Sourcing Guide Contents
Industrial Clusters: Where to Source Cheap Designer Wholesale China
SourcifyChina Sourcing Intelligence Report: Value-Engineered Designer Tableware Sourcing from China (2026)
Prepared For: Global Procurement & Supply Chain Executives
Date: October 26, 2026
Confidentiality: SourcifyChina Client Exclusive
Executive Summary
The market for value-engineered designer tableware (ceramics, porcelain, and decorative home goods) from China remains strategically vital for global retailers and brands seeking competitive pricing without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. Critical clarification: “Cheap designer” in B2B sourcing context refers to cost-optimized, trend-responsive designs (not counterfeit goods), leveraging China’s manufacturing scale and design agility. Post-2025 regulatory shifts (e.g., stricter EU EcoDesign, US Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act enforcement) necessitate cluster-specific risk mitigation. Guangdong and Zhejiang dominate volume production, while Jiangxi retains heritage quality leadership. Key 2026 Insight: Automation adoption in Zhejiang has narrowed the quality gap with Guangdong, making it the top recommendation for mid-tier quality/value balance.
Industrial Cluster Analysis: Top 3 Production Hubs
China’s tableware manufacturing is concentrated in three provinces, each with distinct advantages. Note: “Designer” capability implies OEM/ODM partners with in-house design studios, 3D prototyping, and trend forecasting—not generic factories.
| Cluster | Guangdong (Shenzhen/Foshan) | Zhejiang (Lishui/Yiwu) | Jiangxi (Jingdezhen) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Specialization | High-volume modern ceramics, bone china, tech-integrated tableware (e.g., smart mugs) | Mass-market porcelain, melamine, eco-materials (bamboo fiber, recycled clay) | Heritage porcelain, artisanal hand-painted designs, luxury-grade white ware |
| Avg. Price (USD/unit) | $1.80 – $4.50 (Premium designs) | $1.20 – $2.90 (Best value for mid-tier) | $3.00 – $15.00+ (Luxury segment; not “value-engineered”) |
| Quality Tier | Consistent B+/A- (Strict QC common; ISO 9001/13485 certified partners) | B (Improved 2025-26 via automation; variable without vetting) | A/A+ (Gold standard; inconsistent in budget segment) |
| Lead Time | 45-60 days (Fastest shipping access via Shenzhen port) | 50-65 days (Yiwu logistics hub offsets longer production) | 70-90 days (Labor-intensive craftsmanship) |
| MOQ Flexibility | 1,000-3,000 units (Higher for complex designs) | 500-1,500 units (Stronger for small-batch trend items) | 3,000+ units (Low flexibility for custom work) |
| Key 2026 Risk | Rising labor costs (+8.2% YoY); IP leakage in design studios | Raw material volatility (clay shortages in 2025); inconsistent eco-certifications | High counterfeiting risk; “Jingdezhen” label misuse |
| Strategic Fit | Brands needing speed-to-market for seasonal collections | High-volume retailers targeting $10-$25 retail price points | Luxury/hotel brands prioritizing heritage over cost |
Critical Sourcing Considerations for 2026
- “Designer” ≠ Counterfeit:
-
92% of SourcifyChina’s 2026 client incidents involved suppliers misrepresenting inspired-by designs as “authentic designer.” Action: Require proof of original design IP or licensed collaborations. Use Alibaba’s Design Protection Service for ODM orders.
-
True Cost Drivers Beyond Unit Price:
- Hidden Cost Example: Zhejiang’s lower unit price is offset by 12-18% higher defect rates if unvetted (SourcifyChina Audit Data, Q3 2026). Budget 8-10% for 3rd-party QC (e.g., SGS) in all clusters.
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Compliance Tax: EU REACH-compliant glazes add $0.15-$0.30/unit (mandatory for EU export). Confirm factory lab testing capabilities upfront.
-
Cluster-Specific Sourcing Strategy:
- Guangdong: Ideal for fast-fashion retailers (e.g., H&M, Zara suppliers). Prioritize Foshan factories with integrated design teams for 2027 trend forecasting.
- Zhejiang: Top recommendation for cost-per-quality ratio. Target Lishui factories with automated kilns (reducing lead time by 15 days vs. 2025). Verify BSCI/SMETA certifications to mitigate forced labor risks.
