Sharing my lifetime experience in export/import. Product sourcing specialist.

[Spstepp]

I called my bank in the UK and the advisor said they don't deal with L/C's, and that other high street banks likely don't deal with them either. I just called Barclays as well and the guy had no idea what it was.

You might find that muloot . com can help.

 

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[Villain]

I spoke to a bunch of banks today. My Chinese isn't stellar but from what I gather, both parties must have a company. This would be fine in a typical import/export deal but my buyer is just a regular person who wants of a bunch of stuff imported.

Is there a way to safely sell to individual consumers in China using a 3rd party service (something equivalent to an L/C), or do I just need to ask for payment up front?

Thanks again.

 

[Walter Hay]

I spoke to a bunch of banks today. My Chinese isn't stellar but from what I gather, both parties must have a company. This would be fine in a typical import/export deal but my buyer is just a regular person who wants of a bunch of stuff imported.

Is there a way to safely sell to individual consumers in China using a 3rd party service (something equivalent to an L/C), or do I just need to ask for payment up front?

Thanks again.

You can sell direct to consumers on Taobao, 1688.com, or T-Mart. All are owned by Alibaba. You can advertise on T-Mart in English, but would need to use Chinese for the other two.

Walter

 

[secondhanddog]

Thanks Walter. Interesting points on using Trade Assurance.

For all samples I use either paypal or Trade Assurance post-delivery for protection now. You have made me question using it for the full order, but I'll make sure everything is in the contract before ordering.

Let me just reply to myself. Ended up filing a trade assurance complaint and the manufacturer offered a $50 refund after admitting they made a mistake (and complained about time and material costs).

Have negotiated up to $100 refund (40% refund) , not sure if it's worth escalating to alibaba to go for a full refund. From what I've read ali aren't great on that. Only benefit for me is I was very specific and clear in the requirements and have good proof they didn't follow them a 100%.

 

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[Walter Hay]

Let me just reply to myself. Ended up filing a trade assurance complaint and the manufacturer offered a $50 refund after admitting they made a mistake (and complained about time and material costs).

Have negotiated up to $100 refund (40% refund) , not sure if it's worth escalating to alibaba to go for a full refund. From what I've read ali aren't great on that. Only benefit for me is I was very specific and clear in the requirements and have good proof they didn't follow them a 100%.

Thanks for the real life account. Your experience is typical of the experiences reported to me by numerous new importers.

The take-home message is: Don't rely on Alibaba's buyer protection schemes. If you do, you must be realistic and not expect to get what is promised. A 40% refund is better than none, and a big fight with Alibaba could have resulted in you receiving none.

The best protection is due diligence, and I would add that I would only use Alibaba as a last resort. This is why I list alternatives in my book.

Walter

 

[secondhanddog]

The take-home message is: Don't rely on Alibaba's buyer protection schemes. If you do, you must be realistic and not expect to get what is promised. A 40% refund is better than none, and a big fight with Alibaba could have resulted in you receiving none.

Very true. If they had completely f*cked up the sample I'd be asking for more or replacements, but they were really 60% of the way there. It's strange to think you'll have to spend a few hundred bucks to find a supplier you can work with (even gold listed suppliers aren't completely bulletproof).

 

[JSM]

Hi Walter,

I know that you talked about sourcing locally from the US in your book. What kind of legal implications come with buying from manufacturers in the US. I think I remember someone on the forum talking about there being a bunch of headaches that come with it but I can't remember who it was or where I saw it.

Thanks

 

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[Walter Hay]

Very true. If they had completely f*cked up the sample I'd be asking for more or replacements, but they were really 60% of the way there. It's strange to think you'll have to spend a few hundred bucks to find a supplier you can work with (even gold listed suppliers aren't completely bulletproof).

I believe that the best use of your money when searching for suppliers is to visit the country and visit the factories. There you can not only verify with a reasonable degree of certainty that you are dealing with a real manufacturer, but you can see the product quality on the spot.

For any readers thinking of doing this, don't judge quality by the samples on display in their showroom, they will be usually be the best. Examine ones that are ready for packing.

I have posted previously in this thread about visiting China, and I suggest you search for that. There are detailed instructions in Chapter 12.1, and 12.2 of my book also.

Gold Suppliers are far from bulletproof. In fact as I have often written, Gold Supplier badges are worthless in their own right.

Walter

 

[Walter Hay]

Hi Walter,

I know that you talked about sourcing locally from the US in your book. What kind of legal implications come with buying from manufacturers in the US. I think I remember someone on the forum talking about there being a bunch of headaches that come with it but I can't remember who it was or where I saw it.

