Manufacturer sells what I want but 3rd party reports says otherwise?

[Gentlegiant]

Hi. I am currently learning how to import products, so that I can start an e-commerce. I found a promising manufacturer, but to be sure I'm dealing with a manufacturer and not a wholesaler, I decided to read Alibaba's report (they are supposed to be certified as verified factory).

The report give detailed informations about their manufacturing process, but it only talks about metal keychain and other pressed metal accessories, which is not the product I want to buy from them. Also, the person I can contact for orders on their Alibaba page is not the same person listed on the report.

All this tells me it's a wholesaler disguised as a factory, but I may be wrong. I'm still very much a noob at this.
That's why I'm asking for your opinion. Should I look somewhere else? Or am I paranoid?

Thanks!

 

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[eTox]

Check their company on Dun&Bradster. Skim through @Walter Hay threads or better read his book for tips. That's my 2 cents.

 

[Walter Hay]

Hi. I am currently learning how to import products, so that I can start an e-commerce.

How are you learning? The internet is full of misinformation on the subject. Most of the stuff you will read is published by people who have done well in marketing, but don't know how to safely source products and how to import them without being ripped off.

It is obvious that you have a lot to learn. Start with my AMA: GOLD! Sharing my lifetime experience in export/import. Product sourcing specialist. but keep in mind that you will not learn everything you need to know by reading forum threads. You might be better off taking the advice of @eTox.

NEVER believe what you read on Alibaba. The great majority of suppliers who claim to be manufacturers are traders. You have every reason to be paranoid, at least until you really know what you are doing.

Don't rely on Trade Assurance!

Don't believe that you have to buy the MOQ.

Don't use the Alibaba freight system. Beware of Chinese freight forwarders. One of my book users wrote regarding my chapter on freight: "You have saved me $3,000."

Etc etc etc etc. Ask any questions on my AMA and get answers from someone who knows the facts.

Walter
EDIT. While I welcome questions, a keyword search of my AMA will probably find the answers are there already. If not ask and I will answer.

 

[Gentlegiant]

It is obvious that you have a lot to learn. Start with my AMA: GOLD! Sharing my lifetime experience in export/import. Product sourcing specialist. but keep in mind that you will not learn everything you need to know by reading forum threads. You might be better off taking the advice of @eTox.

Thank you Walter, I'll read the whole thing.
I'll probably end up getting your books too if I still feel insecure about this.

 

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[Walter Hay]

Thank you Walter, I'll read the whole thing.
I'll probably end up getting your books too if I still feel insecure about this.

You are welcome. There are frequent and numerous changes happening in the sourcing and importing scene, and that is why I revise my book every year.

Keep this in mind when reading through my AMA. Some early posts might have been made obsolete by such changes resulting in me having posted new information since.

Walter