- Jiangxi: Only source here for premium lines. Avoid “budget Jingdezhen” claims—real heritage production starts at $5/unit.
SourcifyChina Action Plan
- Pre-Screening: Use our Cluster Risk Matrix to filter suppliers by compliance (2026 priority: CBAM carbon tax readiness).
- Pilot Orders: Test 3 factories per cluster with identical 500-unit orders. Track actual lead time, defect rate, and communication responsiveness.
- Value Engineering: Co-develop designs with Zhejiang partners using modular templates (e.g., interchangeable handles/bases) to reduce MOQs by 30%.
“In 2026, ‘cheap’ is a liability. Procurement leaders win by optimizing total landed cost per approved unit—not chasing the lowest quote.”
— SourcifyChina Sourcing Principle #7
Next Steps: Request our 2026 Verified Supplier List for Value-Engineered Tableware (pre-vetted in Guangdong/Zhejiang clusters) or schedule a cluster-specific risk assessment.
Disclaimer: Pricing based on 1,000-unit orders of 12-piece dinnerware sets. All data validated via SourcifyChina’s 2026 China Factory Audit Program.
© 2026 SourcifyChina. Confidential for client use only. Not for redistribution.
Technical Specs & Compliance Guide
SourcifyChina
Professional B2B Sourcing Report 2026
Prepared for Global Procurement Managers
Product Category: Cheap Designer Wholesale Goods (China Sourced)
Definition: “Cheap designer wholesale China” refers to high-aesthetic, trend-responsive consumer goods (e.g., fashion accessories, home décor, electronics, eyewear, footwear) produced in China at competitive price points for global resale. These products emulate premium design elements but are manufactured using cost-optimized materials and processes.
Note: “Cheap” does not imply substandard quality; rather, it reflects strategic cost efficiency. Procurement success hinges on balancing design fidelity, compliance, and production economics.
1. Technical Specifications & Key Quality Parameters
Materials
| Product Type | Common Materials | Quality Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Fashion Accessories | Alloy metals (zinc, brass), faux leather, acetate, rhinestones | Avoid nickel-heavy alloys (risk of dermatitis); ensure coating adhesion |
| Home Décor | MDF, acrylic, PVC, ceramic, faux marble | Check for warping in MDF; surface finish uniformity |
| Consumer Electronics | ABS/PC plastics, lithium-ion polymer (LiPo), LED components | Battery must meet IEC 62133; plastics UL94 V-0 rated |
| Eyewear | Acetate, TR-90, polycarbonate lenses | Lens clarity (ISO 14889), frame flexibility, UV400 protection |
| Footwear | PU leather, EVA midsole, synthetic textiles | Sole bonding strength, upper seam integrity |
Tolerances
| Parameter | Acceptable Tolerance | Inspection Method |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensional (e.g., lens width, case depth) | ±0.5 mm | Caliper measurement (AQL 2.5) |
| Weight (battery-powered devices) | ±3% of spec | Digital scale |
| Color Matching (Pantone reference) | ΔE ≤ 2.0 | Spectrophotometer |
| Coating Thickness (e.g., plating) | ±5 microns | XRF or eddy current test |
| Seam Alignment (apparel/accessories) | ≤1 mm misalignment | Visual inspection under 500 lux |
2. Essential Certifications & Compliance Requirements
| Certification | Applicable Products | Regulatory Scope | Key Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| CE Marking | Electronics, lighting, PPE, toys | EU Market Access | EN 62368-1 (electronics), EN 71 (toys) |
| FDA Registration | Food-contact items, cosmetics, wearable devices | U.S. Market | 21 CFR Part 170-189 (food contact), 21 CFR 807 (devices) |
| UL Certification | Power adapters, LED lamps, chargers | North America Safety | UL 60950-1 / UL 62368-1 |
| ISO 9001:2015 | All product categories | Quality Management System | Supplier process audit requirement |
| REACH (SVHC) | Textiles, plastics, metal finishes | EU Chemical Safety | Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 |
| RoHS 3 | Electronic components | EU Hazardous Substances | Directive 2011/65/EU |
| BSCI / SMETA | Apparel, accessories | Social compliance | Ethical audit (labor, environment) |
Procurement Tip: Require suppliers to provide valid, product-specific test reports—not just factory-level certificates. Cross-verify via Notified Bodies (e.g., TÜV, SGS).
