Importing from Asia

[sttradersltd]

Hello All

I've looking into importing goods from China, and have been researching all aspects of importing from shipping, customs tax/vat, and market research, etc.

I have been in contact with a few 'factories' in China to discuss costs and shipping conditions. However, I have mostly used alibaba.

I have found alibaba to be too pricey, and it seems like some of the exporters are middleman between you and the factory, aswell as some dodgy deals going on there...

My question is....

Is there a website which lists some contact details of factories, so that I may be able to contact them directly in order to discuss prices, and terms of shipping, and even possibly request samples or a catalogue?

I have found a website called Globalsources, but haven't really used it just yet due to not having the time lately, and seems to be a bit more professional than alibaba.

Any help and direction will be much appreciated.

Regards,
Tamer Han

 

[MeorientInc]

Globalsources, Alibaba, actually, trade sites don't have many differences.
here's some other Asia trade site: Made In China, Me360. these two may more targeted.
if you want to contact factory directly, you may have a look at some exhibition sites, because they often collect business cards from exhibitions.

 

[finejewellerys]

I think it depends on which types of items you want import. I think every business sites like alibaba,Globalsources ,they all have the special categories to import.I think you should find the relevant company which have the enough ability to supply you these items you want.and after know these companies.you should ask for a test order to check the quality,then, if everything is going well,you should discuss the shipping cost problem, coz there are many ways to ship the items out,but the price is so different.If the company offer you a good way, It is really so cheap.so whatever which b2b sites you want to use to serach the companies you want for supplier, you should follow the following words as somebody suggest:
Find the products you're interested in
Establish a relationship with potential suppliers
Narrow down to the supplier that you really want to work with.
Understand trade terms,payment termes and use them
Place a trial order with a written purchase order if everything goes well.
Track the transportation and customs clearance
Receive the products and keep the records.

Hope it helps you a lot.

 

[James Greg]

you should ask for a test order to check the quality

Well not all b2b sites can be dodgy, there are sincere people out there too, but it such a populated world how can one test one's sincerity . I agree with finejewellerys this is the best way to find out without losing any bulk money and to know their trust worthiness. You could also have a look at wholesalepages . co . uk or dailytrader . com

 

[GraemeL]

Hello All

I've looking into importing goods from China,

Why do you want to import from China? Have you found a market that you want to supply into, or are you thinking that its easy to make money if you can find the right product?

I am lucky enough to travel to China and have established relationships with a sourcing company based there. We visit factories together.There is no way I would trade directly with a factory. (Language, culture, QC, legislation, taxes, time zone..........) So my advice is to find a sourcing company, at least for your first ventures and use them. You will find them in the UK as well as abroad. To reduce risk, use the UK based ones. There are many honest ones. Factories will most likely trust them more than your 'out of the blue' emails.

 

[GraemeL]

Sorry, should have mentioned, this thread should be on the International Forum

 

[roseyeuang]

agree with all aboves, whatever start-up business or others ,lots of things to refresh ,growing experences from lessones!


if looking for industrial protection products,we can produce for u ;

if inquiry else commodities , our sourcing office service for you;

if any help in friendship ,i'm here for you.

 

[roseyeuang]

Why do you want to import from China? Have you found a market that you want to supply into, or are you thinking that its easy to make money if you can find the right product?

I am lucky enough to travel to China and have established relationships with a sourcing company based there. We visit factories together.There is no way I would trade directly with a factory. (Language, culture, QC, legislation, taxes, time zone..........) So my advice is to find a sourcing company, at least for your first ventures and use them. You will find them in the UK as well as abroad. To reduce risk, use the UK based ones. There are many honest ones. Factories will most likely trust them more than your 'out of the blue' emails.

what a wise guy!！

 

[James Greg]

Factories will most likely trust them more than your 'out of the blue' emails.

I don't see any reason why factories would not trust. They are open for business but if you cannot afford to travel to china then it would be better to hire some services who can do the rough job for you.

