Quote:

Originally Posted by Mumof3

Talking with a supplier in China and trying not to get scammed. How can I check the reliability of Chinese suppliers?

What should I be looking for to know if supplier in China is credible or not?

Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

As everyone understands, scammers are everywhere in this world. Not just for Chinese suppliers but all suppliers outsourcing you might not to be able to visit to check personally, my suggestion is:

1. When asking for a quote, please check their business terms especially PAYMENT.
2. If you have any question, just ask. From corresponsdence, you can check how efficient they are, how professional they are, how helpful they are.
3. There are many traders who always try to tell you they are factories. It doesn't matter, good traders save you much trouble dealing with factories directly sometimes.
4. If possible, ask for samples before ordering.

Check the phone number. Some Chinese suppliers use mobile numbers as their contact number. If so, don’t use them.

I always work out a deal of paying 30% or so up-front and then dividing the next two payments between shipping and arrival/final inspection.

Get someone that speaks Chinese to review the wholesaler. The expense you spend to verify a Chinese supplier is not worth it. I know their prices are lower but so is their quality.

If you can’t visit the supplier in person or hire someone (that you can trust and who guarantees their work) then I would not use a supply house in China.

A lot of negative words about Chinese suppliers on this thread. In the first post though McJennings talked about how scammers are everywhere.

Every trader should be cautious about who they choose as a supplier.

There are third party companies stationed in China that know the wholesale/manufacturer/distributor operations very well. Speak to them and see what they would charge to verify the supplier.

Keep calling too and making sure their contact information is reliable.

Didn’t mean to come across being against the Chinese market, just saying it is dangerous.

I think people are trying to press that dealing with a Chinese supplier isn’t like dealing with one in the UK, EU or US. While all need to be verified, there is another level of fear in China.

It comes down to trusting your instincts. Do you feel the supplier is going to take your money if you go through a transaction that leaves you vulnerable?

Is the Chinese supplier just a front for a scam operation? Check authenticity of corporation codes and contact information. Some just use hotmail, Gmail web addresses. Look for those with domain registrations.

These are just a few tips. You have to make the decision for yourself.

Yes I realize that dealing with a Chinese supplier is different. While I respect that fraud can be everywhere I am on alert since this is my first dealings with China.

I appreciate everyone’s advice on how to test if the supplier is reliable. I am working with a 3rd party now that is helping me review all the information – I don’t speak Chinese even a little

This forum is rocking with good people and good information.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mumof3

Didn’t expect to get this much help. Thank you everyone.

I know that scammers are everywhere but it seems Chinese suppliers are always near the top of the lists. Even some of the directories I’ve found for wholesalers and dropshippers, look like scam fronts.

Well, as we know:there is always good guy and bad guy in the word; also good and sick suppliers.The reason, why china always come to the top list in scam complain is that: china has too MANY factories, so, of course there will be more cheaters In general, people would like to do honese business and people appreciate friendship.
Welcome to visit China to for a venture.lol.

Well done thread!

We have checked many scammers for our foreign customer. there are too many scammers around the international market, so it's always suggested to verify your supplier before payment.
Need such support, can mail me for more info: stin002@yahoo.com .