Hi,

I realise that the topic of samples seems to come up alot, but I did a search and couldn't find any answer to my question.

I have just requested a sample of a product from a supplier in China, and I want to test their product to see if it is similar to the products I have been getting up til now.

I agreed to pay for the samples and for freight, as I want to demonstrate my seriousness, however, they have come back and said they won't send only one item of the products, I must order 5 of each. Suddenly my sample has become very expensive. And I may get left with a bunch of products that are no good to me.

Is this normal?

Also, the postage for the sample seemed extremely high. $215USD for 2.6kg of products. That seems very high to me. Or am I completely out of touch with current shipping costs?

Any thoughts would be appreciated as I am a little green with dealing with Chinese suppliers.

Quoting from [jeremyisme]:

Hi,

I realise that the topic of samples seems to come up alot, but I did a search and couldn't find any answer to my question.

I have just requested a sample of a product from a supplier in China, and I want to test their product to see if it is similar to the products I have been getting up til now.

I agreed to pay for the samples and for freight, as I want to demonstrate my seriousness, however, they have come back and said they won't send only one item of the products, I must order 5 of each. Suddenly my sample has become very expensive. And I may get left with a bunch of products that are no good to me.

Is this normal?

Also, the postage for the sample seemed extremely high. $215USD for 2.6kg of products. That seems very high to me. Or am I completely out of touch with current shipping costs?

Any thoughts would be appreciated as I am a little green with dealing with Chinese suppliers.

Hi,

Just a quick update, it seems the quoted weight was wrong, it is meant to be 8kg, not 2.6kg.

Still my question about a minimum quantity stands. They have said that they require a min of 5 to weed out 'sample hunters' however, I assumed that by paying for the sample and freight would show I am serious.

What is the product?

Quoting from [Egernia]:

What is the product?

Just some small satellite receiving equipment. I.e. diseqc switch and a satellite finder kit.

The supplier has said their factory requires 5 pieces of each as a minimum order for samples, in an attempt to weed out sample hunters. However, ordering 5 at their sample price along with quite high postage costs, means my overall order is going to be slightly more expensive when I make the order.

I assume I will justified in asking for difference between the sample price and the agreed unit price to be taken off my main order?

Should I push for a single piece of each item? How else do I demonstrate that I am a serious buyer to the seller apart from being willing to pay for the sample?

Thanks

 

Yes under normal circumstances you would ask for the difference off the order when you place it.

My concern here is that you may be being scammed, especially if these items are brand name products.

Think of it like this. A scammer knows that you won't come back again after you have been scammed so it makes sense that they would try to milk you for 5 pcs rather than just 1.

I think that you should verify the supplier carefully before you proceed. If you are happy to do so why not post the link to the seller here and let others give their opinions about that seller. Maybe someone has dealt with them before.

Quoting from [Egernia]:

Yes under normal circumstances you would ask for the difference off the order when you place it.

My concern here is that you may be being scammed, especially if these items are brand name products.

Think of it like this. A scammer knows that you won't come back again after you have been scammed so it makes sense that they would try to milk you for 5 pcs rather than just 1.

I think that you should verify the supplier carefully before you proceed. If you are happy to do so why not post the link to the seller here and let others give their opinions about that seller. Maybe someone has dealt with them before.

Hi,

The company I am dealing with seems legit. Shenzhen Sinbury Technology Co., Ltd.http://www.alibaba.com/company/200008648.html and are listed as "Gold Supplier", so I assume that vouches for them a bit?

Gold Supplier status at alibaba does not mean anything as far as the trustworthiness of the company. It just means that they are a full fee paying member. All new members in China MUST pay for Gold Supplier status - even the scammers.

I had a quick look at the website and I don't see any reason to suspect that this company is an outright scammer.

So perhaps your biggest problem could be unmet quality expectations.

If this product is something that you want to develop into a business then perhaps it would be a good investment to have an assistant in China check the factory and quality out for you. You can then know whether this supplier is one that you should invest your money in buying product from or not. There is a list of assistants on the Due Dilligence forum.

Hello , the shipping cost is really expensive, I think ....You may check with the shipping company by yourself , Or you can ask for somebody help you in China . For the samples, Why don't you just take 2pcs, 2pcs is accpetable for them . Good luck to you, My friend ! Queenie My msn : queenietop1@live.cn n