Is It Safe To Sell China Electronics?

33 replies
  • ECOMMERCE
  • |
Hi everyone,

I am a newbie and I started my own ecommerce dropshipping website a couple days ago. This website is for electronics, and I am hoping to sell China electronics like the China versions of the iPhone, the China version of the Samsung Galaxy S3 and S4, PC Tablets, and more. I also want to sell accessories for name brand electronics. I found a supplier for these, which is eforchina.com. I have a couple questions about what I should do. First, and most importantly, is it illegal to sell the China versions of popular mobile phones and other electronics? Second, is it a good idea to sell the China versions, or would it fool a lot of people? Are there any good reasons NOT to sell the China versions? These China versions of electronics seem like they could make me, and anyone else, a ton of money.

Thanks!
#china #electronics #safe #sell
  • Profile picture of the author alksense
    Public forums are probably the worst place to ask for advise on something like this but I have to say it sounds like you're asking for trouble... if you're even considering selling them as trademarked products or "replica" trademarked products then you should stop right now.

    Even if they are not branded I would personally still stay away from this niche because selling electronics can be a nightmare. Customers always have tons of questions and if they can't figure out how to use the products once they arrive it just leads to lots of customer service issues that can avoided in other niches.

    Hope that helps.
    - Anton
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8305532].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author fitnessguy88
      Originally Posted by alksense View Post

      Public forums are probably the worst place to ask for advise on something like this but I have to say it sounds like you're asking for trouble... if you're even considering selling them as trademarked products or "replica" trademarked products then you should stop right now.

      Even if they are not branded I would personally still stay away from this niche because selling electronics can be a nightmare. Customers always have tons of questions and if they can't figure out how to use the products once they arrive it just leads to lots of customer service issues that can avoided in other niches.

      Hope that helps.
      - Anton
      Yes thank you for your help. What I am talking about is stuff like the HiPhone and the GOOPhone, not fake iPhones. What would you recommend selling, instead of electronics? It just seems like I could make a lot of money selling electronics.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8305681].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author alksense
        Originally Posted by fitnessguy88 View Post

        Yes thank you for your help. What I am talking about is stuff like the HiPhone and the GOOPhone, not fake iPhones. What would you recommend selling, instead of electronics? It just seems like I could make a lot of money selling electronics.
        Literally anything else... I try to sell expensive items in niches where customers have no brand loyalty. I also try to choose niches that are as simple as possible when it comes to customer service.

        If you sell those phones that look like iPhones and they don't work right the customer isn't going to call the manufacturer for support. They're going to call you and unless your customer service is there to walk buyers through all the technical questions they will have I foresee there being a lot of chargebacks. (This is all in addition to any problems you may have to deal with by selling phones that look like and operate like iPhones.)

        There are a lot of very profitable niches that I stay away from simply because they are too customer service intensive. I'm in the eCommerce/drop shipping space because it's possible to make a lot of money while doing very little work but if you choose the wrong niche it's also very possible to be overwhelmed with work and just be getting by.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8305705].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author fitnessguy88
          Originally Posted by alksense View Post

          Literally anything else... I try to sell expensive items in niches where customers have no brand loyalty. I also try to choose niches that are as simple as possible when it comes to customer service.

          If you sell those phones that look like iPhones and they don't work right the customer isn't going to call the manufacturer for support. They're going to call you and unless your customer service is there to walk buyers through all the technical questions they will have I foresee there being a lot of chargebacks. (This is all in addition to any problems you may have to deal with by selling phones that look like and operate like iPhones.)

          There are a lot of very profitable niches that I stay away from simply because they are too customer service intensive. I'm in the eCommerce/drop shipping space because it's possible to make a lot of money while doing very little work but if you choose the wrong niche it's also very possible to be overwhelmed with work and just be getting by.
          Ok thank you for all your help. I have two quick questions: First, I understand that it could be a hassle to sell those products, but are they illegal to sell? That's what I'm worried about. Second, I bought your ecommerce course and paid for it but I never received access to the members area. Can you send me a PM and I will respond with my order details? Thanks!
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8305724].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Joe Stewart
          Originally Posted by alksense View Post

          Literally anything else... I try to sell expensive items in niches where customers have no brand loyalty. I also try to choose niches that are as simple as possible when it comes to customer service.

          If you sell those phones that look like iPhones and they don't work right the customer isn't going to call the manufacturer for support. They're going to call you and unless your customer service is there to walk buyers through all the technical questions they will have I foresee there being a lot of chargebacks. (This is all in addition to any problems you may have to deal with by selling phones that look like and operate like iPhones.)

          There are a lot of very profitable niches that I stay away from simply because they are too customer service intensive. I'm in the eCommerce/drop shipping space because it's possible to make a lot of money while doing very little work but if you choose the wrong niche it's also very possible to be overwhelmed with work and just be getting by.
          I 100% agree with alksense. I'm in an industry where there are several profitable items that I could be selling from China, but I avoid them like the plague because of potentially infringing on another company's pirated products and because I don't want any customer service headaches.

          During the U.S. presidential debate the issue of Chinese companies ripping off U.S. companies was brought up because it's a HUGE problem! The example given was about a plumbing fixture that was duplicated and marketed throughout Europe with the same exact serial number on it!

          I see things all the time that have been ripped off with the actual company names on them! Still, I won't touch them with a 10 foot pole. In the first place, how could someone like myself who is NOT an authorized dealer for a specific name brand product be legally selling something when I haven't received dealer approval unless I'm buying from a middle man (many companies require you to be a dealer in order to sell their products)?

          Also, if I was buying from a middle man, how could I be matching their prices or selling for less? That's a BIG red flag and you're just asking for trouble.

          There are thousands and thousands of products out there that you can sell where you can get great pricing and almost never have to worry about customer service issues.

          Save yourself some potential grief and stay away from questionable products that may come back to bite you.

          That's all I have to say.
          Signature

          My New "Share All" Blog Is Coming Soon! Online & Offline Marketing, More!

          http://www.UnCENTSored.com

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8307234].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author fitnessguy88
      Originally Posted by alksense View Post

      Public forums are probably the worst place to ask for advise on something like this but I have to say it sounds like you're asking for trouble... if you're even considering selling them as trademarked products or "replica" trademarked products then you should stop right now.

      Even if they are not branded I would personally still stay away from this niche because selling electronics can be a nightmare. Customers always have tons of questions and if they can't figure out how to use the products once they arrive it just leads to lots of customer service issues that can avoided in other niches.

      Hope that helps.
      - