Hi to all of you !
I happened to see this web-site and started reading the posts. I feel I can contribute a little and help avoiding problems for those who have no experience with imports from China !
We have been importing from China for a while and we were lucky, besides a few initial problems, which are the toll everybody probably has to pay ! And, the rpoblems were caused by the initial absence of a local agent who could have easily stopped our intial problems.
Before you even start doing business, accept the following principles:
1. My first and most important suggestion is that you find somebody in China who is 100% reliable and does quality control and laoding for you. Anything you buy from China should be inspected and verified by somebody there you can trust 100%. It costs you a little, but what is a 5% commission paid to a trusted agent who works and operates for you versus losing 100% and/or a lot of hassle and anger ?? = !!
2. Try to pay by L/C ! L/Cs are a hassle, but they give you some control. Also, try to negotiate for a retainer of 10% ( or in that area ), payable 14 days after receipt of merchandise. If the seller refuses that, then there is usually something wrong !
3. Invest time and money for a few initial trips to China to see the suppliers/manufacturers/agents that you feel you want to work with.
Again, it costs time and money, but at least you get a feeling, who the people are and what is behind the name and logo.
4. Be prepared to deal with people that are used to THEIR ( not YOUR )mentality, habits, customs, and local particularities. Do not expect to deal with them like you deal with your local suppliers. Try to understand and learn something about their habits and customs before you travel there.
Learn a few Chinese words ! When they take you out, try some of their local food and drinks - and they will appreciate you !
5. Again and again and again: accept the little extra cost of having a Chinese agent. If you don't know anybody, ask other people buying from China, whether they can give you the name(s) of agent(s). Usually, a satisified customer is the best reference !
We did it the same way !
6. Ask the factory/supplier, whether they attend trade shows. If yes, it is usually a good indication that there is something behind the facade. A con-operation usually does not invest money in foreign tradeshows.
ullemann@infinito.it
Linear Mode