 

[Daniel Hoare]

I’m from London but moved to China some years ago where I now live, I deal constantly with Chinese factories, suppliers and am heavily involved in product development and QC , I’m interested in helping people with issues regarding development and QC and am generally interested in hearing peoples stories both positive and negative.

I look forward to our discussion , giving advice or doing business.



Dan

 

[sttradersltd]

thank you all,

some very useful advice. Keep them coming.

I am not too sure about the actual product yet, still in the market research on that department. It seems the stuff I go for seems to be too pricey. I have found out a little more since my last post, but not enough to be able to pin-point the actual product I'd like to import.

About doing factory visits, I would like to make a few purchases before I visit china. I'd like to at least see if I can make this endevour work before I decide to spend £1000 on plane ticket, as well as accomodation costs, etc.

About using business that help you through the process of shipping, I would deffinately be considering it, but at the same time, I'd like to know the whole process from start to finish in order to be able to do some on my own, in order to reduce costs. Even if I don't do it on my own, I'd rather at least know the whole process (always good to know things).

 

[GraemeL]

About doing factory visits, I would like to make a few purchases before I visit china. I'd rather at least know the whole process (always good to know things).

On one hand your notes are a little vague, on the other you are saying the right things - as above.

If you want to go forward I suggest:-

1) Buy some books about importing and all of the issues surrounding it.
2) Look on HMRC website for their free downloads about imports.
3) Contact a UK based freight forwarder to get an outline idea of process, cost and timescale

then if you still want to go forward, make an investment. Buy your ticket and go to one of the many exhibitions held in China. Millions of products to choose from.

4) Having got your product idea, do some research on it in the UK.
5) If research is positive, use a UK based sourcing company (make sure they also have china based employees) to contact the factories and negotiate for you. They will have a lot of experience that you do not have. There are many pitfalls.

 

[almatan]

Hello,Tamer Han
Maybe I could give you some information,you can go to visit CARTON FAIR,which is the biggest fair in Guangzhou ,China.There are many factories for displaying their commodities.
By the way,I would like to introduce my company COCOLUX,which is
a professional manufacture and export of handbags of different brand.
If you have any questions, welcome to contact me .

Regards
alma

 

[Ronsa]

I think yellowpages is good,there you can search the company name and the main productions,

 

[GraemeL]

Hi,I'm Lucy from China.If you want to know how to import from China,you can contact me.

Lucy, I do not think that anyone will be contacting you as a result of your post. You need to demonstrate that there is some substance behind your offer, at least by completing your profile in full.

G

 

[simonliu]

Hi Friends,
it's my honor if I can be your business partner in China for sourcing and quality control consultant.
Please write to me if you have any question about doing business in China.(kingfisher.cn at gmail dot com)

Regarding the middle man between the importer and factory, I don't see there is any problem. Yes, it might be lower price if you deal with factory directly. but remember, you need somebody as third party to help you keep on eyes on quality control process, shipment and even payment.

Yes, you paied a little bit higher but you get an eyes and ear in China to secure your business.

 

[Iranda]

May be you could search on the internet for companies instead of alibaba...most would have their own website..

 

[kellydouglas]

Find a website with a global business network, you will get many buyers and sellers from there.

 

[tongsinjoe]

both alibaba and GS are good places to find suppliers, but it all depands on how you judge and choose.
Glass clamps

 

[juliehiking]

Hello All

I've looking into importing goods from China, and have been researching all aspects of importing from shipping, customs tax/vat, and market research, etc.

I have been in contact with a few 'factories' in China to discuss costs and shipping conditions. However, I have mostly used alibaba.

I have found alibaba to be too pricey, and it seems like some of the exporters are middleman between you and the factory, aswell as some dodgy deals going on there...

My question is....

Is there a website which lists some contact details of factories, so that I may be able to contact them directly in order to discuss prices, and terms of shipping, and even possibly request samples or a catalogue?

I have found a website called Globalsources, but haven't really used it just yet due to not having the time lately, and seems to be a bit more professional than alibaba.

Any help and direction will be much appreciated.

Regards,
Tamer Han

Hi, tamer, sourcing company can help you:
1. Check and choose more optional product supplier
2. Find more varieties of product you may interest
3. Check the qualification of the suppliers
4. work hard to get the best price and payment terms
5. Check the product quality before final payment
6. Arrange all the export issues
7. If any bad things happen, halp coordinate in between

If you want to save time,cost and energy, hiring a souring company is the best choice. Welcome to contact!

 

[juliehiking]

thank you all,

some very useful advice. Keep them coming.

I am not too sure about the actual product yet, still in the market research on that department. It seems the stuff I go for seems to be too pricey. I have found out a little more since my last post, but not enough to be able to pin-point the actual product I'd like to import.

About doing factory visits, I would like to make a few purchases before I visit china. I'd like to at least see if I can make this endevour work before I decide to spend £1000 on plane ticket, as well as accomodation costs, etc.

About using business that help you through the process of shipping, I would deffinately be considering it, but at the same time, I'd like to know the whole process from start to finish in order to be able to do some on my own, in order to reduce costs. Even if I don't do it on my own, I'd rather at least know the whole process (always good to know things).

Your idea is workable, but before you pay plane tickets, you'd better be sure the factory you wanna visit is worth it. Good luck and hope we can help.

 

[irisxie801]

Hello All

I've looking into importing goods from China, and have been researching all aspects of importing from shipping, customs tax/vat, and market research, etc.

I have been in contact with a few 'factories' in China to discuss costs and shipping conditions. However, I have mostly used alibaba.

I have found alibaba to be too pricey, and it seems like some of the exporters are middleman between you and the factory, aswell as some dodgy deals going on there...

My question is....

Is there a website which lists some contact details of factories, so that I may be able to contact them directly in order to discuss prices, and terms of shipping, and even possibly request samples or a catalogue?

I have found a website called Globalsources, but haven't really used it just yet due to not having the time lately, and seems to be a bit more professional than alibaba.

Any help and direction will be much appreciated.

Regards,
Tamer Han

Hello Tamer,

I'm a sales of LED from China, we also use Alibaba and globalsource, but I really feel alibaba is not good, cause the cost is low, so there are many companies even many "dodgiers" are using it, For globalsource, it's really expensive for a small company, so this platform is more professional than Alibaba, but all above are my personal idea.

If you want contact with factory directly, it depends on what products you are looking for, for example, For shoes, almost 80% facotries are get order from trading company, you can not contact with them directly.

whatever from B2B platform or others, i think the most important thing is communication, to estimate the person you contact, if she or he is bilievable, and only to place small order to test if the quality is alright!

Hope it helps,

Iris

 

[Matt CLSC]

Realise I'm a bit late to this discussion but thought I'd say my piece anyway!
You could certainly save money in the long term by dealing directly with factories, rather than going through trade sites such as Alibaba etc.
But it's better to use the services of a locally based sourcing agent rather than going it on your own, especially when establishing a new relationship with a factory.
So, in summary, short term cost for long term gain!

 

[Sport & Outdoor]

Tamer Han,you can also find the factories on global,there are many companies and factories there,also can find the factories on made in china.
I think the quality and best price,additional,the best service is most important of the partners who work with you.

Anne.

 

[jerrylee]

Hello All

I've looking into importing goods from China, and have been researching all aspects of importing from shipping, customs tax/vat, and market research, etc.

I have been in contact with a few 'factories' in China to discuss costs and shipping conditions. However, I have mostly used alibaba.

I have found alibaba to be too pricey, and it seems like some of the exporters are middleman between you and the factory, aswell as some dodgy deals going on there...

My question is....

Is there a website which lists some contact details of factories, so that I may be able to contact them directly in order to discuss prices, and terms of shipping, and even possibly request samples or a catalogue?

