Sample costs

[amanteai]

Hi, Im very new at importing and have a newbie question.

I'm reviewing products on alibaba and requested a sample from a manufacturer. Their price per piece is $9. The sample price is $100 for one sample. Does that seem legit?

When you request samples what is the average markup price?

I'm making my way through the import/export thread but it's huge and I haven't seen this covered yet. I just received a reminder email from the manufacturer so I'm seeking some perspective before replying.

Thanks!

 

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[Longinus]

Some ask much more money for their samples than the actual worth. Some don't. I prefer the second group.

I haven't figured out yet why they ask so much. Maybe because they don't have to send samples to pseudo-sellers every hour.

@Vigilante @Walter Hay What are your experiences?

 

[AgainstAllOdds]

Does the sample cost include shipping?

Because if it does, then $100 is reasonable.

Otherwise, ask the question of whether or not the sample is a product that they have in stock? And if they don't have it in stock, then how difficult is it for them to make a sample?

If they have to change the entire production line just to make you one sample, then $100 is justified. If it's something they should have, then the cost is not.

Also, here's a tip for interacting with the supplier. Get a DHL account, and tell the freight forwarder: "Can I request a sample? My DHL account # is ... You can charge the shipping to that account." That way, it's implied that the sample is free, and you're paying for shipping - which you'd have to do anyways.

 

[Longinus]

Also, here's a tip for interacting with the supplier. Get a DHL account, and tell the freight forwarder: "Can I request a sample? My DHL account # is ... You can charge the shipping to that account." That way, it's implied that the sample is free, and you're paying for shipping - which you'd have to do anyways.

I never did this because I thought a manufacturer gets usually better rates than me. I could be wrong.

 

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[Elizabeth Shi]

As per my experience in dealing with direct manufacturers, it is a normal practice for factories to charge excessive sample charges (this is to put off retail buyers wanting products at factory prices).

However, the excess sample charge can usually be refunded when you place an actual order with the supplier.

Also, excess sample charge can help supplier to build both more confidence that the client will come back with order after sample approval, because the charge is “excessive”, and more pro-activity and co-operating to make samples.

The second reason for doing this is that factories do not want their samples to be sent to other factories and this practice discourages that.

Hope this helps.
Liz

 

[Vigilante]

Some ask much more money for their samples than the actual worth. Some don't. I prefer the second group.

I haven't figured out yet why they ask so much. Maybe because they don't have to send samples to pseudo-sellers every hour.

@Vigilante @Walter Hay What are your experiences?

Some trying to weed out the posers and the sample shoppers. Some trying to weed out the small time sellers. Some are brokers that don't have access to samples. Some are assholes. You get the whole gambit of reasons. Some don't get that their ridiculous requests cause them to lose real prospects. Some don't care.

 

[Walter Hay]

Does the sample cost include shipping?

Because if it does, then $100 is reasonable.

Otherwise, ask the question of whether or not the sample is a product that they have in stock? And if they don't have it in stock, then how difficult is it for them to make a sample?

If they have to change the entire production line just to make you one sample, then $100 is justified. If it's something they should have, then the cost is not.

Also, here's a tip for interacting with the supplier. Get a DHL account, and tell the freight forwarder: "Can I request a sample? My DHL account # is ... You can charge the shipping to that account." That way, it's implied that the sample is free, and you're paying for shipping - which you'd have to do anyways.

This is a good idea, provided you get a quote first from your courier. Be sure it includes all costs including Customs clearance. You will still get a bill from the courier for any duty and tax they have paid for you.

I never did this because I thought a manufacturer gets usually better rates than me. I could be wrong.

They very often do get a better rate than you can, particularly if your courier account is new. Bargain with your courier. Never accept "Schedule" rates. These are for dummies only and it is customary to get discounts of 50 -60%.

Walter

 

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[Longinus]

They very often do get a better rate than you can, particularly if your courier account is new. Bargain with your courier. Never accept "Schedule" rates. These are for dummies only and it is customary to get discounts of 50 -60%.

Walter

I got in touch with DHL and their prices for freight of ~5 kg samples are still like €150. They said they couldn't lower the price because of my low volume. Usually I pay $30 for express freight of a sample to Europe.

 

[Walter Hay]

I got in touch with DHL and their prices for freight of ~5 kg samples are still like €150. They said they couldn't lower the price because of my low volume. Usually I pay $30 for express freight of a sample to Europe.

OK, has your supplier quoted you in detail with freight cost separate? Suppliers can usuall y do better rates than you can get.

Ask if they use FedEx, because the Chinese FedEx agent (NOT FedEx China) routinely gives suppliers 50% discount off FedEx rates. If they don't know about this or don't know who to contact, let me know and I will give you contact details you can pass on.

Walter

 

[Longinus]

Thanks a lot Walter, means a lot to me. I'll send you a PM.

 

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