The Paper Chase: Sourcing Stationery

Phase 3.

1. Key Categories

• Pens: Gel ink, Ballpoint.
• Notebooks: PU leather bound, Spirals.
• Art Supplies: Markers, Paints.

2. Production Hubs

• Ningbo (Ninghai): The Stationery Capital.
• Wenzhou: Famous for pens and packaging.

3. Ink Quality

• Swiss Tip / German Ink: Top factories use imported components for the core writing experience.
• Shelf Life: Cheap pens dry out in 6 months. Good pens last 2 years.

Summary

"Bullet Journaling" trends drive this market. Look for high GSM paper (100gsm+) that doesn't bleed through.