Don't know how to use customs data? These 3 filtering methods are enough for foreign trade beginners (with example queries).

Every newcomer to the industry knows about customs data, but I've seen too many newcomers give up because of just one sentence:

"Customs data is too messy, I can't understand it, and it's useless."

But to be honest—

It's not that customs data is useless, it's that you used the wrong method from the beginning.

Customs data isn't just for show; it has only one essential purpose:

Helps you find real buyers who are "continuously purchasing".

Today I won't talk about concepts or industry reports, but only about three screening methods that even foreign trade novices can use immediately . All of them are practical paths based on AB Customer Customs data , and you can implement them by simply copying them .

Recommended reading: How newcomers can cleverly utilize customs data to expand into overseas markets: The ultimate practical guide!

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First, beginners should correct a fatal misconception:

❌ Don't start by "filtering with all criteria"

Many beginners access customs data for the first time and do the following:

• Product Keywords

• HS code

• nation

• Amount range

• weight

• time

• Fuzzy matching of company names

The final result can be summed up in one sentence:

"Matched 0 records"

The truly effective approach is exactly the opposite—

First broaden the scope, then narrow it; first find people, then screen them.

The following three methods are the "starting techniques" that I always have new employees use when I'm training them.

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Method 1: Use only product keywords to find "people who are currently buying" (the first choice for beginners)

Who is it suitable for?

• I don't understand HS coding.

• Unknown target market

• Unclear competitive landscape

• 0-1 years old in the industry

The correct way to use it (taking Toy as an example)

In AB customer customs data , you only need to do 3 actions:

1️⃣Product keywords :

2️⃣ Country of origin :

3️⃣ Leave all other conditions blank.

Click on "Search".

What will you get?

• Real Buyer Name

• Actual Supplier

• Product Description (More Detailed Than You Imagine)

• Shipping frequency

• Transaction volume & time

The goal of this step is not "precision," but to confirm whether the product is "truly being traded continuously."

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3 essential screening signals for beginners

On the results page, focus on these three points:

1️⃣ Does the same buyer appear repeatedly?

→ This indicates a stable buyer, not a one-time order.

2️⃣ Is the procurement cycle regular (30 / 60 / 90 days)?

→ Only when there is a cycle is it worth following up in the long term.

3️⃣ Is the product description specific?

• ❌ "VARIOUS ITEMS"

• ✅ “PLASTIC TOYS / EDUCATIONAL TOYS / TOY CAR”

The more detailed the description, the more professional the procurement process.

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Method 2: Use the "Buyer Dimension" to reverse-engineer "Customers Who Can Be Followed Up"

Many newcomers make a mistake:

They only focus on the product, not the people.

But the starting point for foreign trade transactions is always:

People, not products.

Practical steps

When you see a particular buyer appearing repeatedly in the search results for "toy", for example:

• Records for 6 consecutive months

• Source of national stability

• There is a fixed quantity each time.

Next, do this:

1️⃣ Click on the [Buyer's Name]

2️⃣ Enter the buyer's details page

3️⃣ View:

• Main categories of goods purchased

• Number of cooperative suppliers

• Should we only partner with 1-2 suppliers?

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How do you determine if it can be pried off?

I'll give beginners a very useful criterion for judging:

✅ 1 buyer + multiple suppliers

→ There is room for negotiation regarding price, delivery time, and service.

→ Strongly recommend following up.

❌ 1 buyer + long-term cooperation with only 1 company

→ The relationship is extremely stable; beginners are not advised to force it.

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Method 3: Use [Time + Quantity] to filter out "false demands"

This is the most crucial step that 90% of beginners don't know how to do.

Why do we need to check the time?

because:

• One-time purchase ≠ real customer

• Continuous purchasing ≠ Guaranteed transaction

• Regular purchasing ≠ high-value customers

This is how it's used in AB customer customs data.

Once you have identified a specific group of toy buyers:

1️⃣ Filter time range:

2️⃣ Compare each record:

• Is the quantity stable?

• Does it increase month by month?

• Are orders placed repeatedly at the same time?

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Three types of clients to prioritize for new clients

✅ Stable procurement every 2–3 months

✅ Small quantity per instance, but continuous

✅ Consistent product descriptions and clear specifications

The conversion rate for this type of customer is much higher than that for customers who place large orders but do not repurchase.

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Beginner's Guide: Complete Filtering Path

If you don't want to remember anything, just follow this process:

1️⃣ Product keywords (in English)

2️⃣ Country of Origin: ALL

3️⃣ Find recurring buyers

4️⃣ Click to view buyer details

5️⃣ Consider the procurement cycle and quantity stability.

6️⃣ Export the list and start development.

This is the shortest path that a foreign trade novice can successfully navigate .

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Why do I recommend that beginners use AB Customer Customs data directly?

This isn't an advertisement; it's the truth.

Because it's beginner- friendly enough :

• You can search for product keywords directly; even if you don't understand HS (Hygiene & Quality Assurance), you can still use it.

• Clear buyer/supplier path

• The data dimensions aren't "scary," but they're sufficient.

• It can be exported directly, and development can begin immediately.

The value of customs data lies not in "viewing" it, but in "being able to use it".

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One last piece of advice from a veteran in foreign trade:

Customs data is not a tool only for "experts".

It's an amplifier that helps beginners avoid pitfalls .

If you use the right method, you'll be able to use it faster than anyone else.