We are one of the leading manufacturers in China who is skilled in manufacturing the custom parts( gear,worm gear, casting,froging,machining,etc.)
But I meet a difficulty that one of our Italian customer want to buy the 25,000 PCS sleeves.Before the patch production,they order us the 10 PCS samples in free which prooved to be OK. Now they still want the 200PCS samples, shall we let them pay the 200 PCS themselves or we share it? By the way,the total cost (200 PCS +Freight) is about $210. They said we must share the total cost for quality assurance and risk.
In my opinion, we have paid the first 10 PCS samples+freight. So now they should afford the total charge themselves this time..
Am I right? I need your suggestion on this case.
My Trademanager ID: caiyun9

Replying to [Japhy]:

Yes, you are right! So many foreigners want samples, but won't pleace the oeder.

Replying to [Japhy]:

Well not all suppliers offer free samples, but delivery too, so you have done well to start new business with them.

they want more samples now because now they see the samples they feel happy, so sure they must pay the money for the samples and the delivery and if they would make the larger order later i am sure you can come to a deal.

They have seen your quality and now its in their court, i can understand buyers wanting a sample, but your client wants a small order sent FREE.

Replying to [lindy]:Dear Lindy, Thank you for your reply.It seems that you also have the same experience in exporting business.

Replying to [Japhy]: Dear friend,
This problem is ususlly puzzle me and i don't know how to make my clients believe our quality and do business with us.
The most we do is suggest our customer to place a trial order to see how it goes.But most time and most customers are still be anxious and would not to buy a sample. As we are sewing machine manufacture, and we have agency in many oversea countries.Usually we ask the customer to buy a sample from their local agent then they could change or get the after-sales service well.

To try and help out on this from a Western Buyers viewpoint. (by western I include all of western Europe/ US/Canada/Australia/New Zealand)

There is a partial perception in ALL western coutries that you can almost ALWAYS get good quality samples from a Chinese supplier, but getting a full order made to the same standard can be harder.

This is because there are just enough Chinese suppliers who actually do this. they make GREAT QUALITY samples, but "cheat" on quality in a full production run. It happens a lot less than it used to, but the old stories still get told.

It is dificult for a Chinese (and I would mention some other coutries as well, so its not just China) company to get a start in business, but you just have to keep plugging away and get a single buyer to trust you.

You might consider offering them a deal where, on a first order, they can have their pre-shipping inspection done by a company of their choice (eg SGS) and if the inspection fails YOU will pay half the cost of the inspection...... If your bosses are confidant enough in being able to produce the product to the quality required they will not have to pay as the products will pass inspection.... It will also give the western company some more confidence in your compnay.... They will think "they would not offer that if they would not pass inspection"

 

Replying to [Japhy]: We often provide 1-2 free sample to our potential clients, but we never bear the freight.

Replying To  [Foow]:

Yes Foow, I fully agree with your statement.

I have found over the years, if I approach a manufacturer with a certain product and tell him that this is the quality I require, and he gives me his best price, if I accept that price, I get what I want. If however, (which is very common), I start to screw him down in price, I STILL get the product I want, BUT a cheaper quality.

The sooner western buyers realise that "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR", the sooner we will see less topics saying "The quality I got is shit"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let's face it people, most western buyers screw the Chinese manufacturers down by maybe 2-5 cents only to make up to 500% Profit on the other end.

Let's share our wealth.

Replying to [grigo]:
Grigo, I agree with your statement 100%.

Replying to [Japhy]:

Hi Japhy

No, they are taking advantage of your good will.
You have already sent them 10 free pieces to check out the quality and speed of your service.

You should now be charging them for the goods and freight.

I have read about people who pretend to buy big but want free samples to check and end up NEVER PAYING or BUYING anything else. These type of people are buyer scammers.

If people want samples, charge them for it and perhaps share the freight, or send them ONE only.

Beware of them!

Replying to [Japhy]:As an ancient saying goes:a single hand cann't do clapping.Sincerity between two parties is very important in international trade.