Thanks

I am not aware of any legal implications when buying from local manufacturers, other than the universal product liability issues. They apply whether you buy locally or overseas.

The big difference in that regard is that local suppliers can't avoid their liability, whereas suppliers in China and other countries where the legal system is a mind-numbing and massively expensive maze will thumb their noses at anyone making a liability claim.

Walter

 

[ALC]

@Walter Hay Hi Walter, hope you're doing well.

I have a question, can't find it online or maybe using the wrong keywords, can we search a product on Amazon but only with 1 star reviews ?
By that i mean, everytime i click on the 1 star reviews, i got a bunch of 4/5 stars products but can't find only 1/2 stars products, is there a solution ?

Thanks for taking the time,
Alessio.

 

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[Walter Hay]

@Walter Hay Hi Walter, hope you're doing well.

I have a question, can't find it online or maybe using the wrong keywords, can we search a product on Amazon but only with 1 star reviews ?
By that i mean, everytime i click on the 1 star reviews, i got a bunch of 4/5 stars products but can't find only 1/2 stars products, is there a solution ?

Thanks for taking the time,
Alessio.

Sorry but I am not the one to ask. There are Fastlane members far more expert in Amazon than I am. Look for posts by @steven, @amp0193 and @biophase for a start.

If you are a member of the PAC Facebook support group they will have all the answers. If you haven't signed up for the Proven Amazon Course and want to see what they offer I will send you a link that also includes a free copy of my sourcing and importing book.

Walter

 

[ALC]

Sorry but I am not the one to ask. There are Fastlane members far more expert in Amazon than I am. Look for posts by @steven, @amp0193 and @biophase for a start.

If you are a member of the PAC Facebook support group they will have all the answers. If you haven't signed up for the Proven Amazon Course and want to see what they offer I will send you a link that also includes a free copy of my sourcing and importing book.

Walter

I'll take a look at their threads before, thank you.




Envoyé de mon iPhone en utilisant Tapatalk

 

[amp0193]

I'll take a look at their threads before, thank you.
Envoyé de mon iPhone en utilisant Tapatalk

Hey Alessio,

Amazon doesn't allow you to sort by low stars first, because they are customer centric and why on earth would a customer want to find products with low reviews?


However, you could set the products in the search results to show for "1 star and up", and then go to the very last page of the search results. This option doesn't mean Just 1-star products, it's 1-star and up. A fast way to do this is just to change the page number in the URL (there are 1 or 2 of them):

Alternatively, you could use a software like the Junglescout Webapp to search and sort products based on different criteria (like number of stars). This would probably be the most effective way to do this kind of research, although last time I used the Junglescout webapp it was somewhat limited in the number of products it had in it's database. I imagine this has improved over time, however.

 

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[ALC]

Hey Alessio,

Amazon doesn't allow you to sort by low stars first, because they are customer centric and why on earth would a customer want to find products with low reviews?


However, you could set the products in the search results to show for "1 star and up", and then go to the very last page of the search results. This option doesn't mean Just 1-star products, it's 1-star and up. A fast way to do this is just to change the page number in the URL (there are 1 or 2 of them):

Alternatively, you could use a software like the Junglescout Webapp to search and sort products based on different criteria (like number of stars). This would probably be the most effective way to do this kind of research, although last time I used the Junglescout webapp it was somewhat limited in the number of products it had in it's database. I imagine this has improved over time, however.

Thanks Amp! I heard about this software while researching yesterday, does the JScout database is for the US only or worldwide ?

I'm in France so i would prefer to get the FR/EU database and see what i can improve..
(while my other project take time to be realized)




Envoyé de mon iPhone en utilisant Tapatalk

 

[amp0193]

Thanks Amp! I heard about this software while researching yesterday, does the JScout database is for the US only or worldwide ?

I'm not sure about Jscout database being worldwide or not. Find out directly from them. I never used the webapp beyond playing around with a free trial a year ago.

 

[ChapoJR]

CHINESE FREIGHT FORWARDERS
Having spent a lot of time over the past few months researching and checking up on a Chinese freight forwarder that had been recommended to me, I was on the verge of sending out to all my book readers a notice recommending them, but I still had a few more places to check before I was satisfied.

The very last one set off the alarm bells. What appeared to be an excellent record was not all that it appeared to be. I discovered that an associated company had been implicated in a freight scam. It was a totally separate entity, not a subsidiary, but I was able to identify common ownership.

