Buying from China

[MadWeb]

Hi All,

I am considering a few bulk purchases from China, which is something I've never done before.

Can anyone recommend a particular website or company to work with?
I've found a few sites such as mad-in-china.com which obviously advertise products on behalf of other companies, and there seems to be a few websites like that.

Just wondered if anyone had an opinion, or if there were any pitfalls I should be aware of.

Thanks in advance !

 

[Mister B]

There are loads of pitfalls. Everybody seems to think that importing from Asia can lead to the crock of gold at the end of the rainbow, but unfortunately for some, it turns out to be fools gold.

Done correctly though, it can be quite a lucrative exercise. ( I wouldn't be doing it otherwise) Without knowing exactly what you're looking to bring in, it's quite hard to point you in the right direction.

As a starter for ten, I would trawl through the Global Sources site, and then though the HKTDC site. there are others that you can use, but in my opinion, they are the best. From this point, I would find a relevant trade fair in HK and spend a few days over there. May cost you a grand, but you will not only gain heaps of experience, but also show yourself to be serious in the eyes of the Chinese.

Could write for hours, but keeping it brief, I would be inclined to avoid Alibaba and remember that these factories (the good ones anyway,) are normally inundated with requests from people looking to make a fast buck. What the factories are looking for are long term sustainable partnerships.

Once you've trawled through them, come back and we'll talk about the next step

Hope that this helps.

Mister B

 

[MadWeb]

Thanks Mister B, brilliant response.

 

[FluxServices]

If you looking for help on getting your goods from china to your door, pm me or email [email protected],

 

[willhitch]

when you do purchase from china, make sure you use a currency broker to get the best possible rate, otherwise you will lose out as the banks take a huge margin from the interbank rate.

 

[PrettyPaws]

We're interested in this also. What are the import costs, tax etc etc likely to be incured? Also do we need to be VAT reg or anything like that?

Thanks

 

[ginantonic]

We have also been looking into this for a while, but are obviously keen to avoid the pitfalls mentioned above. Have registered on the HKTDC site, but are being inundated with offers from Chinese producers of everything, from steel tubing to self build metal sheds! (None of which we are interested in.)
As far as I understand it, if it's a small quantity of something small, it can be sent as a gift, avoiding the tax and zipping through customs (usually sent via EMS) but if we want to buy in quantity, it gets seriously complicated, and expensive.
Could do with some advice.
And, yes, we were warned off Alibaba, too.

 

[Christiane]

I don't think it's that complicated to buy from China. You usually have to pay 50% with your order, and 50% when ready to ship. The supplier charges you the freight on your invoice. Wouldn't use EMS at all, but a courier like DHL.
If it goes through a courier door to door, then you pay them the VAT due on the goods (cost including freight), import duty and courier fee.
It only gets complicated if you airfreight (or ship by sea), as I find the cost higher when it's delivered to the airport.

 

[SourcingsolutionsUK]

Hi, Guys, I am new to this forum. Say hello to everyone.Some introduction of myself.
I am a sourcing consultant, providing services for small/middle business owner sourcing products from China. The company is based in the UK with offices and partners in China.

We focus on issues most concerned by our clients, such as vendor verification, products quality control, payment methods, transportation and customs charges etc.

We are providing following services to well address these issues:

Identify qualified manufacturer and verification
Product quality inspection
Payment settlement in local currency and in the UK rather than sending your payment to China (available to repeat clients and on a case by case basis)
Freight forwarder/shipping service in the UK and China
Any other sourcing & importing related services

We wish our customized solutions helping you develop your business.

At this moment, we only charge a very small admin fee for fiirst time client and a no success no fee basis. Please feel free to PM or email me. I am based in london. You are welcome to meet me in london.

 

[Ador pets]

Thanks Mister B, brilliant response.

Hello.Have reading so many opinions about importing from China,I felt surprised for your views about chinese suppliers and alibaba.
I have been in overseas business for five years,doing pet products.Ever since my first exporting business,I sticked to the same principle:to be honest with clients and helpful to clients.That's why my customers from South African,American,Italy,etc.all like doing business with me.
I believe most of chinese suppliers are the same as me,while the scamer is minority.
Lately we are thinking of registering our factory in Alibaba. that's why I am here to see how is alibaba in foreigners' eyes.

I can be of help if anybody need to find suppliers in china,like pet producs,garments,leather belts,etc.I am in Guangzhou China,this products is no problem for me.even not my own business.

