I need help with importing from china!

[glasses123]

Hi,

I currently looking to import products from china. I would love some advice egarding which is the best process?

1.) Going over there and meeting the factory owners?
2.) Use a broker
3.) Internet wholesale sites.

I just don't where to start! Please help:|

Gavin

 

[sandforthintl]

Hi,

Speak to Clint, who is a member here he goes under the user name of CJSteele.

Rgds - JB

 

[stevetamis]

1)Budget some money. Fly to China. Check the city from where you want to buy the product.
2) Talk to wholesalers/manufacturer's representatives/importers of any type of products which you wish to import. Talk to them. Negotiate for best price. Good luck to your import business. You don't need an agent accept one who represent you to check the quality of the goods before shipment to you.I have been there and seen it all.

 

[groovyjon]

Wouldn't mind talking to Clint myself, but there doesn't seem to be a username of CJSteele??

 

[Rolypig]

Check the specifications right up to the time the product goes into the box. You will agree a product spec...........then, they will change things that you never even thought they could change. Have an person in your pay to check absolutely everything. Once it arrives in the UK, it is costly and time-consuming to sort out. Lay it on the line with a written agreement with the factory. Let them know that you know the game. They will use the cheapest, almost unbelieveably poor materials, unless you are on the spot to check. Good luck.

 

[Mister B]

Hi,

I currently looking to import products from china. I would love some advice egarding which is the best process?

1.) Going over there and meeting the factory owners? Best option IMO. Find the suppliers via a site such as Global Sources or HKTDC and arrange a trip during which you can visit a few suppliers. Remember though that China is a BIG country. Also plan your trip to coincide with one of the major fairs which is relevant to your industry. Most industries are covered by the Canton fair in Guangzhou-next one is in October. This would also tie in with a few fairs in HK.
2.) Use a broker. Possible, but you would probably pay around 20% of the factory price for their services. Could be cheap though if it means that you don't get stitched up.
3.) Internet wholesale sites. IMO, at your risk. Price will be higher, quality will be suspect and a greater chance of getting ripped off. Only my opinion, but a valid one

I just don't where to start! Please help:|

Gavin

Hope that this helps, let me know if you need any more info.

Mister B

 

[murdoch]

I currently looking to import products from china. I would love some advice egarding which is the best process?/QUOTE]
There are so many products, what kind of products and volume do you want?
that will help people here to be more specific with our answers? It varies greatly depending on the products.

It sometimes pays to use an agent, I actually do a little myself and of course there are many other agents represented on this forum too.

 

[CJSteele]

Hi Gavin,

Sorry I didn't respond after JB mentioned me; I've spent the last week between China, Hong Kong and Australia, and I've been moving house. So I haven't been on the web much.

I think Mister B has given a pretty good run down, but I think you can get a lower cost on an agent if you have the right business model. And I think you can get good stuff from a wholesaler online if you manage them. I also think visits are only good if you are well prepared, like Rolypig inferred.

Personally, I think the best approach is a mix of the three you are considering.

The internet sites are a really good way to see what can be done in China and to get an idea of cost. The best thing is that this approach costs only time and effort. You can talk to a number of suppliers and check out their websites. Really try to see who is good and who isn't. You will learn a lot this way.

Once you have identified some better suppliers, you can then use a broker, or inspection company or proxy, to check them out. You only pay for them to take a look, and you are just using them so you don't need to spend too much time flying over. This, I think, is one of the best uses of agents. I think it is typically around $US300 a day to get something inspected or a factory reviewed.

Alternatively, if you have a solid business plan, then you might find some agents who can be your people on the ground in exchange for a proportion of each order's cost. If you get a good relationship going, then they can even develop products for you. The good thing about this is that they make money the more you sell so they try to keep costs down and keep things running well. Also, they can help with set up so you really only outlay money when you are actually ordering and selling. Not many agents do this, but they are around. Make sure that they have a good engineering capability and that they have a western connection to ensure proper communication of technical issues.

All said, it can be a good idea to visit a factory. If you do, take a prototype or samples or something so that you have something physical to talk about and look at. This can help ensure that you get exactly what you want. Like Rolypig said, you need to let them know that you know the game. If you have used an agent, then you will only be visiting factory that has already been reviewed, and things should go smoothly. In these cases also focus on the relationship with the factory owner.

