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]: Hi, I understood the problem from both side (buyer and Seller). The seller should not ask for bank fee and EMS because the samples may be sent through normal post. The price for samples should be actuals. And the buyer ahould not ask for samles when is is not 100% sure about the item and company image in market. Each seller is not competent to send the samples because of certain business philosphy and trems. . So in the end the result is both the parties have own principals and tems. The both paties shoud made a agreement for samples and msupplies. A good business man always see the relationship and his business growth irrespective of intial cost.

I think we should understand each other and should have a agreement. Simply asking for a free sample in today's business world is just like begging in front of a shop ......................
bye

Replying to [DREW23]:Welcome to YIWU! we are a professional purchase agency in yiwu, providing with all services for you , pls contact with us if you need help. our website is http://www.ever-star.com.cn, thanks a lot! msn is everstar-exporter@hotmail.com.

Replying to [DREW23]: I sorry to hear that. in my opinion, you could to talk to that company why you have free sample, maybe they will accept your opinion. If not, you also could find anther manufacting. If need some help. send email to me, sunnychen7@gmail.com or MSN:sunny_chen99@hotmail.com

Replying to [DREW23]: I don't agree MERTEC's reply, because it's not every chinese so bad, jus like the family numbers, have good guy&also have bad guy. everything have two parties. But I agree HUZZAT's reply, doing business just like the ads, you pay more ,then you gain more.It's reasonable.

Replying to [DREW2

i think it isn't a good idea to start a business in sample because u have to pay the same force and more money.and it's cost is higher than a try order.

bless your business plain sailing.

Replying to [DREW23]:it depends what type of trading you have for both buying and selling.if you have textile business or cotton yarn.the sample cost is nothing only freight charges are the problems.as well as if you have business like furniture,ceramics,electronics(like computers hardware,laptop etc) free samples much more difficult for sellers.

Replying to [DREW23]:I mean the charge of sample and freight will be paid by buyer and supplier together. the supplier send the free sample, but the supplier must pay the freight .
Just it depends on the relationship of the buyer and supplier.it is the key whether the business is successfull or not !
In our company use the way ,now it seems a good way !it works well .
Good luck!
Regards

Replying to [DREW23]:Hello,My dear friend.Whether the manufacturer supply the free samples,it depends on the value of the sample.If the sample is expensive and it takes them some time and labors to do it.It will be normal for them to require the sample charge.It is not assured whether you will really place the order to them in future.And in most condition, they will defund the sample charge to you when you place the order.If the sample is very very cheap,the factory will provide the free sample to you in any case.
Here,i would like to remind you that if you want to do business with chinese factory, you must know more about china.Regarding the USD50.00, it is expensive in China.If you really want to purchase this products,you can consider to pay the sample charge after your checking the company.
Now,there are many many overseas customers to cheat the sample of chinese factory.And many foreign trade officers have the experience of being cheated, so they normally judge the customer whether is the genuine customer by the sample charge.
If fact,there are many good factories who want to do business with overseas customers on the basis of mutual benefit.The fake factory is less.

Good luck in your business!

Replying to [DREW23]:
We are a supplier of energy saving lamps.
We sincerely sent a lot samples to customers for free,but didn't get orders from them.That's why some supplier will ask vendor to pay the sample charges.
I'm convinced that you are not such a buyer like to ask samples from every supplier whom you contacted,whether they are good supplier or not.
It's a normal phenomena in the world. China import goods from other countries,they also charges us for samples.
So pls don't consider your own profit solely,business is basic on a mutual profit,trust, help.Most suppliers can return the charges when you place orders,i'm sure not so many country can do this .In a word,it's a great action.

Replying to [DREW23]:In a word,it is very difficult to conduct transactions now because the two parties don't believe each other