I have found a website called Globalsources, but haven't really used it just yet due to not having the time lately, and seems to be a bit more professional than alibaba.

Any help and direction will be much appreciated.

Regards,
Tamer Han

Hi Tamer,
To be frank,there are so many "middleman" in China,some are trade companies and others are sourcing office.i'm working in a trade company specializing in home linen.
Personally,i think Trade company is more professional then the Sourcing office in China,usually ,trade companies are only in one line while Sourcing offices relate with so many products,therefor,they can't be professional than the trade company.
Besides,most global buyers want to do business directly with factories in China as the factories may quote a low price .but the strong point to work with a trade company is Efficiency,Convenient .For examply, you want to import garment fabric form China, you need both knit and woven fabric, you need to take time to find at least two factories ,to check their price,financial and trust standing ,etc.whilt if you work with a trade company,one is enough,the trade company can easily sourcing so many factories related to garment fabric as they can communicate without any language barrier.

Regarding Alibaba and Globalsources,you may get lower price from the former while a better price from the later.we are paid member from Globalsource,they are just a tool.

Last,the most important thing to work with Chinese is not whether they're factories or trade company,not the B2B websites,while it's the person you communicate with.

If you want to know more about B2B websites,pls send me Email at :jerryzhou123 at 126 dot com,or just reply online.

Thanks
Jerry

 

[eileen_xu]

Hi friends,

I work in a factory, I do not know is there any help for you.
I know our product is very cheap, but when business men bought them, they always resell for higher price, which is more than twice.
But we have MOQ,if less than it, we won't sell.
If you are insterest in it, so you can contact me.
I wish I did not bore you.

 

[Vardan 89]

Hi friends,

I work in a factory, I do not know is there any help for you.
I know our product is very cheap, but when business men bought them, they always resell for higher price, which is more than twice.
But we have MOQ,if less than it, we won't sell.
If you are insterest in it, so you can contact me.
I wish I did not bore you.

Which product do you manufacture please?

 

[Mailor]

I fully understand your concerns. Fierce market competion push every one to minimize their cost and increase their profit. But the market rule is also fair to every one: whoever need to get something have to pay for it. There is no free lunch in the world.Because to make a living,no one can afford to serve you all the time for free.
The trade websites establish a platform for you, but they also need to afford the wages of the team who support the websites. The people who help you source products in target market also take a lot of time and efffort in sourcing process so it is also understandable for them to get a slight share from the profit you get. Even when you contact the factory directly, the factory also has to hire some one to introduce their products.
It might be rude to say words above. If you feel you are offended, I would applogize immediately.But what I am saying is from the bottom of my heart and pls don't misunderstand me. I acknowledge there are some greedy people who did inside trading immorally and introduce something bad for you. But that is not to say no middle people is reliable.Merchants are all very wise, and you need to use your wisdom to distinguish the good midpeople from the bad. If you find a good reliable mid people and trust them, they will do what ever they can to help you source the goods you want, which can save you a lot of efforts and time.And sometimes, a third party is more reliable to inspect suppliers.
I am from China, and so happy to see so many people who are so interested in Chinese products. Hope all of you a good business and bright future!

 

[susanlai]

It's not a easy job to find a good suppliers.

And all B2B websites don't like you to contact suppliers directly at the beginning.

I can help you source from China. The following are services I can provide:

1. Production and pre-shipment quality inspection, follow up order and
problem solving;
2. Sourcing reliable factories, coordination, arrange shipment;
3. Your interpreter while traveling in China;
4. Hotel reservation & picking up and other assistant jobs;
5. Market information/research.With experience in market research
company, we can use all kinds of quantitive and qualitative methods to
collect data and analyse them, then submit the final report to you.
Prefered area: building and decorative materials, construction
projects and modular constructions.
If you are interested, please send your specific task/requirements to
my email: susanlaix at gmail.com.