I had been in frequent contact with what I had been told was a good company to deal with, but knowing now about their shady side, I obviously won't recommend them. This experience leads me to again urge caution in allowing suppliers to arrange freight for you, or to arrange it yourself through a Chinese forwarder.

I posted on this subject (Jul 25, 2017 #1358) previously, but my extensive recent research has found that the alarming incidence of shipments being held for ransom continues to grow. There have been so many cases over the past few years that it would make me very wary.

Some of the cases have involved the setting up of bogus shipping companies, who issue fake Bills of Lading. Those companies come complete with forged business registration certificates, and websites that appear to be aged. Fake testimonials naming genuine businesses, mostly in the USA give a good impression.

I checked out every testimonial provided by the forwarder I was assessing, and they were genuine, but when I found the website belonging to the other forwarding company with common ownership it was a different story. The first couple I checked were genuine, so they must have gone to the trouble of doing a couple of genuine transactions in order to get those testimonials. No doubt they expected that few people bother checking, and even less will check every testimonial.

The remaining US businesses named didn't exist!

Possibly the most common form that the forwarding scams take involves the issuing of a genuine Bill of Lading, a copy of which is sent to the importer, together with a commercial invoice and packing list. They say that the original B/L is in the mail, but by the time the shipment arrives in your destination port the B/L has still not arrived.

When you contact the freight forwarding scammer you find that they demand a payment that could be many times the amount you have already paid for freight.

Without the original B/L you cannot prove ownership of your goods, and Customs will not release the shipment without it either, so you either abandon the shipment you have already paid for, or pay up and hope they will send the B/L.

I suggest that it is not worth the risk involved in saving a few hundred dollars on freight by using Chinese forwarders. If any Fastlane members have had good experience with any, I would appreciate hearing from you.

Walter

I used a Chinese freight forwarder who was recommended to me by my factory for my most recent shipment. They basically told me it was the company which handles all their exports to their customers. (let me know if you want the name of the forwarding company for research)

I had no issues, they shipped it to my local airport and I contacted a local forwarding company in my airport city to arrange the customs clearance, which was probably the most expensive part of the entire process in hindsight.

Just wondering how you would usually go about this, or if there's a cheaper/more effective way to do this? Would I be better off hiring the local forwarding company I used for the customs clearance to instead arrange the collection from my factory, air freight shipment from China to my local airport and customs clearance all in one? I'd imagine this has already been addressed so if you'd rather send me to somewhere you've mentioned this before that's completely fine.

From reading your post it appears I was pretty lucky and negligent, I didn't put much thought into it once my factory made the suggestion as I rather just let them handle it which could certainly have ended badly.

 

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[Walter Hay]

I used a Chinese freight forwarder who was recommended to me by my factory for my most recent shipment. They basically told me it was the company which handles all their exports to their customers. (let me know if you want the name of the forwarding company for research)

I had no issues, they shipped it to my local airport and I contacted a local forwarding company in my airport city to arrange the customs clearance, which was probably the most expensive part of the entire process in hindsight.

Just wondering how you would usually go about this, or if there's a cheaper/more effective way to do this? Would I be better off hiring the local forwarding company I used for the customs clearance to instead arrange the collection from my factory, air freight shipment from China to my local airport and customs clearance all in one? I'd imagine this has already been addressed so if you'd rather send me to somewhere you've mentioned this before that's completely fine.

From reading your post it appears I was pretty lucky and negligent, I didn't put much thought into it once my factory made the suggestion as I rather just let them handle it which could certainly have ended badly.

Yes you probably were lucky. It's not that all Chinese freight forwarders are scammers, but when you understand the Chinese business mindset you will realize that making changes on the run is accepted practice and if they genuinely find that they have forgotten to include some charge, they will add it after the shipping process has started.

Shipping via airfreight should be treated in the same way as shipping by sea as far as costing is concerned. You must know in advance all charges. The charges at the airport of destination, just like the charges at sea ports, can be horrendous, and that is not only because of Customs Broker fees. It is likely that your broker included the port charges in the fee you paid him/her.

If you search my thread you will find numerous references to freight forwarding. This is because it is an important issue and gives rise to many questions. Have a look at the short thread: Amazon FBA Third party shipping question(s) where I answered a question and the answer could prove helpful for you.

I would always recommend using a local freight forwarder to handle shipments from the point of supply all the way to your delivery address. Get several quotes, because they can vary wildly. Don't be blinded by cheap freight quotes from your supplier unless they are shipping via air courier which almost invariably includes Customs clearance.

