Imports from China - and paying for my mistakes
Post 1 of 81
I am new to the China imports thing .we run a very small company , and only do LCL shipments. As you know getting any supplier in China to do buss. with you if you do not order container loads - is difficult. As the orders arrive - I want to tear my hair out ! I have now decided that the Chinese manufacturer ask lower prices , but make it up in -1. empty inner boxes at the bottom of the outer box! - 2.sending a much poorer quality than the samples - because they know they will get away with it ? I feel sometimes that they must have employed the blind and the lame to finish my order. as I read the forum topics - i realise there are problems on both sides. Is there a list of companies in china that you should not deal with ? If so - where do I get it ? thanks
20 Nov 2007 07:46
Post 2 of 81
Replying to [HKGJOHN]:
This is such an indept analysis for the origin of the problem and how to sort it out.
My first two imports from China were a disaster due to inexperience and I am about to embark on my third.
I plan to be there for 2 weeks. hire about 5 local women and have them check each and every Bra (I am in the Lingerie business) that I am going to ship to the UK.
If anything goes wrong this time I will go under. I cannot afford to lose money again.
The quality control is complete rubbish with some of these factories.
I am not leaving my self open to loss like I have experienced again.
This is such an indept analysis for the origin of the problem and how to sort it out.
My first two imports from China were a disaster due to inexperience and I am about to embark on my third.
I plan to be there for 2 weeks. hire about 5 local women and have them check each and every Bra (I am in the Lingerie business) that I am going to ship to the UK.
If anything goes wrong this time I will go under. I cannot afford to lose money again.
The quality control is complete rubbish with some of these factories.
I am not leaving my self open to loss like I have experienced again.
29 Nov 2007 09:15
Post 3 of 81
Replying to [deanos]:
A trading company MAY yes MAY save you hassle but it is not always so. They are not the answer.
I used a trading company and I still ended up with a loss of over 100,000GBP or 200.000USD.
I am going to do my own inspection this time and only then will I know that I am paying for what I asked for to begin with.
I have a warehouse filled with absolute rubbish that I cannot sell because I thought the trading company knew what they were doing.
Sorry but they are not the answer.
Tell me, when it comes to electirical goods that dont even turn on, when you switch it on, let alone work. will the trading company test each and everyone of these electrical/elecronic items to make sure it works? of course they dont. They do random checks. So its up to the Manufacturer to make sure he did indeed use good quality raw material and workmanship to start with.
A trading company MAY yes MAY save you hassle but it is not always so. They are not the answer.
I used a trading company and I still ended up with a loss of over 100,000GBP or 200.000USD.
I am going to do my own inspection this time and only then will I know that I am paying for what I asked for to begin with.
I have a warehouse filled with absolute rubbish that I cannot sell because I thought the trading company knew what they were doing.
Sorry but they are not the answer.
Tell me, when it comes to electirical goods that dont even turn on, when you switch it on, let alone work. will the trading company test each and everyone of these electrical/elecronic items to make sure it works? of course they dont. They do random checks. So its up to the Manufacturer to make sure he did indeed use good quality raw material and workmanship to start with.
29 Nov 2007 09:48
Post 4 of 81
Replying to [mother bear]:
Hi Mother Bear,
I have found that dealing with imports from China to be a pleasure. Obviously there are companies who require you to order container loads, but there are also many, many companies who let you order a minimum of USD 1000. Also small lot sizes.
I found that having a company like Veritas check the stock in china, before packing, is the easiest and most safest ways on ensuring you get what you have asked for. Also I have actually travelled to the Supplier and picked exactly what I want - again making sure it's packed correctly.
I hope you will not give up completely with your dealings with China.
Also remember, that being based in South Africa and receiving goods from China there are quotoas on alot of the imports. This is to help the local manufactuerers & producers to get into the market. I for one try to support as much as i can a local manufacturer, but find, that due to the high labour costs, it is just not viable to buy locally.
Good luck in your endevours.