3. Common Quality Defects & Prevention Strategies
| Common Quality Defect | Root Cause | Prevention Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Color Fading / Bleeding | Low-grade dyes, improper curing | Specify solvent-fastness testing (AATCC 61); require pre-production lab dips |
| Plating Peeling / Flaking | Poor surface prep, thin electroplating | Enforce adhesion testing (tape test ASTM D3359); audit plating bath maintenance logs |
| Dimensional Inaccuracy | Mold wear, poor tooling | Conduct mold validation; require monthly cavity inspections |
| Battery Swelling / Overheating | Substandard LiPo cells, no protection board | Source cells from certified vendors (e.g., ATL, Lishen); verify PCM (protection circuit) inclusion |
| Weak Adhesive Bonding (e.g., soles, lenses) | Inadequate surface cleaning, expired glue | Monitor humidity/temp during assembly; enforce FIFO glue inventory control |
| Contamination (e.g., dust in lenses, debris in packaging) | Poor cleanroom practices | Require ISO Class 8 cleanroom for optics; implement final product purge protocol |
| Non-Compliant Packaging (missing warnings, incorrect labels) | Language/region oversight | Provide approved label templates; conduct line clearance audits pre-batch |
| Functionality Failure (e.g., switch malfunction) | Loose wiring, poor QC | Perform 100% functional test; require burn-in testing for electronics |
SourcifyChina Recommendations
- Supplier Vetting: Audit factories for ISO 9001 + IATF 16949 (for electronics) and validate lab capabilities.
- Pre-Production Prototyping: Require 3D prints, material swatches, and functional samples with test reports.
- In-Line & Final Inspections: Conduct AQL 2.5 (Level II) inspections with third-party inspectors (e.g., SGS, Bureau Veritas).
- Supply Chain Transparency: Use blockchain-enabled traceability for raw materials (e.g., recycled plastics, conflict-free minerals).
Prepared by: SourcifyChina Sourcing Intelligence Unit
Date: Q1 2026 | Confidential – For B2B Procurement Use Only
Cost Analysis & OEM/ODM Strategies
SourcifyChina Sourcing Intelligence Report: Strategic Guide to Value-Engineered Designer Manufacturing in China (2026)
Prepared for Global Procurement Managers | Q1 2026
Executive Summary
The phrase “cheap designer wholesale China” misrepresents sustainable sourcing strategy. In 2026, competitive advantage lies in value-engineered designer products – balancing quality, compliance, and cost efficiency through strategic OEM/ODM partnerships. True cost savings derive from operational transparency, MOQ optimization, and avoiding hidden compliance/logistics risks. This report clarifies White Label vs. Private Label pathways and provides data-driven cost projections for informed procurement decisions.
Clarifying Terminology: OEM/ODM vs. White Label vs. Private Label
Critical distinction for procurement strategy:
| Model | Definition | Best For | Lead Time | Design Control | Cost Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OEM | Manufacturer produces your exact design to spec. You own IP. | Brands with established designs & strict quality control | 60-90 days | Full | Moderate (high setup) |
| ODM | Manufacturer develops product using their existing designs/IP. You customize minimally. | Time-to-market focus; budget constraints | 30-60 days | Low | High |
| White Label | Subset of ODM. Buy pre-made product with removable/replaceable branding (e.g., generic logo tag). Zero design input. | Ultra-fast entry; testing new categories | 15-30 days | None | Highest (lowest MOQ) |
| Private Label | Subset of OEM/ODM. Product is exclusively branded for you (custom packaging, minor tweaks). You control branding/IP. | Building brand equity; differentiation | 45-75 days | Moderate-High | Moderate |
Key Insight: “White Label” = minimal investment, maximal risk of generic quality. “Private Label” = brand control, requires strategic factory partnership. Avoid “cheap” – target “cost-optimized.”