Walter

 

[ChapoJR]

Yes you probably were lucky. It's not that all Chinese freight forwarders are scammers, but when you understand the Chinese business mindset you will realize that making changes on the run is accepted practice and if they genuinely find that they have forgotten to include some charge, they will add it after the shipping process has started.

Shipping via airfreight should be treated in the same way as shipping by sea as far as costing is concerned. You must know in advance all charges. The charges at the airport of destination, just like the charges at sea ports, can be horrendous, and that is not only because of Customs Broker fees. It is likely that your broker included the port charges in the fee you paid him/her.

If you search my thread you will find numerous references to freight forwarding. This is because it is an important issue and gives rise to many questions. Have a look at the short thread: Amazon FBA Third party shipping question(s) where I answered a question and the answer could prove helpful for you.

I would always recommend using a local freight forwarder to handle shipments from the point of supply all the way to your delivery address. Get several quotes, because they can vary wildly. Don't be blinded by cheap freight quotes from your supplier unless they are shipping via air courier which almost invariably includes Customs clearance.

Walter

Great advice as always, thanks Walter. I'll look a little further into this as it's something that's pivotal for me logistically moving forwards.

I'm wondering how you think the price quote provided to me by the Chinese forwarder I used stacks up in comparison to your experience? Cheap, average or did I pay too much? The price was USD3.18/kg - a 125kg shipment costing 397.50USD. FOB airport to airport.

 

[Walter Hay]

Great advice as always, thanks Walter. I'll look a little further into this as it's something that's pivotal for me logistically moving forwards.

I'm wondering how you think the price quote provided to me by the Chinese forwarder I used stacks up in comparison to your experience? Cheap, average or did I pay too much? The price was USD3.18/kg - a 125kg shipment costing 397.50USD. FOB airport to airport.

That's not far off average - maybe just a little more than you would pay if you used a US based forwarder, but rates change on a daily basis, so you always need to get current quotes.

Walter

 

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[KeepGoin]

Hi Walter,

I was quoted by the manufacturer these prices

Carton size: 54*32*25cm total 0.6 CBM
G.W.: 15~16KGS Total: 215~220kgs
Total cartons: 14ctns
By sea freight to your door: USD668.00 (20~30days）
By Express: USD1380..00 (within 10days）

Now, if I understand and I'm reading this correctly in English the sea freight to my door means it arrives all the way to my place of residence? It seems very simple but I would like to double check.

Conor

 

[Walter Hay]

Hi Walter,

I was quoted by the manufacturer these prices

Carton size: 54*32*25cm total 0.6 CBM
G.W.: 15~16KGS Total: 215~220kgs
Total cartons: 14ctns
By sea freight to your door: USD668.00 (20~30days）
By Express: USD1380..00 (within 10days）

Now, if I understand and I'm reading this correctly in English the sea freight to my door means it arrives all the way to my place of residence? It seems very simple but I would like to double check.

Conor

You read it correctly but I would want confirmation that it is for door to door delivery from their factory to your delivery address, including all costs, not including duty or tax payable.

The same applies for express delivery. Don't ever assume anything.

Overseas suppliers often lack a real understanding of international trade terms, and can fall back on the excuse that they did not understand. For this reason, if you have even the slightest doubt you must clarify the issue with simple English.

Walter

 

[Wolfman]

@MattR82 to answer your last question first; yes there are times when it is impossible to locate a manufacturer for a specific product, but before you give up you should try the WTC approach and the Consular approach that I outline in my book. Let me know if you need help with that.

Regarding the two suppliers you refer to, I would be happy to check them out for you if you care to PM me with the details. You can be sure of absolute confidentiality.

The one who seems a nutcase might just be overdoing the friendliness that he has learned is helpful in establishing a good relationship. It could be a very good sign that he sees you as a valuable prospect.

Walter

Hi Walter, How are you? I'm plodding away in what MJ calls the "desert of desertion." I can tell you about my invention/product off of the forum but I'll ask a couple of general questions first (if that's ok w/ you). 1. I have found a couple of decent sources for the main component of my product in the USA. They are not the manufacturers. So I assume they won't be inclined to tell me who their Chinese mfg is. I bought a couple of samples but there's no bar code and I didn't see any way to determine the mfg. Is there another way? 2. I've made some of the basic mistakes w/ the Chinese cos that I've contacted. So, I don't think they're taking me seriously even though they hit me up regularly. My item is quite bulky so the shipping charges are through the roof. Can I lower the number by dealing w/ the US cos? 3. Is it ok to go through a wholesaler in the U.S. even though there is a mark-up? They tell me that their Chinese mfgs are high quality/reputable and they've been dealing w/ them for a long time. They also insinuate that I'll never find mfgs that good on my own. What do you think Walter? I hope you and yours are well. You seem a generous soul from what I've seen here. Sincere thanks in advance, Greg

 

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[Wolfman]

The link in blue in my signature is live.