I hope that helps.

Here are some videos that you might want to take a look at.


http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-find-the-right-chinese-supplier-for-your-product
http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-find-a-good-chinese-supplier-3

They might help.

Good luck with it all.

 

[Jiada Leather]

Hi,

I currently looking to import products from china. I would love some advice egarding which is the best process?

1.) Going over there and meeting the factory owners?
2.) Use a broker
3.) Internet wholesale sites.

I just don't where to start! Please help:|

Gavin

Business culture in China revolves around the the expression guan xi, which directly translated means good connections. In China, guan xi is the centre axe of all economical life, and thats where it becomes difficult as a foreigner to just go to china and get a fair price and quality.
It is possible that you will actually save time, and money, by letting a sourcing company do it for you.

 

[ll1008]

u import large quantities or small? I think for large quantitiies, u should come to China. For small quantities, u can check internet supplier. I don't think Mister B opinion all good. But you need find good suppliers in internet.

 

[Wavecrest Ltd]

Another country you could look at is Taiwan. A lot of spectacle frames come in from there.

If you do find a supplier and progress to the order stage our advice would be to purchase on FOB terms. The supplier will no doubt offer to arrange the shipping to the UK but you should decline politely! (unless you want a very large unexpected bill for port charges in the UK...)

By purchasing goods on FOB terms you will be able to make your own shipping arrangements and have control over the costs and no surprises.

If you need any advice regarding shipping or customs clearance, please feel free to contact me.

Glen

 

[haseelin]

Hi,

I currently looking to import products from china. I would love some advice egarding which is the best process?

1.) Going over there and meeting the factory owners?
2.) Use a broker
3.) Internet wholesale sites.

I just don't where to start! Please help:|

Gavin

Hi
we are a local factory in china,if you need help for import some products from china,we can give you some help.and we have export permission right,so anything in china we can do it easy on relevant export item.

 

[Rolypig]

Guanxi, or 'connections' are very important in China. By getting a local Agent to negotiate on your behalf...you will save at least 30% on costs. This includes accomodation rates! Always get a Chinese friend to buy things for you in shops etc, when in China. Our Agent since 2002/3 has been excellent. He helps with design, helps with finding factories, etc. We look after him with payment 'on the nose'. He feels, to us, part of our Company, even though he works independently.
Now that times are very different (with the slowdown, and some Chinese factories not so stable) it is critical to have local advice.
Treat people with respect and 'do as you would be done by' clearly yields good results and good working relationships. There are some very able people in this sector in China.
Contact details supplied if required.

 

[red-source]

I agree with the comments above regarding agents, a good one is worth thier weight in gold. I have been working with Chinese factories now for almost 10 years and have kept the same agent, I have openly admitted to Him that My business would struggle without Him. Good job we are good friends now !

 

[MARLEY2]

1 - Never pay china by western Union

2 - If you can go and visit the factury before you buy the products, Sometimes they are just agents and not real manufactures.

3 - Pay them with credit cards if you can't buy the goods in person, Paypal.com is only safe if you pay with the credit card linked to your paypal account.

4 - See if they have any other customers in the UK you can speak too, If they say SORRY THIS IS PERSONAL - becareful could be a scam. There are millions of people in this world selling the same products, one customer for referance should not be a problem.

hope this info helps , sorry about the spelling

 

[GreenChristmasAppeal org]

I have just gone through the process of importing from China and have found the ideal partner for the job - Alibaba.com . I am part of their Global Startup Challenge for budding entrepreneurs. As one of the 8 finalist in the competition I was given seed money and had to come up with a business using Alibaba.com . I was able to find the right products, request samples and then do a deal to have my good imported. Although there were a few language issues, the whole process was far easier and cheaper (and environmentally friendly) than flying to china and visiting potential suppliers. I would definitely recommend the site.

If this was any help at all please vote for me to win the global startup challenge at globalstartupchallenge.com/marvin.php

Good Luck with your venture.

 

[Timmy]

my name is Timmy, a native man in china, I will be your side if you need. and I have a book, it would be helpful for you, book name: How to do business in china, anybody interested in, please contact me