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

Replying to [DREW23]:
This is a red flag.there are sevral things you should do first.
1. Visit the supplier
2. Check their quality Documents
3. Devolop a relationship with the supplier
4. If you can't go there have them send pictures.

DO NOT DO BUSINESS BLINDLY IN CHINA YOU WILL REGRET IT.

If you do this they wil probally give you the samples and mail them to you.
Typical paymet terms are 30% upon order 70% before shipping
some others are * or LC.

Depending where yougo and how long you have been doing business with them this can be negociated.
Doug Smith

Replying to [DREW23]:tell them to get stuffed mate.

Replying to [DREW23]:

Replying to [DREW23]:Receiving the free sample after the first order seems to me to be a waste of tine...not needed after first order. Can not understand the stance taken by supplier if you are willing to pay postage etc. Think I would be stearing clear of this supplier.

Replying to [DREW23]:what

Replying to [DREW23]:
1- yes
2- no
3- if you are interested in the item, buy sample

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?

Replying to [DREW23]:

Your question does not make sense. I don't know any factories in China, let alone Shenzhen, that sells 'plastic.' Perhaps you should be a bit more forthcoming in what you're buying. China imports raw materials like plastic, not exports them.

In addition, if you were in the plastics industry, I'm sure you would already know that EMS is not the way to ship any samples. Please firm up your story when submitting questions.

regards,
James
WDC Intl

Replying to [DREW23]:
Definitely a red flag. Don't do it. I got burned already 3 times by people who
1) do not have references (e.g. web sites, legitimate emails with company suffixes, etc.)
2) won't give samples (if they're legit, they would give samples and pay for freight. If they want to charge you, they usually tack the cost onto the actual order, that's what you should ask for)
3) BAD terms. 30% deposit and 70% when YOU RECEIVE SHIPPING ADVICE!!!!

Just sharing some stuff with you from my experience with this web site. You have to USE GOOD JUDGMENT when you use this site

Sincerely

Jonathan
Canada

Replying to [DREW23]: This pretty normal now in china, you need to pay the sample cost and freight. I suggest you need to find agent to check the product and check the spec on your behalf and give you feedback rather than paying xxx$ for a useless sample.
I have office in China we are faced with the same problem every day. Let me know if you need more help.
Good luck

Replying to [DREW23]: I understand what you are sufferring. In fact the prices are depending on what is the sample. Many companies have their own policy about samples sending. The policy of our company to send a samples to a new customer is that we send the samples free and the customer pay for the postage.

Our company is manufacturing lifting belts and fabric for FIBCs. If you are interested, pls contact me. connie@wfjcpw.cn