 

[Mister B]

Hello.Have reading so many opinions about importing from China,I felt surprised for your views about chinese suppliers and alibaba.
I have been in overseas business for five years,doing pet products.Ever since my first exporting business,I sticked to the same principle:to be honest with clients and helpful to clients.That's why my customers from South African,American,Italy,etc.all like doing business with me.
I believe most of chinese suppliers are the same as me,while the scamer is minority.
Lately we are thinking of registering our factory in Alibaba. that's why I am here to see how is alibaba in foreigners' eyes.

I can be of help if anybody need to find suppliers in china,like pet producs,garments,leather belts,etc.I am in Guangzhou China,this products is no problem for me.even not my own business.

That's good to hear and I wish you well.

Please note that my comments didn't necessarily relate to Chinese suppliers. Alibaba has suppliers from many countries, not all of whom are from China

Mister B

 

[Ador pets]

That's good to hear and I wish you well.

Please note that my comments didn't necessarily relate to Chinese suppliers. Alibaba has suppliers from many countries, not all of whom are from China

Mister B

I am fine,thanks.
sure,there are suppliers from other country in alibaba though,your opinions is very helpful for me.

 

[regencychess]

My top tip (like others have mentioned) is to go to China, India, or wherever and actually meet with the suppliers. If you are serious about the business then this is well worth doing. If yuo are careful you can get 5 days or a week in China for around £1000... I have done it on less than that when Virgin were offering some cracking deals on flights to Shanghai.

I am off to India at the end of this month as it happens, flight is around £300 and hotel £32 a night... I am staying for just four nights... so in the grand scheme of things, not a huge expense. (well it wouldn't be if I wasn't taking our in house web designer along for the ride)

 

[Wavecrest Ltd]

My top tip (like others have mentioned) is to go to China, India, or wherever and actually meet with the suppliers. If you are serious about the business then this is well worth doing. If yuo are careful you can get 5 days or a week in China for around £1000... I have done it on less than that when Virgin were offering some cracking deals on flights to Shanghai.

I am off to India at the end of this month as it happens, flight is around £300 and hotel £32 a night... I am staying for just four nights... so in the grand scheme of things, not a huge expense. (well it wouldn't be if I wasn't taking our in house web designer along for the ride)

That is good advice. Would always recommend meeting suppliers in person if possible. That way you can see if they are a real company with premises rather than just operating from a P O box.

Best regards,
Glen

 

[Ador pets]

I agree with Sunny09.We would like customers to visit factories in order to establish better business relationship.That's how Chinese think.

 

[b2bmarketing]

There are loads of pitfalls. Everybody seems to think that importing from Asia can lead to the crock of gold at the end of the rainbow, but unfortunately for some, it turns out to be fools gold.

Done correctly though, it can be quite a lucrative exercise. ( I wouldn't be doing it otherwise) Without knowing exactly what you're looking to bring in, it's quite hard to point you in the right direction.

As a starter for ten, I would trawl through the Global Sources site, and then though the HKTDC site. there are others that you can use, but in my opinion, they are the best. From this point, I would find a relevant trade fair in HK and spend a few days over there. May cost you a grand, but you will not only gain heaps of experience, but also show yourself to be serious in the eyes of the Chinese.

Could write for hours, but keeping it brief, I would be inclined to avoid Alibaba and remember that these factories (the good ones anyway,) are normally inundated with requests from people looking to make a fast buck. What the factories are looking for are long term sustainable partnerships.

Once you've trawled through them, come back and we'll talk about the next step

Hope that this helps.

Mister B

That was a really helpful reply indeed. I would also like to thank you Mister B. I know the experience of going through all these B2B Portals can get get quite harrowing if one is not absolutely sure of what he or she wants and has fixed targets in mind. BTW I have good experiences arising from quite another b2b trade portal Eurotradenet.com, I hope it works for others as well. Let me know your experience.
This is my first post on this forum and I am beginning to like the info floating around here.. Thanks

 

[b2bmarketing]

Thanks for all the info.. Its my first experience with the forum and I am beginning to like it. The visiting thing is fine but where the real cost benefits may lie is the SMEs working may be as second string contractors over there in China. But the reaching out to them is the difficult part. We need a more wider network of traders and forums like this to share info.

 

[ginantonic]

I have been investigating a site called www.beltal.com, which, incidentally was removed from this forum for spamming via PM, but that aside, I thought I'd take a look. If you look beyond the usual fake goods, there are some decent sellers on there, and the way payment is made is very reassuring - you pay via Paypal, and the money is not released to the seller until you have received the goods and are happy with them. I went on one night, and you get instant responses from any emails you send the sellers, too.
Am going to make a test purchase and see what happens.

 

[Printnpackage]

Hi, We dont knwo what products are you interested in. Made-in-china is B2B. most of trading company registed . before you buying from China, you must study the market, as you know China can supply good quality products and cheapest products. You must know your customers requrements.