![[em19]](http://img.alibaba.com/images/eng/style/icon/emoticons_great.gif)
Hi Mother Bear,
I have found that dealing with imports from China to be a pleasure. Obviously there are companies who require you to order container loads, but there are also many, many companies who let you order a minimum of USD 1000. Also small lot sizes.
I found that having a company like Veritas check the stock in china, before packing, is the easiest and most safest ways on ensuring you get what you have asked for. Also I have actually travelled to the Supplier and picked exactly what I want - again making sure it's packed correctly.
I hope you will not give up completely with your dealings with China.
Also remember, that being based in South Africa and receiving goods from China there are quotoas on alot of the imports. This is to help the local manufactuerers & producers to get into the market. I for one try to support as much as i can a local manufacturer, but find, that due to the high labour costs, it is just not viable to buy locally.
Good luck in your endevours.
29 Nov 2007 23:00
Post 5 of 81
We had a similar problem, but found a cure. I have "struck up" a personal
relationship (by email at first, phone and in person later on) in the city
of Shenyang. It's a very large industrial base, and our "friends" are available
for comment. They don't check on every order we place, but I always make certain the manufacturers know "we have people" in town and I give them a local phone number to prove it. Works wonders.
Now when we travel there, we have guides/translators as well.
And empty boxes in corners are a common practice, since that is the most common crush point on a container.
relationship (by email at first, phone and in person later on) in the city
of Shenyang. It's a very large industrial base, and our "friends" are available
for comment. They don't check on every order we place, but I always make certain the manufacturers know "we have people" in town and I give them a local phone number to prove it. Works wonders.
Now when we travel there, we have guides/translators as well.
And empty boxes in corners are a common practice, since that is the most common crush point on a container.
30 Nov 2007 03:58
Post 6 of 81
Replying to [mother bear]:
I recommend that you conduct better due diligence in your future transactions and retain a Chinese buying agent who can help you with your import orders.
I recommend that you conduct better due diligence in your future transactions and retain a Chinese buying agent who can help you with your import orders.
30 Nov 2007 23:02
Post 7 of 81
Replying to [Thebralady]:
hi there, from which city have you been sourcing? i am in china's famous garment city--Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province, and our neighbouring town, Xiaolan Town, is awarded the famous underwear town in China, so if you are interested, pls feel free to contact me and i'd be very glad if i can be of any help, i am honest and serious. i can be contacted via: gracesmileeveryday@hotmail.com
thanks and very best regards!
hi there, from which city have you been sourcing? i am in china's famous garment city--Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province, and our neighbouring town, Xiaolan Town, is awarded the famous underwear town in China, so if you are interested, pls feel free to contact me and i'd be very glad if i can be of any help, i am honest and serious. i can be contacted via: gracesmileeveryday@hotmail.com
thanks and very best regards!
01 Dec 2007 08:29
Post 8 of 81
Do not make deals with EXPODIGITALS, they are a FRAUD !!!
02 Dec 2007 18:36
Post 9 of 81
Replying to [kathy_dj]:HiKathy,kamusta i'm french originally from the philippines .I'm planning to open a furniture store here in St Maarten(FWI).
I want to purchase some products in China , but i did not yet found a agent to supervise and mix container .If you operate in China maybe you can help me with my business agent and shippement .
Thanks for your help
Sincerely,
Michael AUREL
Director AUTHENTIKA
email:Maurel@caribserve.net
I want to purchase some products in China , but i did not yet found a agent to supervise and mix container .If you operate in China maybe you can help me with my business agent and shippement .
Thanks for your help
Sincerely,
Michael AUREL
Director AUTHENTIKA
email:Maurel@caribserve.net
03 Dec 2007 13:27
Post 10 of 81
Dear Sir,
I just read your article on the alibaba website. Quite true. 3 of my clients faced similar experiences. We are an Indian Trading Company located in HK and established since last 30 years. We charge a very minimum of upto 3-5% handling fee and make sure that our client's get the best quality goods, fastest delivery services and value for their money.
Few of our clients have told us that we trading companies are useless now a days because they feel they can cross us and directly buy from china factories, thus saving them 3-5% commission which is their 'extra profit'.