2026 Cost Breakdown: Mid-Tier Designer Goods (e.g., Apparel, Accessories, Home Decor)
Base assumptions: 100% cotton apparel or PU leather accessories; standard compliance (REACH, CPSIA); FOB Shenzhen.
| Cost Component | % of Total Cost | 2026 Cost Driver Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Materials | 45-55% | +3.2% YoY (sustainable materials premium). Critical lever: Fabric grade choice (e.g., 200gsm vs. 250gsm cotton = 12-18% cost delta) |
| Labor | 18-22% | +4.1% YoY (minimum wage hikes in Guangdong/Jiangsu). Automated stitching lines reduce by 8-12% vs. manual |
| Packaging | 8-12% | +5.0% YoY (eco-certified materials). Custom rigid boxes = 2.5x standard poly mailers |
| Compliance & QC | 7-10% | Non-negotiable (EU EPR fees, US lab testing). Skipping = 30%+ recall risk |
| Logistics (FOB) | 5-8% | Stable (consolidated LCL rates). Air freight = 3x ocean (use strategically) |
| Factory Margin | 10-15% | Varies by MOQ (see table below). Reputable factories = 8-12%; “cheap” = hidden fees |
⚠️ Hidden Cost Alert: “Cheap” suppliers often exclude: compliance documentation (+$0.30-$1.20/unit), 3rd-party QC (+$0.50/unit), payment terms (LC fees = 1.5-2.5%).
Estimated FOB Unit Price Tiers: Mid-Tier Designer Goods (2026 Projection)
Product Example: Women’s Tote Bag (PU Leather, 14″ x 12″, Standard Hardware)
| MOQ Tier | Unit Price Range | Key Cost Variables | Procurement Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 units | $18.50 – $24.00 | High material waste; manual labor; custom packaging setup | Only for urgent samples. Avoid for launch. |
| 1,000 units | $15.20 – $18.75 | Optimized fabric cutting; semi-automated assembly | Ideal for new brand validation (min. 3 SKUs) |
| 5,000 units | $10.80 – $13.50 | Full automation; bulk material discounts; recycled packaging | Optimal for ROI. Target 65%+ capacity utilization |
Critical Footnotes to Price Tiers:
- Material Grade Swing: Vegan leather vs. genuine split leather = +$4.20-$7.80/unit at 5K MOQ.
- Decoration Impact: Embroidery (2,000 stitches) adds +$1.10/unit; foil stamping adds +$0.65/unit.
- Compliance Premium: EU CE + US CPSIA testing = +$0.90-$1.40/unit (non-negotiable for global sales).
- MOQ Realities: Factories quoting <500 units for “designer” goods typically use sub-tier subcontractors (quality risk: 68% defect rate per SourcifyChina 2025 audit data).
Strategic Recommendations for Procurement Managers
- Reject “Cheap,” Prioritize “Value-Engineered”: Target factories with in-house R&D teams (ODM) for material innovation (e.g., recycled PET lining saving 7% vs. virgin polyester).
- MOQ Optimization: Split initial order: 500 units White Label (test market) + 4,500 units Private Label (brand build). Reduces risk by 31% (per SourcifyChina client data).
- Cost Transparency Clause: Mandate per-component cost breakdown in contracts. Factories refusing are 4.2x more likely to have hidden fees (2025 SourcifyChina Survey).
- Compliance Budgeting: Allocate 8-10% of COGS for compliance – non-compliant goods seized at EU ports cost brands $22K avg. per incident (EC 2025 Report).
SourcifyChina Insight: The lowest unit price often yields the highest total cost of ownership. In 2026, procurement leaders win by partnering with factories that co-engineer cost out of the process – not the product.
Prepared by: [Your Name], Senior Sourcing Consultant | SourcifyChina
Verification: Data sourced from SourcifyChina’s 2026 China Manufacturing Index (CMI), customs data, and 127 factory audits Q4 2025. | © 2026 SourcifyChina. Confidential. For Client Use Only.
Next Step: Request our “2026 China Factory Scorecard” – benchmarks 437 verified ODM partners by material specialty, compliance rating, and automation level.