 

[ll1008]

We have also been looking into this for a while, but are obviously keen to avoid the pitfalls mentioned above. Have registered on the HKTDC site, but are being inundated with offers from Chinese producers of everything, from steel tubing to self build metal sheds! (None of which we are interested in.)
As far as I understand it, if it's a small quantity of something small, it can be sent as a gift, avoiding the tax and zipping through customs (usually sent via EMS) but if we want to buy in quantity, it gets seriously complicated, and expensive.
Could do with some advice.
And, yes, we were warned off Alibaba, too.

You can ship by international courier like UPS, TNT, FEDEX, DHL.... with discount.

 

[ll1008]

Hi All,

I am considering a few bulk purchases from China, which is something I've never done before.

Can anyone recommend a particular website or company to work with?
I've found a few sites such as mad-in-china.com which obviously advertise products on behalf of other companies, and there seems to be a few websites like that.

Just wondered if anyone had an opinion, or if there were any pitfalls I should be aware of.

Thanks in advance !

What products you are runing?

 

[ginantonic]

I am currently looking at www.beltal.com as their payment system seems foolproof as they use eBay, and you don't pay until you receive the goods and are happy with them. Avoiding all the companies that produce fake goods, there is some interesting stuff on there, and you don't always have to buy in lots, you can buy individual items.
Essex Wedding Services...you are in the same sort of business as our new venture, you may well be interested in some of the things for sale on there.

 

[ll1008]

So you are interested in different items and in foolproof payment system? Also you can visit www dot dhgate dot com, I think this website is similar with that one.

 

[Camille-I]

Hi, maybe we are just what your are looking for to cooperate with. You can buy from us, and if you are not sure the status of our service and reputation, you can firstly order some small quantity products to test. To Test the products quantity and our service.

However, if you bilieved us after studying our website then you can buy more at the beginning to save more money.



May it will be helpful for you.

Good day everybody here!

 

[ginantonic]

Have just taken a look at smallvolume, it looks good. Will make a test purchase next week. The only thing about this one, compared to others, is that it's not all that clear what the shipping fees are, and there is a "service fee" added. Thank you!

 

[Eastgate Global]

what product is it. you know some of the stuff here is really good, its not all doom and gloom. same old saying get what you pay for, best to stipulate the materials used and not accept any changes from the sample you have made, i usually make this clear from the start, wev'e all been bitten before, just try like hell not to get bitten again, its always a good idea to visit the factory when they finish your first order, once you get everything clear with them and give them follow up orders they do appreciate long term business. China is changing, goods are getting better all the time, sure you will be fine. let me know how u get on.

 

[JoeHe]

Hi All,

I am considering a few bulk purchases from China, which is something I've never done before.

Can anyone recommend a particular website or company to work with?
I've found a few sites such as mad-in-china.com which obviously advertise products on behalf of other companies, and there seems to be a few websites like that.

Just wondered if anyone had an opinion, or if there were any pitfalls I should be aware of.

Thanks in advance !

Agree on Mister B somewhat.

I'm Chinese and in international business for two and a half years. Have operated some B2B platforms. Alibaba, made-in-China,dhgate(small business,charge from the buyer),hisupplier(professional website for pnenmatic&hydraulic products), also global sources.

1.Re these platforms, Global sources is the most expensive one for most factories, and it is professional at fairs, gather the big factories&big trading company products and show on the fair each year. I'm now working in a bag factories since may 2000?(not quite sure,but very old company), and our boss reject to pay global sources since June as he have lots of old customers, the platform seems can't bring huge prifits though pay large amount. But if you want a good partner(large factory) from China, you can contact with the payment factory. But most of times, they don't want to work with very small partners.(Boss give up lots orders this year)

I have friends work in made-in-China, they often pursuade me to ask my boss to be a gold member of made-in-China, you know, I'm not the boss, and I can't decide on behalf of him. I heard from them that made-in-China is good, and in my mind, factories signed there more than in alibaba. If you're lucky you can find good partner on it.

HKDTC? It's a website orgnized by H.K., don't know much about it.

Other professional platforms, you can have a try according to your products.

Some people buy good products through alibaba,made-in-China,Global,..., some not, very important thing is if any doubt you have on this person/company, do not buy from them, you can also choose an agent or assistant or even come by yourself to do some reserch on the ones you're going to cooperate with.

2.Courier shipment. Lots options:
DHL,UPS,FEDEX,TNT four biggest and most famous courier company,servise is good, you can tracking from their offical website. charge is expensive, usually 2-7 days for international package, for very heavy goods, customers can discuss with them to get a good price. UK customers can arrange them from your side, they'll going to pick package from Chinese factory.

