posted on September 30, 2001 10:41:47 AM
I've never dealt directly with overseas suppliers and I've been approached by someone from China offering a certain popular item for significantly lower wholesale prices than I've found in the U.S. It sounds too good to be true. I'm wondering whether it's a scam. What are things a person should be aware of and investigate before dealing direct with foreign suppliers, especially from China? Any advice for a novice in dealing overseas? Thanks
posted on September 30, 2001 12:17:16 PM
Foreign suppliers trolling for business on the Internet are looking for one thing (if they are legitimate) a wholesale buyer willing and able to purchase in BULK. That means a container load usually. That translates to a 40'X10' foot container, 400 sq.ft. of product. Thousands of something, depending on size, or millions of CD's, etc.
Shipping, handling, product cost, and broker fees all up front, cashiers check or bank letter of credit. This is not for the average eBay reseller, the costs are very high as opposed to any potential savings.
posted on September 30, 2001 02:29:50 PM
You should check to see what kind of slave labor they use, the suppliers that use pro-democracy and political dissident prisoners tend to put out better products that than the slave camps that have mere peasants and common thiefs. It's great that you will help make these folks become useful to the Communist state while saving money to help build your e-bay sales.
posted on September 30, 2001 04:47:06 PM
Ask for referances here.
Be sure to carry insurance on it from the minute it leaves the dock in China - it is yours and if it is lost, damaged or the ship goes down - tough.
Watch out for rats - insects and disease transmitting objects in your shipment.
When you write to them - even an informal e-mail it is polite and appreciated if you start with a paragraph wishing them well and hoping all is going fine for them and their family but be careful not to sound like you are conserned about how their business is doing - just a personal note about their general happiness and good life, maybe a remark about the change of seasons where he is, before getting down to business. I have one fellow at a state run tool company and he always wrote that way to me so I always copied the format back to him.
he has remarked a couple times to the effect that it is nice to deal with someone who is not a barbarian, and that is all I can imaigine he has to feel that way.
posted on September 30, 2001 05:36:21 PM
I wouldn't do it, not unless you actually have know this person. We've bought large good quality lots from China, only because
my brothers wife is from there, and her brother oversees the buying and selling for their products. And we can pick and choose.
Otherwise you could be stuck with a huge container load, of who knows what, and one huge bill.
posted on September 30, 2001 05:44:24 PM
This is off topic in a way...but are ships able to dock and unload now in NY? I work part time at a hair salon here in Ohio, and one of the distributors has a shipment that has been held up in a ship off of NY habor since 9-11. It is taking forever to get through the backlog of ships and loads.
posted on September 30, 2001 05:53:22 PM
why are chinsese cargo usa bound coming to new york city??
usually they come to west coast.
if this is a popular product in usa as mentioned ,then it is mass produced.
importer marks them up and sell them to retailer.
if you can handle the large quantity-whole or half containerload and figure after paying for freight,customs,broker,insurance,wiretransfer fee etc and it is still cheaper than buying from importer,and you can trust the other party,then do it.
life is easier just going to your wholesaler and buy a few as you need.
also beware of stolen goods,employees often steal from their employers.
posted on September 30, 2001 08:59:28 PM
I personlly think if you are really interested go to a trade show in china ...You will make tons of REAL contacts. It will be the best thing you ever did ..
Call the china embassy they will help you out and give you info on the big trade shows...Then you can fly in for the weekend and fly out
posted on October 1, 2001 06:00:36 AM
Thanks for the advice! Turns out the fella wanted me to buy AT LEAST a million units. Yikes!!! I said thanks, but no thanks. I'll stick to my U.S. suppliers. Last thing I want is a million units on hand and watch the market for this item plummet!! Plus no way I'm putting up that kind of investment. I don't want to deal with all the hassle, and delivery would be a concern right now as some of you have pointed out. You guys brought up a lot of great points! Thanks.
I said thanks, but no thanks. I'll stick to my U.S. suppliers. Last thing I want is a million units on hand and watch the market for this item plummet!!