I currently purchase repair parts for iPods and other small electronic devices domestically in US, for a premium.


I would like to do some small-lot direct importing, perhaps USD$200 -$400.


Is importing this low a quantity even workable?


If so, as I assume I'll have to pay by TT up front, how can I minimize my risk?


Thanks.

Quoting from [kspl]:


I currently purchase repair parts for iPods and other small electronic devices domestically in US, for a premium.



I would like to do some small-lot direct importing, perhaps USD$200 -$400.



Is importing this low a quantity even workable?



If so, as I assume I'll have to pay by TT up front, how can I minimize my risk?



Thanks.

I think the freight should be expensive than your invoice value, problem is this workable for you, the quantity is so small, I think it should be cheaper to buy from your local whosaler.

No scammers like to scam you this 200-400USD, it is rather safe for this amount.

I am assuming that the parts are not branded, they are just generic replacement parts that can be used on brand product right?

If you stay away from brand name products then you will be avoiding probably 95% of scammers. So scam is not going to be too much of an issue here.

The problems that you will likely face are:

a. Size is pretty small so most good factories will not be interested in supplying such small orders. Perhaps any factories that are willing to will be the ones you would be best avoiding, but then you may get lucky;

b. So you need to confirm quality and reliability as any money you lose here is lost whether it is $100 or $1000;

c. Shipping costs need to be factored in as do any import duties your end which you can work out with the help of customs in your country

d. Finally there is supply time but I assume that you would be sending via air so that may not be too much of an issue in your case.

So it could work but there are some major downsides that could bring your whole plans down if you are not careful.

Quoting from [kspl]:


I currently purchase repair parts for iPods and other small electronic devices domestically in US, for a premium.



I would like to do some small-lot direct importing, perhaps USD$200 -$400.



Is importing this low a quantity even workable?



If so, as I assume I'll have to pay by TT up front, how can I minimize my risk?



Thanks.

I would like to say small lot buying contains higher risk then huge quantity buying.Because in huge quantity buying,you will get more serious and you will try all you can do to refund your money if you get scammed.

Small lot buying is different,you may not be so serious and you may even not to try to refund if you get scammed.This is why amount of most of the scams I have seen are under 1000USD