One of my clients did the same, placed his first order with me. When he had repeat order, he crossed me and placed order directly with the factory. When he received the goods, the container was FULL OF WASTE PAPERS...! He then called me and requested me to help him. It was not a pleasent experience for me because it made me feel that I and my company's services are being used for something which we could have been rewarded for!
Anyway, for most of the buyers, they still have to know that working with trading companies is better most of the times. Otherwise its like PENNY WISE, POUND FOOLISH experience for them!!
Good Luck Mr. Buyer. Hope you can get better experience working with China (like rest of the world does)...only thing is that you have to know HOW to make your deals successfull...Sometimes, investing 5% is better than losing 50% !!
Regards
Deepa
I just read your article on the alibaba website. Quite true. 3 of my clients faced similar experiences. We are an Indian Trading Company located in HK and established since last 30 years. We charge a very minimum of upto 3-5% handling fee and make sure that our client's get the best quality goods, fastest delivery services and value for their money.
Few of our clients have told us that we trading companies are useless now a days because they feel they can cross us and directly buy from china factories, thus saving them 3-5% commission which is their 'extra profit'.
One of my clients did the same, placed his first order with me. When he had repeat order, he crossed me and placed order directly with the factory. When he received the goods, the container was FULL OF WASTE PAPERS...! He then called me and requested me to help him. It was not a pleasent experience for me because it made me feel that I and my company's services are being used for something which we could have been rewarded for!
Anyway, for most of the buyers, they still have to know that working with trading companies is better most of the times. Otherwise its like PENNY WISE, POUND FOOLISH experience for them!!
Good Luck Mr. Buyer. Hope you can get better experience working with China (like rest of the world does)...only thing is that you have to know HOW to make your deals successfull...Sometimes, investing 5% is better than losing 50% !!
Regards
Deepa
04 Dec 2007 23:02
Post 11 of 81
Dear Sir,
I just read your article on the alibaba website. Quite true. 3 of my clients faced similar experiences. We are an Indian Trading Company located in HK and established since last 30 years. We charge a very minimum of upto 3-5% handling fee and make sure that our client's get the best quality goods, fastest delivery services and value for their money.
Few of our clients have told us that we trading companies are useless now a days because they feel they can cross us and directly buy from china factories, thus saving them 3-5% commission which is their 'extra profit'.
One of my clients did the same, placed his first order with me. When he had repeat order, he crossed me and placed order directly with the factory. When he received the goods, the container was FULL OF WASTE PAPERS...! He then called me and requested me to help him. It was not a pleasent experience for me because it made me feel that I and my company's services are being used for something which we could have been rewarded for!
Anyway, for most of the buyers, they still have to know that working with trading companies is better most of the times. Otherwise its like PENNY WISE, POUND FOOLISH experience for them!!
Good Luck Mr. Buyer. Hope you can get better experience working with China (like rest of the world does)...only thing is that you have to know HOW to make your deals successfull...Sometimes, investing 5% is better than losing 50% !!
Regards
Deepa
I just read your article on the alibaba website. Quite true. 3 of my clients faced similar experiences. We are an Indian Trading Company located in HK and established since last 30 years. We charge a very minimum of upto 3-5% handling fee and make sure that our client's get the best quality goods, fastest delivery services and value for their money.
Few of our clients have told us that we trading companies are useless now a days because they feel they can cross us and directly buy from china factories, thus saving them 3-5% commission which is their 'extra profit'.
One of my clients did the same, placed his first order with me. When he had repeat order, he crossed me and placed order directly with the factory. When he received the goods, the container was FULL OF WASTE PAPERS...! He then called me and requested me to help him. It was not a pleasent experience for me because it made me feel that I and my company's services are being used for something which we could have been rewarded for!
Anyway, for most of the buyers, they still have to know that working with trading companies is better most of the times. Otherwise its like PENNY WISE, POUND FOOLISH experience for them!!
Good Luck Mr. Buyer. Hope you can get better experience working with China (like rest of the world does)...only thing is that you have to know HOW to make your deals successfull...Sometimes, investing 5% is better than losing 50% !!
Regards
Deepa
04 Dec 2007 23:05