Welcome to Wholesale Forum.com



For Buyers
Wholesale Forum is the fastest growing online business community dedicated to retailers, auction sellers, surplus and overstock buyers needing a quick and safe solution for sourcing trade stock. Join our free and friendly forums today and gain knowledge, offer your advice, and discover new partnership opportunities:
For Suppliers
For wholesalers, dropshippers, manufacturers, distributors and trade services providers. Advertise your business today on WholesaleForum.com for free to reach potential trade buyers on a more personal level. Promote your latest offers, interact with buyers in real time, distinguish yourself as an expert in your field, and attract sales instantly.
Sign up now | More benefits for Buyers |
Sign up now | More benefits for Suppliers |
-
01 Apr 2011 06:40 AM #1
What are the risks with Chinese suppliers?
I’m trying to get a better idea of what red flags to look for when searching for a Chinese supplier. I’m very interested in sourcing from China but obviously don’t want to get gypped out of my hard earned money because of lack of knowledge. Can anyone help me out with some pointers in this situation? Thanks in advance.
Want To Be An eBay Powerseller?This is the Service You Need.
-
01 Apr 2011 07:11 AM #2
Working in the industry now for a couple years, I’ve seen my share of red flags. Fraud is everywhere though, and there are so many trustworthy and experienced manufacturers out there that it’d be a loss for any businessman not to try to work with China at some point.
Although safeguarding yourself is not as easy as simply following a list, I find that keeping the subsequent points below in mind as you go along can save you a lot of headaches.
• Don’t assume factories listed in online directories are 100% legit. Ask others in the business. They’ll have good information for you. Get loads of references (in person, if you can).
• Make sure the company’s contact information is valid. If they’re not hosting their own domain name for the company’s website, they’re using a Hotmail or MSN email, or they’re using a mobile phone, it’s probably best to stay away.
• Check that the company is registered with their local government.
• Find out about the other companies that use the supplier you are looking at.
• See if they’re willing to send you a sample of the product you intend to buy. Depending on the nature of the item, most trustworthy companies have no problem doing this.
• Visit the factory. Or, if you can’t, definitely have a third party that speaks the language, go and inspect the supplier on your behalf.
• If the supplier is selling products way below their worth, it’s most likely not a good idea to go with them. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• If the supplier is claiming to sell brand name products, don’t buy it. Only an authorized distributor can legally sell brand name products. In fact, it’s very difficult to find brand names from ordinary suppliers, Chinese or not.
• Don’t make too large of an order to start out. Build trust before you begin putting in large orders.
• If the supplier is reputable, they’ll most likely let you split up your payments (paying a certain percentage after the order and the rest when everything is shipped).
• The supplier should be using a reputable shipper. Check out the company they use.
• Don’t go with a company that doesn’t stick by you before and after the transaction. Even if payment and shipment of your product goes smoothly, you want to do long-term business with a supplier that is there for you even after the order is finished.Over 150,000 Verified Sources + Deals 95% Off MSRP + Free Website!
-
01 Apr 2011 07:34 AM #3
Definitely get yourself a translator. Working with China when you don’t understand the language or culture is a major problem on your hands.
Also, figure out all of the costs yourself before getting any quotes from companies. This way you’ll better know what’s fair.
Great summary of what to look for here.
-
02 Apr 2011 02:26 AM #4
A translator is a must. Many business operations between the East and West go wrong because neither party perfectly understands what the other wants or needs. No one can make an order right when they didn’t get a clear sense of what it was.
-
02 Apr 2011 03:03 AM #5
I think that visiting trad fairs is the best way to find a truly legitimate supplier. Anyone can put up a website, but to see these guys face to face, get a feel for them, see their products right then and there—it’s too convenient not to go.
-
Got something to say? Sign up now and join the discussions.
Tags for this Thread
Similar Threads
-
Qualifying Chinese Suppliers – How to Avoid Risks
By likemoney in forum Safe Trading Advice & Due Diligence DiscussionReplies: 3Last Post: 29 Mar 2011, 05:58 AM -
Chinese Importing Risks - How to minimize my risk
By GimleysGrim23 in forum China Product Sourcing & ImportingReplies: 19Last Post: 17 Jul 2012, 06:09 AM -
How to reduce Business Risks - Dealing with overseas suppliers
By McJennings in forum Safe Trading Advice & Due Diligence DiscussionReplies: 8Last Post: 11 Sep 2012, 12:33 AM -
How do I negotiate with Chinese suppliers?
By Mystic_red in forum Wholesale DiscussionReplies: 20Last Post: 28 Oct 2010, 03:49 AM -
How To Deal With Chinese Suppliers And Manufacturers
By Mrs. Whiskers in forum Import & Export DiscussionReplies: 18Last Post: 21 Jan 2014, 08:42 PM -
How to Deal with Chinese Suppliers and Manufacturers
By KellyAnnB in forum Business Articles & ResourcesReplies: 10Last Post: 24 Feb 2011, 02:49 AM -
How do I approach Chinese suppliers once I get to China?
By redandblu in forum Wholesale DiscussionReplies: 5Last Post: 12 Jan 2011, 09:59 AM -
Chinese Suppliers of unbranded children’s clothes.
By Chloe in forum Wholesale DiscussionReplies: 16Last Post: 06 Jan 2011, 03:22 AM -
Tips on How to Find Quality Chinese Suppliers
By DropshipDiva in forum Business Articles & ResourcesReplies: 0Last Post: 31 Jan 2011, 05:01 AM