 helps you source custom metal parts by letting you connect directly with factory owners, engineers, and verified managers—often bypassing sales agents.
Dive deeper into LinkedIn as a sourcing tool
Here’s how I use LinkedIn effectively:
Search tips:
- Use keywords like “CNC Vietnam”, “metal stamping factory Vietnam”, “sheet metal supplier Ho Chi Minh”.
- Narrow by location (Vietnam), and filter by people working at manufacturing companies.
What to look for:
- Job titles like Production Manager, Founder, QC Engineer.
- Active company pages with factory photos, project case studies.
- Use LinkedIn messaging to ask directly: “Are you the manufacturer or a trading company?”
Bonus tip:
If you connect with one reliable factory, ask them to recommend others. Many metal suppliers know each other, especially within the same industrial zones.
Are sourcing agents better than B2B websites?
The first time I tried managing everything through B2B sites, I ended up juggling quotes, freight, quality issues—and had no one to blame when things went wrong.
Sourcing agents in Vietnam 8 are better than B2B websites when your parts require precision, large volume coordination, or strict quality control. For simpler jobs, B2B websites may be more cost-effective.
Dive deeper into the agent vs. platform decision
Sourcing Method Comparison
| Criteria | B2B Platforms | Sourcing Agents |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Fast for simple inquiries | Slower startup, faster coordination later |
| Control | Direct communication | Agent acts as filter/middleman |
| QC & Inspections | You must organize it | Often included in service |
| Cost | Lower up-front | Commission or service fee |
| Best For | One-off projects, simple parts | Repeat orders, complex assemblies |
In my experience, a hybrid approach works best:
- Start on a platform (Alibaba or SourceVietnam.com)
- Do sample validation yourself
- For complex or large orders, hire a local sourcing agent to manage inspection, logistics, and schedule follow-up.
Conclusion
When sourcing custom metal parts from Vietnam, combine verified B2B platforms like SourceVietnam and Alibaba with smart filters, sample validation, and—when needed—support from trusted sourcing agents.
Footnotes
1. Alibaba Vietnam page listing verified metal parts suppliers. ↩︎
2. SourceVietnam.com directory for verified Vietnam manufacturers. ↩︎
3. Vietnam Export Portal for certified exporters. ↩︎
4. Kompass Vietnam company database for supplier validation. ↩︎
5. LinkedIn platform for direct supplier connections. ↩︎
6. Alibaba Trade Assurance protects international buyers. ↩︎
7. ISO 9001 quality management certification explained. ↩︎
8. Guide to Vietnam sourcing agents and their advantages. ↩︎
9. Comparison of sourcing risks between B2B platforms and agents. ↩︎
10. Best practices for verifying suppliers before placing orders. ↩︎
