Free sample, a problem when starting new business?
Post 1 of 638
I am trying to buy plastic parts from a manufacturer company in Shenzhen, China but I have some questions first. I have asked for samples but they do not want to send me any free samples, even after I offered to pay for freight.
Here are their terms:
Country of origin: China
Shipment: EMS
Terms of payment: 100% T/T in advance Lead time: 20 days after the payment is in their ****
Bank fee: $25 per order
The price of the samples is $50 but then the EMS shipping is $38 and the bank fee is $25.
1- Is this a normal TOTAL price for a sample order?
2- Does anyone see any red flags?
3- What should be my reply to them?
I did a search for their name on here but nothing came up.
Thanks so much
Here are their terms:
Country of origin: China
Shipment: EMS
Terms of payment: 100% T/T in advance Lead time: 20 days after the payment is in their ****
Bank fee: $25 per order
The price of the samples is $50 but then the EMS shipping is $38 and the bank fee is $25.
1- Is this a normal TOTAL price for a sample order?
2- Does anyone see any red flags?
3- What should be my reply to them?
I did a search for their name on here but nothing came up.
Thanks so much
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06 Jun 2007 21:07
Post 2 of 638
Replying to [DREW23]:
In fact you can talk with them to show your sincerity and I believe they will offer you the free samples but you can pay the freight charge which is the way of business in china
In fact you can talk with them to show your sincerity and I believe they will offer you the free samples but you can pay the freight charge which is the way of business in china
07 Jun 2007 00:11
Post 3 of 638
Replying to [DREW23]: Hi, friend, I don't know what it is exactly, but learn from the value, which is not a small sum, maybe that is the reason that they do not offer free sample(probably they are a small company).
In addition, why did you just want to get sample free?
![[em11]](http://img.alibaba.com/images/eng/style/icon/emoticons_sweat.gif)
In addition, why did you just want to get sample free?
07 Jun 2007 01:57
Post 4 of 638
Replying to [DREW23]:
It is very normal is charge for samples and shipping, If you can prove to the supplier that your company would have a chance of business and that you sell these products this is a good start, they will want to know you could do business with them later.
The $25 would be charged by their bank in China, and then they need to convert to RMB, and this is a manual system, they need to go to the bank and charge over and would take 30mins in the bank, so the whole process of the sample routine.
If you like us to contact the supplier from our office in china let me know, we would try arrange for you at no charge,
But if done in the right way i am sure both parties can be happy.
John
It is very normal is charge for samples and shipping, If you can prove to the supplier that your company would have a chance of business and that you sell these products this is a good start, they will want to know you could do business with them later.
The $25 would be charged by their bank in China, and then they need to convert to RMB, and this is a manual system, they need to go to the bank and charge over and would take 30mins in the bank, so the whole process of the sample routine.
If you like us to contact the supplier from our office in china let me know, we would try arrange for you at no charge,
But if done in the right way i am sure both parties can be happy.
John
07 Jun 2007 02:55
Post 5 of 638
Replying to [DREW23]: I guess the answer depends on how important this business is to you. It is not unsual for the Far East to demand payment for samples. Your exposure is $113.00 - £57. If the product is what you need £57 is not a vast some to risk. Alternative, check to see if they will take credit card.
07 Jun 2007 03:33
Post 6 of 638
Replying to [DREW23]:
Some factories have their own strict policy and some dont regarding free samples. I guess the actual cost of the item will be roughly around US$20-30. So if the factory gave away free samples to 50 customers every month then they will have huge expenses for non-orders.
If you have done your due diligence on the factory , then maybe you should tell the factory that you expect the charges of the samples to be refunded if you do place an order with them.
Some factories have their own strict policy and some dont regarding free samples. I guess the actual cost of the item will be roughly around US$20-30. So if the factory gave away free samples to 50 customers every month then they will have huge expenses for non-orders.
If you have done your due diligence on the factory , then maybe you should tell the factory that you expect the charges of the samples to be refunded if you do place an order with them.
07 Jun 2007 03:48
Post 7 of 638
Replying to [DREW23]:
For most factories or suppliers, there are budget to meet and policy to follow. Not offering free sample is common. But, some would refund the sample charge upon confirmed order. I think it makes sense.
07 Jun 2007 04:43
Post 8 of 638
Replying to [DREW23]:
Hello friend,
I think it is suitable to charge the sample cost and the freight.If u want to establish a good business relations with him.The first stage is from the sample cost.It can enhance the two side trust.
Hello friend,
I think it is suitable to charge the sample cost and the freight.If u want to establish a good business relations with him.The first stage is from the sample cost.It can enhance the two side trust.
07 Jun 2007 05:08
Post 9 of 638
Replying to [DREW23]:the supplier's requirement does not go too far. in China EMS is more expensive than other express service. the bank charge is reasonable. usually payment from outside of China will be deducted USD20-40 by the middle bank. As buyer you can value wehter it's worth for you to buy samples from this supplier.
Nowadays it's buyer's market. before setting up business relationship buyers usually ask for samples. but how to deal with this problem is headache. if sellers provide free sample for each one, I think they will be bankrupt. someone even said I won't pay for any samples, I can only get free samples. how do you deal with such customers?it seems that it's his right to get free samples. I will give up such customer whether he is genuine buyer or not.
Business is mutual benefit and mutual respect. if someone think that he is superior to you just because he is buyer, I would rather give up the chance to earn money.
Nowadays it's buyer's market. before setting up business relationship buyers usually ask for samples. but how to deal with this problem is headache. if sellers provide free sample for each one, I think they will be bankrupt. someone even said I won't pay for any samples, I can only get free samples. how do you deal with such customers?it seems that it's his right to get free samples. I will give up such customer whether he is genuine buyer or not.
Business is mutual benefit and mutual respect. if someone think that he is superior to you just because he is buyer, I would rather give up the chance to earn money.
07 Jun 2007 05:27
Post 10 of 638
Replying to [DREW23]:![[em8]](http://img.alibaba.com/images/eng/style/icon/emoticons_cry.gif)
You lucky they gave you a bank account number. Some ask for Western Union. It is a small fee for a sample.
You may want to watch the big deal after you decide you want the product.
Take a trip over there and make an unanounced visit. I the order going to be relly big.
Good luck
You lucky they gave you a bank account number. Some ask for Western Union. It is a small fee for a sample.
You may want to watch the big deal after you decide you want the product.
Take a trip over there and make an unanounced visit. I the order going to be relly big.
Good luck
07 Jun 2007 06:34
Post 11 of 638
Replying to [DREW23]:if you tell me the weight and the CBM,then,I can tell you the freight,we have plastic moulds manufactuer also,you can visit our website website:
07 Jun 2007 06:44