Importing from China

[preciousbags]

Hi all,

I have just joined the forum after being pointed by mse to join.

I currently am buying stock from the UK but have also been looking for a cheaper supplier.

The stock i get is from the UK, and the supplier is getting it from China.

Ive been on alibaba and found a few suppliers that i have contacted - but i am very unsure to part with my money.

Is alibaba a good place to source a decent supplier from china?

 

[skyhi2]

Hello Precious ( OMG that sounds like a line from Silence Of The Lambs or Lord Of The Rings ).
Anyway,yes,Alibaba is a great source,but as everything these days,tread carefully.

Have you looked on Ali Express ?,i use it about 99% of the time now and it works for me.

You actually get to check the goods before the money is handed over.

If the suppliers you have contacted are not using AE you could always ask them to put things on there for you.

Remember,you can still negotiate prices on AE also.

Good luck.

Skyhi2.

 

[preciousbags]

Thanks for the reply.

Its just recently i thought about importing. I was getting my stock for leeds but i knew they were originally from china.

So inaway am trying to cut the middle man out (leeds) and import directly from china.

Plus the items i sell are valued at £18 roughly so going to China at the moment might not seem worthit otherwise i would have flew out.

 

[preciousbags]

When on AE, most suppliers from China have live chat online. Although when i click to chat, no one seems to reply.

Am i right in thinking that the time difference should explain it?

Ive just found some nice stock that id like to see. Thanks

 

[skyhi2]

You need to download Trade Manger to chat.

Yes,the time difference can be a pain,lots of late nights

But hey,it`s worth it for what you get out of it,and the Chinese can be so funny too.

A quick heads up on postage,use DHL,although EMS can be cheaper.

DHL is far superior and quicker ( i had a shipment posted last Friday evening,midnight,and i signed for it Tue morning ) and tracked every stage online.

Although if it`s containers full you would need the services of Wavecrest ( search for him ).

Skyhi2.

 

[preciousbags]

Would i need an imports license or anything like that? Basically i sell bags. Or would DHL deal with all the imports issues for me?

 

[zest1818]

why you don't say look for a Chinese supplier here? seems here many chinese & in fast east. or you may find from ebay. I am chinese and ebay seller too. But now looking for UK importer.

 

[Soleman]

Lot of people imports various items from China. But what I have seen is that usually they visit China and after that they decide. The language barrier is the biggest problem. Make sure you negotiate with them before the contract because when the money changes hands than there is no place for negotiation.