Hi Walter, I have an invention and the provisional. I made a prototype that works. I need to get traction in your 2 areas of specialty b/c I'm foundering a bit... I need a manufacturer and I need labelling. I'd like to pm you but don't know how. Thanks, Greg

 

[Walter Hay]

Hi Walter, I have an invention and the provisional. I made a prototype that works. I need to get traction in your 2 areas of specialty b/c I'm foundering a bit... I need a manufacturer and I need labelling. I'd like to pm you but don't know how. Thanks, Greg

Hi Greg,

I have PM'd you so all you need do is reply. I will be happy to help.

Walter

 

[Walter Hay]

Hi Walter, How are you? I'm plodding away in what MJ calls the "desert of desertion." I can tell you about my invention/product off of the forum but I'll ask a couple of general questions first (if that's ok w/ you). 1. I have found a couple of decent sources for the main component of my product in the USA. They are not the manufacturers. So I assume they won't be inclined to tell me who their Chinese mfg is. I bought a couple of samples but there's no bar code and I didn't see any way to determine the mfg. Is there another way? 2. I've made some of the basic mistakes w/ the Chinese cos that I've contacted. So, I don't think they're taking me seriously even though they hit me up regularly. My item is quite bulky so the shipping charges are through the roof. Can I lower the number by dealing w/ the US cos? 3. Is it ok to go through a wholesaler in the U.S. even though there is a mark-up? They tell me that their Chinese mfgs are high quality/reputable and they've been dealing w/ them for a long time. They also insinuate that I'll never find mfgs that good on my own. What do you think Walter? I hope you and yours are well. You seem a generous soul from what I've seen here. Sincere thanks in advance, Greg

1. There are times when it is easier and quicker to pay an importer who already has inventory in your country. Your margins will be lower, but smaller order quantities and faster availability might be worth paying extra for.

You can try searching Google images to find pictures of the product you want. Many will be the retailers, but you can be lucky sometimes and find a manufacturer's pictures online.

2. By dealing with the US company you will probably gain the benefit of their lower freight cost based on the volume they have imported.

If you really want to continue dealing with a Chinese supplier that doesn't take you seriously because of mistakes in your early communications, you can start again. You would need to invent a new business name, and set up a new email address, and give yourself a new name and title.

3. You might be able to find the Chinese manufacturer by sourcing through WTC in China. See Ch 16.3 in my book, and near the end of Ch 19 Countries other than China.

Walter

 

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[Wolfman]

Thanks for the reply Walter. I know the bottom line is margin. But along w/ the other factors you mentioned, haven't you found it easier to have a personal relationship (professional) w/ a supplier in the U.S.? It's intangible but could be worth a lot, especially if you have to resolve a problem w/out bloodshed. (You get my drift.)
I'm going to bite the bullet and by your masterpiece. I'm trying to stay out of expensive traps for the unwary and at the same time act fast. On which side would you err? Thanks again, Greg

 

[Walter Hay]

Thanks for the reply Walter. I know the bottom line is margin. But along w/ the other factors you mentioned, haven't you found it easier to have a personal relationship (professional) w/ a supplier in the U.S.? It's intangible but could be worth a lot, especially if you have to resolve a problem w/out bloodshed. (You get my drift.)
I'm going to bite the bullet and by your masterpiece. I'm trying to stay out of expensive traps for the unwary and at the same time act fast. On which side would you err? Thanks again, Greg

There is no doubt that as a general rule, dealing with local manufacturers is far easier than buying overseas.

When I started importing it was due mainly to the fact that my local factory had begun to take me for granted. Their product was good, and I was welcome any time in the factory to watch the products being made. Unfortunately they let me down a number of times by failing to deliver on time, and I was supplying in a market where tight deadlines were normal.

I visited one of my China contacts who was operating a small trading business, with his wife being his only employee. I know I advise against buying from traders, but I knew this man and knew that he knew his industry inside out. Here's how it panned out:

• Unexpectedly, he provided quality that far surpassed what I had been getting locally.
• He consistently delivered much faster from China than I could ever get locally.
• He added products to suit me as I developed the market.
• From having only a handful of customers, including me, he expanded into manufacturing and by the time I sold my importing business he employed 6,000 workers. We still communicate.

Now just to show that even good relationships have their limits, I will tell you what happened with another long-term supplier in China. For different product types I bought from a manufacturer who always treated me like a king when I visited. He too was employing thousands but he always insisted on personally meeting me at the airport. Great Guanxi eh?

Sadly, he got a massive order from Disney and the Guanxi suddenly meant nothing. He was holding numerous orders from me and my franchisees, but there was no way he would manufacture them until the Disney order was complete. ( But in effect I forced him to.)

I flew in and he even met me at the airport again, but the only way to get my orders produced was to sit in his huge office all day for several days, having told him that I would not go home until I had those orders shipped. It worked, but it was the end of what had been a great relationship. I had several backup suppliers who all found that I was suddenly placing a lot more orders than usual.

Dealing with a problem like that would have been so much easier if I was still buying locally.

Walter

 

[Wolfman]

There is no doubt that as a general rule, dealing with local manufacturers is far easier than buying overseas.

When I started importing it was due mainly to the fact that my local factory had begun to take me for granted. Their product was good, and I was welcome any time in the factory to watch the products being made. Unfortunately they let me down a number of times by failing to deliver on time, and I was supplying in a market where tight deadlines were normal.

I visited one of my China contacts who was operating a small trading business, with his wife being his only employee. I know I advise against buying from traders, but I knew this man and knew that he knew his industry inside out. Here's how it panned out:

• Unexpectedly, he provided quality that far surpassed what I had been getting locally.
• He consistently delivered much faster from China than I could ever get locally.
• He added products to suit me as I developed the market.
• From having only a handful of customers, including me, he expanded into manufacturing and by the time I sold my importing business he employed 6,000 workers. We still communicate.

Now just to show that even good relationships have their limits, I will tell you what happened with another long-term supplier in China. For different product types I bought from a manufacturer who always treated me like a king when I visited. He too was employing thousands but he always insisted on personally meeting me at the airport. Great Guanxi eh?

Sadly, he got a massive order from Disney and the Guanxi suddenly meant nothing. He was holding numerous orders from me and my franchisees, but there was no way he would manufacture them until the Disney order was complete. ( But in effect I forced him to.)

I flew in and he even met me at the airport again, but the only way to get my orders produced was to sit in his huge office all day for several days, having told him that I would not go home until I had those orders shipped. It worked, but it was the end of what had been a great relationship. I had several backup suppliers who all found that I was suddenly placing a lot more orders than usual.

Dealing with a problem like that would have been so much easier if I was still buying locally.

Walter

Walter,
That is a great story...passive resistance in a Chinese manufacturers office. A half dozen more stories like that and you have another best seller. I looked up Guanxi and it said something like a business network. Is that the way you're using the word? So are you saying that when push comes to shove a contract means nothing in China? Is the lesson here that it pays to have a backup?
Btw, Did you get my product description? I'm looking forward to reading your book. Thanks, Greg

 

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[Walter Hay]

Guanxi has mostly to do with business relationships. Yes when push comes to shove contracts mean nothing. Enforcement is near impossible anyway.

In my book you will find that I urge having backup. You must not have all your eggs in one basket.

The product description has not appeared in my PMs yet.

Walter

 

[Zedd9165]

Hi Walter,

I've started reading your thread. Trust me I've learnt soo much in just 2 pages of this thread. I wonder how much will I get to learn from next 56 pages.

So I need some advice. I approached a wholesaler on Alibaba. They claim them self to be a wholesaler. The prices they offered are good a bit cheaper in comparison to other traders/wholesalers who have an MOQ where as this company has no MOQ limit. I can buy 10 pieces 5 pieces or 2.

So while I was having an e-mail convo after they explained their terms and condition they quoted me the price and suggested me to buy sample pieces and said all the samples along with shipping costs $65. Now, this is where I find it a little fishy. I'm in India and I've not mentioned anything about my where about how could they just randomly say that $65 is including shipping charge? Could this possibly be a scam?

Further, I've read your post saying that a company working in China can be authentic if they have a website ending with .cn. Further, I've seen and verified their certificates from TÜV Rheinland.

The only thing that sounded fishy was the other supplier asked me about my whereabouts before they quoted me something inclusive of shipping in here it's a different case. They provided me with their quote along with their Paypal account. Do you think it's advisable to go ahead? Or any other inspections to be done?