My clients come to me for much more than anything written down can provide.
If your purpose of giving half a reply is to sell your book, I cannot approve!
G
The primary purpose of my post was to yet again warn that "
A number of the sites recommended in various posts are downright risky."
I will not disclose my known safe sites for the reason that I will not encourage amateurs to launch themselves into importing without some real knowledge of what is involved. If they choose to buy my book they gain that knowledge, but I can hardly incorporate 27 pages of information in my posts. They do not only receive what is "written down", they also receive ongoing support.
One of the best sites is used by professional importers and is not user friendly. In my book I provide an explanation of the site's purpose and benefits, as well as click by click instructions on how to navigate its pages. Without that, would-be new importers would quickly give up, and in the process miss out on some of the best suppliers.
When I refer to amateurs, I speak of ones such as I encounter frequently who, encouraged by advice on forums, have eagerly begun to locate suppliers and even place orders, without adequate knowledge of the process.
Quite a few of them subsequently come to me with their woes, having decided at last that they do need expert advice. One example might help.
A lady in New Zealand emailed me having already ordered and paid for some goods that were bulky and of relatively low value. When she discovered that the freight cost was going to far exceed the value of the goods, she wrote to ask could the information in my book show her what to do.
I helped her with specific advice immediately, and she bought my book and is starting again, this time having a much better idea of how to proceed, as well as having continuing guidance should she have any concerns.
I teach that sourcing can be done safely, and importing can be done with great ease, but the information found on forum posts is not sufficient upon which to base serious business decisions. And yes, I do hope people will buy my book, but I do not rely on book sales for my income. It is a hobby to keep my brain active during my health-enforced retirement.
