Specify the form you need. Dried mushrooms ship as whole caps, sliced, or broken pieces. Whole caps carry the highest price and the widest use; pieces suit food processors making soups and sauces. Agree on the form before quoting — it changes the price by 20–30%.

Ask about the season. Fresh autumn-harvested wood ear (秋耳) arrives in September and October. Buying new-season stock means better texture, lower moisture, and longer shelf life for your customers.

Check the sulfur story. Some dried mushrooms are sulfured to preserve color. Third-party testing can be arranged to keep SO₂ below 100 mg/kg — a test report is the single fastest way to compare suppliers.

Grade by size and debris. Reputable exporters sort by cap diameter and remove stems and debris. Ask for the grade table and a physical sample before you commit to a full order.

Plan the MOQ and lead time. Standard bulk MOQ is 1 MT. During Q4 (Lunar New Year stocking season), book your container 4–6 weeks ahead — shipping space fills fast.