EMS Chinese courier company, can ship to lots countries in the world. service is OK, cost is low.the parcel can't be tracking. may takes 5-14 days.

Other couriers, professional lines between UK&China for example, there may be lots, charge will be very competitive, you can have a try. I don't know some, can't suggest here.

Good luck!

Joe from China

 

[archel10]

Hi,

Simple tips; As to my experience in importing from China, I use Paypal in paying those company to ensure their legality and you can also open complain through Paypal about the payment you made if problem arises. If they are using Paypal in payment processing, it means that they are verified merchants.

Archel10

 

[xzh820]

Speaking of Chinese products, people think of Chinese holiday, is the Mid-Autumn Festival a few days, do you like the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival? Mid-Autumn moon cake you like it?

 

[amerie2007]

Hi, I'm new to this forum.
After reading your posts, I as a Chinese exporter want to give you some advise.

1. Usually the factory will offer a good price but the trading company boast professional team of worker.
2.Do not believe the supplier all the times and do not always suspects them too.
3.Importing from China is complicated,but it is not difficult.

 

[HorseWyze]

Hi I am starting to import horse rugs from china and need all the help I can get as I am totally new to this any advice or help would be much appreciated.

 

[Wavecrest Ltd]

Hi I am starting to import horse rugs from china and need all the help I can get as I am totally new to this any advice or help would be much appreciated.

Hello - if you are buying a quantity which needs to be sent by sea freight, my main advice would be to ask your Chinese supplier to only quote prices on an FOB basis (free on board). You will then be able to make your own shipping arrangements with a UK based freight forwarder. If you allow the Chinese to make the shipping arrangements, you are likely to be saddled with very high handling charges when the goods arrive in the UK.

My company has been arranging shipments from China since 1994. If you would like any further advice about shipping or import procedures, you are welcome to contact me and I will do my best to assist you.

Glen

 

[chinadreambox]

I have to say something about importing from Hongkong .In fact ,many hongkong companies important from China mainland ,then sell to others .

 

[Timmy]

just contact the golden/authorized suppliers on alibaba or madeinchina, globle sources, HKTDC, but considering of your bulk orders, you may find a chinese guy to help you purchase that.

 

[amandazhu]

Hi All,

I am considering a few bulk purchases from China, which is something I've never done before.

Can anyone recommend a particular website or company to work with?
I've found a few sites such as mad-in-china.com which obviously advertise products on behalf of other companies, and there seems to be a few websites like that.

Just wondered if anyone had an opinion, or if there were any pitfalls I should be aware of.

Thanks in advance !

Now there are 3 biggest production sourcing web :
globalsources.
made-in-china
alibaba
some difference among these three webs.
If you need some production with technology or higher quality or you have large quantity, or better suppiler, globalsource is better than other two.
If your order small, quality soso, or your need is some small items, groceries ,alibaba is better , Made in china is not clear , in fact now I really dont like these three, I prefer to some small sourcing web to find small supplier with good quality , nice price , because these small sourcing web usually is free, so some small supplier like these .

 

[ESE]

Hi MadWeb
Welcome to the world of importing and there will be plenty of pitfalls, no question about that!
However, for a small fee, we can give you piece of mind in knowing that what you ordered is what you will get right up to your door and you can even pay for your order through our company based in Manchester at no extra costs.
You are welcome to drop by for a cuppa and a chat...
Best regards from elisewholesale.co.uk

 

[gaburial]

For different products ,there are different stores,I think you should let us know what products do you need

 

[ym337473767]

Hi
If you want to ship from China to UK, you could try to contract me by shenyimin-sym(a)hotmail.com,we can provide express(DHL,UPS,EMS,TNT,FEDEX ect.), ocean shipping and airlift.
Thanks,Lewis

 

[zarmark]

If you want purchase from China,you really need know about taobao.com . because most of the Chinese buy from taobao, and for the hongkong items..80% of them are made in China mainland.

 

[stinirene]

Hi there, China is a great market, since you got stable selling routes, reliable supplier, you will make a good profit then. regarding the B2B site like alibaba, made in china, can't be completely trusted,we can not make any guarantees that a paid member is legitimate or supplies authentic products. most websites dotn have strong mechanisms for verifying suppliers, we were asked by many foreign companies to check chinese suppliers, some gold members even turned out to be scammers. so when you search online, check,check and recheck is necessary.
Please note many suppliers you meet online or on the fair, are traidng company, middleman, even scammers. If you are intereseted in buying directly from manufacturer, we are glad to be of any help. we know the market well. we'd like expand more business in UK, save you more and reduce your business risk in China. anyone interested, contact me.