Finding suppliers

[stealth08]

Hello I wish to start a side business in import/export, but am struggling where to find suppliers. Currently I am looking on Alibaba. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[webnise]

Tradekey and Alibaba Express are good but most of them are overseas manufacturers so you need to be extra careful dealing with them.

 

[MattArnold]

I second that. Be extra careful. Many can look and seem like great companies only to find that they do not exist or are not as they appear.

Take care!

Alternatively what area of products are you looking to import. I might be able to point you in the right direction.

Thanks Matt

 

[stealth08]

Thanks for your replies guys. Ideally I would like to find an alternative to these websites, since there are too many risks involved.

 

[GraemeL]

Try

http://www.hktdc.com/en-buyer/

 

[Aarona80]

There are too many trade companies on Alibaba, which are not manufacturers.It's very hard to get best price from them.And it's dangerous that you can not know the quality until you receive your products.

Usually,in import & export industry,you need a China-based sourcing agent who can place your order directly to manufacturers, so that cut down your sourcing cost.And it's more necessary that the company can control quality and delivery time for you by working with manufacturers.The company works as your sourcing office in China.

With the assistant of sourcing agent, you can source excellent manufacturers in China directly, get transparent pricing under professional quality management.Actually,we are such a sourcing agent.Any question,pls feel free to PM me.

 

[kelvin1950]

You need to chat to @MY OFFICE IN CHINA

 

[Solomon14]

I've always used global sources. I'm unaware of a better site to source suppliers.

 

[onioni8]

Hi

I am establishing my own range of equestrian polo shirts. I have everything set up and already have 2-3 outlets who like my rough designs, logo and ideas. I have spent hours and hours trolling the internet for a supplier of my product so I can then add my logo's and designs at a later date. Unfortunately I don't know how to trust or find a good product supplier. When you look at all the big sites like Alibaba etc it's a mine field! Could you point me in the direction of a good one? I want 100% pique polo's like the ones Joules, Ariat and Kingsland have but all I get sent are really poor quality versions. I'm really confident that this business will work once I am confident in my product

 

[MattArnold]

Hi there,

I have a friend out in china who has a clothing and garment factory. I know she does a lot of T-shirt business and other products such as high end leather goods. I can introduce you if you would like. Just let me know.

thanks,

Matt.

 

[Aarona80]

Hi

I am establishing my own range of equestrian polo shirts. I have everything set up and already have 2-3 outlets who like my rough designs, logo and ideas. I have spent hours and hours trolling the internet for a supplier of my product so I can then add my logo's and designs at a later date. Unfortunately I don't know how to trust or find a good product supplier. When you look at all the big sites like Alibaba etc it's a mine field! Could you point me in the direction of a good one? I want 100% pique polo's like the ones Joules, Ariat and Kingsland have but all I get sent are really poor quality versions. I'm really confident that this business will work once I am confident in my product

Hi,you can select suppliers as following:

1.Search your products on Alibaba,such as "pique polo","pique polo tshirt","100% cotton pique polo shirt"

2.Select the research results for supplier,check the button "Suppliers" which is at the top of results list

3.Select "Glod Supplier" and " Assessed Supplier"

4.Have a look at every supplier's "Qualification proof",you can see the number of years that they have been gold suppliers for.Usually,old reliable.You also can check their "Quick Response Rate".

5.Don't spend too much time on viewing products photos,you never know where they copy these from.Just contact the suppliers one by one,send them your product requirement and ask for a quote and samples.(Maybe you should pay for the samples,international express is not cheap.If you have a friend or agent in China,he can do this for you to save your money)

At last, I have to say,it's hard to get best price on alibaba.Most of the suppliers on there are trade companies.In China,most of the medium and small-sized factories don't spend money on hiring officers who can speak English.They get orders from internatonal trade companies who are on alibaba or globalsources.

 

[MOIC]

A belated reply, but hopefully one that will be helpful to this thread.

Finding the right suppler, which is a minefeld to any new buyer, is only the first step in the buying process.

There are hundreds of suppliers offering similar products with varying prices and qualities.

Due dilligence is a must and this is covered by many threads in the Internatonal Business Section.

However, after finding the "right" supplier and using due dilligence, you must follow the order process, which covers the following:

1 - Ensuring the Pro Forma invoice is detailed and correct in all the aspects.

2 - Received a sample of your product order for confirmation (If possible), or at the least photographs and detailed explanation of materials and specifications.

3 - Payments to a "safe" account, which ideally should be to the company issuing the Pro Forma invoice.

4 - Quality Control throughout the order process and specifically before final payment is made.

5 - Ensuring correct paperwork for export as well as any certificates required for UK Customs.

6 - Complete communication with the suppler from start to finish.

My advice would always be to use an agent for the first 2 or 3 times to handle your orders as this will reduce the risk of any errors and ensure your money is safe.

After you have gained experience and are more comfortable with all the procedures involved with importing, you will be able to understand what is fully involved and to decide what is the best way forward.

If you need any help or further information, please feel free to email me at: [email protected]