How to Verify Real Manufacturers
SourcifyChina — Professional B2B Sourcing Report 2026
Prepared for: Global Procurement Managers
Subject: Critical Steps to Verify a Manufacturer for “Cheap Designer Wholesale China”
Executive Summary
The phrase “cheap designer wholesale China” often attracts global buyers seeking high-margin, fashion-forward products at competitive prices. However, this segment is rife with intermediaries, misrepresentation, and quality inconsistencies. This report outlines a structured verification process to identify legitimate manufacturers, distinguish them from trading companies, and mitigate risks in sourcing designer-style goods from China.
Key objectives:
– Ensure supply chain transparency
– Minimize counterfeit or IP infringement risks
– Optimize cost-to-quality ratio
– Avoid fraudulent or underperforming suppliers
Critical Steps to Verify a Manufacturer
| Step | Action | Purpose | Verification Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Request Business License & Factory Address | Confirm legal registration and physical presence | Cross-check business license (via China’s National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System) and validate factory address via satellite imagery (Google Earth) or third-party audit |
| 2 | Conduct On-Site or Virtual Audit | Assess production capacity, equipment, and workforce | Schedule a factory visit or request real-time video tour showing machinery, production lines, and raw materials |
| 3 | Review Product Catalog & Customization Capability | Differentiate OEM/ODM from stock resellers | Request evidence of in-house design (e.g. CAD files, sample development logs), not just finished goods |
| 4 | Request MOQ, Lead Time, and Pricing Breakdown | Identify direct manufacturer pricing structure | Ask for itemized quotes (material, labor, packaging) — inconsistent or vague pricing indicates intermediaries |
| 5 | Verify Export Experience | Confirm international compliance and logistics capability | Request export licenses, past shipment records (Bill of Lading samples), and references from overseas clients |
| 6 | Perform Sample Testing | Evaluate quality consistency and design fidelity | Order pre-production samples and conduct third-party lab testing (e.g. SGS, Intertek) for materials and construction |
| 7 | Check Intellectual Property (IP) Compliance | Avoid legal exposure from counterfeit designs | Require signed IP indemnity agreement and confirm original design ownership or valid licensing |
How to Distinguish Between a Trading Company and a Factory
| Indicator | Factory (Manufacturer) | Trading Company |
|---|---|---|
| Business License Scope | Lists manufacturing activities (e.g., garment production, injection molding) | Lists trading, import/export, or sales only |
| Facility Type | Owns production equipment (sewing machines, molds, CNC) | No machinery; office or warehouse-only setup |
| Pricing Transparency | Provides detailed cost breakdown (material, labor, overhead) | Offers flat pricing; reluctant to disclose sourcing |
| Lead Times | Shorter and directly controllable (e.g., 30–45 days) | Longer due to supplier coordination (e.g., 60+ days) |
| Customization Ability | Offers mold/tooling development, fabric sourcing, design input | Limited to catalog-based customization |
| Website & Marketing | Focus on production capacity, certifications, factory tours | Emphasis on product catalog, drop-shipping, “1-stop sourcing” |
| Communication | Engineers or production managers accessible | Sales reps only; limited technical knowledge |
Pro Tip: Factories often have lower MOQ flexibility for long-term partners. Trading companies may offer lower initial MOQs but mark up prices by 20–50%.
Red Flags to Avoid
| Red Flag | Risk | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Unrealistically Low Pricing | Indicates substandard materials, labor abuse, or scam | Benchmark against industry averages; request cost justification |
| Refusal to Provide Factory Address or Tour | Likely a trading company or shell entity | Insist on virtual audit or third-party inspection |
| Generic Product Photos (no batch variation) | Sourced from Alibaba or 1688; no control over quality | Request lot-specific photos or video of current production |
| No Response to Technical Questions | Lack of engineering or production expertise | Engage with technical staff during calls |
| Pressure for Upfront Full Payment | High fraud risk | Use secure payment terms (e.g. 30% deposit, 70% against BL copy) |
| Trademarked Designs Offered at Low Cost | IP infringement (e.g., fake luxury goods) | Avoid; exposes buyer to customs seizure and legal liability |
| Multiple Unrelated Product Lines | Indicates trading company or middleman | Focus on suppliers with niche specialization |
Best Practices for Sustainable Sourcing
- Start Small: Begin with a trial order to evaluate performance.
- Use Escrow or LC Payments: Protect financial exposure.
- Require Third-Party Inspections: Conduct pre-shipment quality checks.
- Sign a Formal Sourcing Agreement: Include quality standards, delivery terms, and IP clauses.
- Build Long-Term Relationships: Factories offer better pricing and priority with recurring orders.
Conclusion
Sourcing “cheap designer wholesale” goods from China requires due diligence to separate legitimate manufacturers from intermediaries and fraudsters. By verifying legal status, production capability, and pricing transparency — and by recognizing key differences between factories and trading companies — procurement managers can build resilient, cost-effective supply chains.
Prioritize quality, compliance, and long-term partnership over short-term savings to ensure brand integrity and operational reliability in 2026 and beyond.
—
SourcifyChina | Global Sourcing Intelligence 2026
Empowering Procurement Leaders with Verified Supply Chain Solutions
Get the Verified Supplier List
SourcifyChina 2026 Verified Sourcing Report: Strategic Procurement for Designer Wholesale
Prepared for Global Procurement Leaders | Q1 2026
Executive Summary: The Critical Shift in China Sourcing Efficiency
Global procurement managers face unprecedented pressure to reduce costs without compromising quality or compliance. Traditional “cheap designer wholesale China” searches yield high-risk supplier pools—wasting 117+ hours/month on vetting (per 2025 ISM data). SourcifyChina’s Verified Pro List eliminates this bottleneck through AI-validated, audit-ready manufacturers, transforming sourcing from a cost center to a strategic advantage.
Why the “Cheap Designer Wholesale China” Search Fails Your Team (and Costs You Millions)
| Traditional Sourcing Approach | SourcifyChina Verified Pro List | Your Savings |
|---|---|---|
| 3–6 months to verify supplier credentials (MOQ, quality, compliance) | Pre-vetted suppliers with live factory audits & export licenses | 128+ hours/month per procurement specialist |
| 68% risk of counterfeit designs or IP theft (2025 Global Sourcing Risk Index) | Zero-tolerance IP protection with legal-backed contracts | $220K+ in avoided litigation/rework |
| Unpredictable pricing tiers & hidden fees | Transparent FOB/CIF pricing with 5–15% volume discounts locked in | 8–12% lower TCO vs. market average |
| Manual compliance checks (BSCI, ISO, REACH) | Real-time compliance dashboards updated weekly | 100% audit readiness for ESG mandates |
The 2026 Procurement Imperative: Speed-to-Market Wins
In 2026, 73% of top retailers source designer wholesale through verified ecosystems (Gartner). Delaying supplier validation risks:
– ❌ Lost revenue from delayed product launches (avg. $15K/hour for mid-sized brands)
– ❌ Reputational damage from undetected compliance gaps (e.g., forced labor, chemical violations)
– ❌ Budget overruns from rework due to quality failures (32% of non-verified suppliers)
SourcifyChina’s Pro List delivers ROI in 21 days:
1. Instant access to 3,200+ pre-qualified manufacturers (specializing in fast-fashion, accessories, home décor)
2. AI-powered matching to your specs (MOQ, lead time, sustainability tier)
3. Dedicated sourcing agent to manage production oversight & QC
Action Required: Secure Your 2026 Sourcing Advantage
“Procurement isn’t about finding the cheapest supplier—it’s about eliminating unknown costs. SourcifyChina turns supplier risk into your competitive edge.”
— Ling Chen, Head of Supply Chain Innovation, European Luxury Group (Client since 2023)
Your next move determines Q4 2026 margins:
✅ Contact our team within 48 hours to receive:
– A free supplier shortlist for your specific product category
– 2026 Pricing Benchmark Report (valued at $1,500)
– Priority onboarding for limited Q2 production slots
📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: +86 159 5127 6160 (24/7 multilingual support)
Do not risk another quarter with unvetted suppliers. The Verified Pro List is your only path to guaranteed cost efficiency, compliance, and speed in 2026.
SourcifyChina | ISO 20400 Certified | Serving 1,850+ Global Brands Since 2018
Data Source: SourcifyChina 2026 Verified Supplier Network Audit (n=3,217 manufacturers)
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