posted on November 15, 2005 04:22:42 PM new
I have not been listing or working on my web site for a bit, and have been looking for some products to sell that could be profitable for us to start listing again. I have seen a number of items that might be good, but they would be imported from places like China, India, etc. I am not familiar with how importing works, what laws, regulations, etc. that I need to know to do this. I do have a business license, but don't know what else I might need. Any information would be appreciated, and I hope this doesn't classify the same as asking for information such as vendors, etc., that I know you have worked hard to find for yourself. If I could get pointed in the right direction that does not require your personal sources for information that would be helpful.I really need to get some products that can be of some profit to help us out here. My son and husband are severely disabled, and medical bills are getting too outrageous for us.
Thank you,
Pattie
posted on November 15, 2005 04:41:06 PM new
Before you think of direct importing,find out if there are US wholesalers who have these items ,it would save you a lot of money and headache.
Also beware of wholesalers who sell on ebay and many do.
I dont know where you live,but a trip to the wholesale district of your city will give you an idea what is avaiablle from China.
posted on November 15, 2005 04:59:20 PM new
Thank you hwahwa,
Good idea for sure. I remember going to some wholesale place in Seattle about 15 years ago with my sister, but we can't remember what or where it was. I can't find much just looking under wholesale in the phone book, any suggestions for finding them?
posted on November 15, 2005 05:12:34 PM new
call the local chamber of commerce,better business bureau,trade show organisers.
I know some cities have a building where they house wholesalers ,like in Chicago it would be called Merchandise Mart,in Dallas,there is a building i dont recall the name,in Houston it is on Harwin Street.
Retailers would also wholesale and give you a 20% discount if you buy enough,just show your license.
Check out the trade shows in your area-I know there are huge trade shows held in San Francisco and Los Angelos and Las Vegas.
I am sure there is a wholesale area in Seattle and if you are adventuresome,go into Vancouver China town.
posted on November 15, 2005 05:18:13 PM new
Pattie,
Contact your local Chamber of Commerce or Business Roundtable for local business info such as wholesalers and import brokers, or check in the yellow pages under Small Business. There's also a US Govt Dept that provides such info for free (your tax dollars at work), but I can't remember which one. hwahwa's advise is sound as you'll have better luck with a US wholesaler or importer, than attempting to negotiate with a Chinese manufacturer. Try and find a product that isn't sold on eBay so you can carve out a profitable niche. Good luck!
