posted on October 22, 2004 11:58:11 AM new
How do you buy overseas? I'm NOT looking into buying for Ebay but for the Yorkie Rescue site. I was looking for custom printed nylon to make leashes and harnesses out of and was doing a web search, and there are companies overseas that actually do it all. Their websites are actually in pretty good english too.
Do you just email and ask what are the minimum quanities and how much? They have several on China Trade directory and their email address is right there in their website.
Are you supposed to haggle with them about the price? I mean, is that expected or do you just accept their price?
I was just thinking if the price was right to have some leashes and harnesses made up that said something like Yorkie Rescue or www.YorkieRescue.com, since every dog has to be equipped with these it's stupid to pay $8.00 just for a dog harness. Plus YR could probably sell them in their online store and at events they go to.
I thought I could make some but they probably do it cheaper than I could buy the parts for it.
posted on October 22, 2004 12:29:10 PM new
Hi Glassgrl...yes, you are in the right place...for one site we deal with China and the Far East mfg.
Usually, they sell in large quantities.
However, you can rightfully request a couple of samples...or, tell them what you want them for, and may you purchase a small amount of left overs or....disgards.
They might just send them to you.
If it comes to a purchase, a stand by letter of credit or bank transfer is usually in order, or a specific credit card set up just for that transaction.
posted on October 22, 2004 01:11:30 PM new
I am so glad someone asked this question, as I have been wanting to find a supplier for some items for another project I have in mind.
posted on October 22, 2004 01:17:00 PM new
communciation is very important,make it very clear what you want,no slangs,no fancy words.
As to haggle,if you deal in small quantity,i dont think you stand a chance,but always ask for the best price,dont just accept what they quote you the first time.
also take into consideration -freight.
UPS is expensive in China and their post office is not to be trusted.
Certain items are not allowed out of china,some have to pay an export tax.
And then US customs may want to know what you are bringing in.
If you know what the code is,tell them to use it.
You may want to chat with your local freight forwarder,these are the guys who take your stuff from beginning to end,thru customs and to your doorstep.
-sig file -------Life is one big happy 'All You Can Eat' buffet .
posted on October 22, 2004 01:58:47 PM new
Hi... when first using a new supplier...we sould send a simple English email...asking if they communicated in English..if not, we use one of the translation services.
As far as mailing, much depends upon the quantity and size.
We have had large boxes mailed to us directly.
Stopwhinning is correct..there is a code for the type of product (dog goods) that is available - try to use that as well.
Also, since your looking into dog collars...the pet snacks such as pigs ears, etc...do very well on eBay.
posted on October 22, 2004 02:01:48 PM new
I know the supplier I deal with requires that you purchase 4 of each item. That's the lowest I could find. Most that I checked on required 6.
Cheryl
Protect the environment. Plant a tree and remove a Bush.
posted on October 22, 2004 02:59:48 PM new
The chinese has a huge tradeshow for their exported goods held once/twice a year in kwangtung(canton) china.
You can either fly to HK and then take a bus or train into the city or fly direct .
-sig file -------Life is one big happy 'All You Can Eat' buffet .
posted on October 22, 2004 03:04:16 PM new
The one piece of advice that I can offer is to be sure that you get a sample of the item, done the way that you want it (not just a blank) before committing. I deal with an importer in China for a lot of the stone items that I sell. There is a lot that can be lost in translation! What you are thinking and saying may not be what they are picturing. As far as a translator, most companies have their own translation people or programs. Also don't be afraid to ask questions about the product or the shipping. Often times they know what is the best or fastest or cheapest way to ship, however, if you act like you want it a certain way, they will allow you do to it that way. Pride and Face are still very strong in China.
Kevin
posted on October 22, 2004 04:16:11 PM new
I have suppliers in China, Thailand and South Korea. None of them have required a letter of credit but then, I'm a pay as you go kinda gal.
When I started working with each of the companies I simply emailed them with information on the items and quantites I was looking to purchase and asked if they were still available, turn around time, price confirmation and shipping with DHL. (It's not so much that UPS is dishonest - they are just incompetent). Half the companies I deal with allow payment via credit card directly, the others require a bank transfer.
First time you contact them, use very simple basic terms. The response will dictate how you deal with the situation on an ongoing basis. Some companies have CS employees that have advanced english skills but in most cases they are more basic. They can understand what you are saying but they are not native speakers and so their responses come across as a bit stilted and choppy.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on October 22, 2004 04:42:18 PM new
Along the lines of what Stop was saying, if you can't afford the trip or the time or just don't quite possess the adventurous spirit to travel to Asia for tradeshows the other option is go to the website of the show. Most websites include a list of tradeshow attendees including their contact info and website address if available.
To find out what the tradeshows are all you need is just one supplier in your product area - even if you hate their product. Keep an eye on their website, see if they list upcoming shows they will be at or just email them, ask them if they will be participating in any tradeshow in the near future. Once you have one trade show name you'll have all the supplier contacts you'll ever need.
posted on October 22, 2004 05:30:51 PM new
I like the way these people say it. Here's the rolling marquee on their website. I can understand MOST of it:
"Having any idea of making out product with webbing? We'd like to devote ourselves to your idea making it ture."
I'm sure that's supposed to be TRUE and not ture. And I'm looking forward to making out...
(my apologies in advance to booth4u if indeed you are in Hong Kong...I'm sure we sound just as odd to you with American slang)
I know Babelfish gets really odd in translating some things from one language to another. I've learned to put it in from BOTH languages just to check to see what I'm really saying. Some words just don't translate well. I tried to say great international bidder in German or Norwegian or some language and it came out so odd!
I don't understand what you all mean by CODE?
And one website says payment by T/T, L/C what does that mean?
thanks for the great advice!
[ edited by glassgrl on Oct 22, 2004 05:55 PM ]
posted on October 22, 2004 06:04:36 PM new
T/T is wiretransfer,L/C is letter of credit.
Your bank will charge you for wiretransfer,say 35 dollars.
Like Fenix said,DHL is the best if you are not buying a lot-they have customs broker at the airport to expedite customs clearance for you and then bring the shipment to your door.
-sig file -------Life is one big happy 'All You Can Eat' buffet .
