After many emails back & forth and after requesting small samples and them being supplied at almost super sonic speed.....I am ready to order a full set of samples. There is a fee involved as non regular items are only made to order. So there's $500+ US to be paid and the Supplier asks me to pay into a private bank A/c .... telling me

pls be kindly noticed that this is a private account. due to china still foreign currency controlled country, any overseas payment in should comply with export customs bill. for this sample we send by express, no customs bill, so we can not receive payment through company account, pls understand and cooperate.

So every alarm bell in my head went off!! But at the same time, there's a web site, good communications, prompt supply of first samples and Material Safety Data Sheets.

On one hand I think there OK but the payment request has given me doubts. HELP! Your opinion required.

Paying into personal accounts is generally best avoided as many scammer prefer this method of payment.

However some legitimate factories do also request payments of small amounts into personal accounts. My guess is that it is a tax issue.

If you feel uncomfortable about this then just insist on payment into a company account.

However verifying the seller may be another option that enables you to pay for these samples safely regardless of account type. Maybe now would be a good time to spend USD100-150 on getting the factory verified by one of the assistants in the list over on the Due Dilligence forum here at alibaba.

Yes, some of the legit factories in China do ask the buyer to remit small amounts for sample order to personal name . If u really need to remit to personal name, what u can do is to check and insist that the beneficiary name given must be the legal representative, usually the CEO. You can find the info on who is the legal representative/CEO on their alibaba website under "Trustpass Profile".This only applicable to Gold Supplier or Trustpass member because the appointed legal representative had been verified and authenticated by reputablethird party credit agency. Ifu still feel unsafe, you have all the right to request to remit the payment to their company. There is some risks involved if u need to remit payment to the personal name of a free member because the rep/CEO (even though nominated as beneficiary)  is not verified or authenticated and no way to determine are they legal rep with documentary proof. Despite the advice given to you, it is still up to you to use your own judgement.

"Aussie" had given you the right suggestion.

Yes, transfer to private account is popular in China, both for big amount and small amount. the problem is whether you find they are trusted or not, if you find they are ok, it is no doubts to pay to them.