I got an inquiry via Fax five days ago, the customer who is from Ukraine.

I attached great importance to this inquiry, and quoted very soon. Then I chated with my customer via MSN. She didn't give any advice about our price coz she was still waiting for more price list from other suppliers, but she asked me to send some small samples.

I put advanced that we send our samples free, but she had to take charge of the express fee. She didn't agree to pay any and said:
"what will be such cost?? We're in cooperation with many chinese companies (composite panels, PVC, flex,ink, etc) and all those companies sent us samples free of charge, I've never come across such situation"

I'm a little angry with her words, if the samples don't cost any, why didn't she pay for the express fee?

I told she that was our company policy to send the samples to the sincerely customer free, but all of them should take charge of the postage. Then she said:"My boss will make a decision when he holds samples in his hands, I don't want to upset you but 3-4 samples of polycarbonate sheets are on their way to my office from China and those companies agreed to do it and even offered to send them themselves "

I don't want to send our samples to she free, coz she didn't give us any advice of our price.

If you face this situation, what will you do?

Replying to [Lanjin]: In the USA, larger companies expect the supplier to pay for all costs associated with samples including the freight costs. We beleive that the potential to get our business should be of high enough value to justify the sample expense. If this is not the case then people are just trying to get something for nothing!

Replying to [Lanjin]:I can suggest you that go for the free sample and free shipment , As She is interested in talking with you about your product and company via MSN , I think she is interested in your product , there is nothing any harm to send the samples and watch the result, There is a chance for you to get an order, do not miss it just try it once, You will not loose any thing , BEST OF LUCK..................,

I am Facing this situation very commonly 80% I go for free sample , Only 20% I can be able to suspect that buyer is a sample bagger or price seeker.

We supply Duplex Paper board Grey back.................THANKYOU.

Replying to [Lanjin] In the wine business we have a lot of competicion and everybody sends samples for free. I only do it after being really sure the concat might be interesting and interested, naturally they should tell me if my prices could fit in their portfolio before even thinking of sending samples.
I always send 1 or 2 bottles per reference, in case the posible clients ask for more bottles (mainly because their tasting panel is big) I charge them the wine + shipment and deduct the cosot from the first order! Good Luck!

Replying to [Lanjin]

Hi
You should verify if the company is genuine. If it is genuine then the business it might provide in the future might be very profitable and small costs like sample and postage are negligible and could easily be covered with petty cash.

If the company cannot provide free samples and delivery then a big company would turn away from the supplier and would never look back.

There is always an element of risk involved in the business and that makes the business exciting. Weigh the pros and cons and then decide who should pay the the price for the samples and delivery in a deal.

Cheers
Rehan
http://www.shoppinggifts.com.au
(Shopping Gifts-Online Shopping Store)

Replying to [Lanjin]:I think it is common for any of us who do the business,so it's hard to say how to do it better.I think this customer doesn't want to cooperate with you,she just wants to collect more and more informations which is good for her.So you must find a good way for how to solve this problem,you may contact her more ,and grasp what she want to,good luck with you.Looking forward your good news!

Replying to [mangrufoo]:
I agree with you. two month ago,I met the same situation.But the difference is that the customer sent us the sample from abroad. When we received the sample and make characteristic analysis,then quoted to him. He said the price was many times higher than his country. In fact, it's impossible to be many times higher than the price on shelf in his cuntry. I aslo asked his ideal price, but no reply.Maybe he is a price-seeker. But why he sent the sample to us from foreign country.

Replying to [Lanjin]:it is our pleasure to cooperate with any sincere customers. From courier fee we can judge whether she is a good trade partner or not , meanwhile it can tell if it is worth to do continous business with her . to sum up, if it makes us be suspicious too much ,and also tell us to get cooperation less.

Replying to [Lanjin]:Dear, all business should be conducted on equality and mutual-benefit. Equality is same important as benefit,even more.To our company, the samples are supplied free but courier charge be paid by customers.

Replying to [kbundt]:Dear Kbundt,if you are interested in some one product and would like to get sample,but the supplier insist on the courier charge for your account.Will you accept or rufuse,or give up this supplier?

Replying to [Lanjin]:Forget about them if they would have been serious buyer, they could have agreed to pay for the samples.

Try to explore other possibilities, sky is eternal.

All the Best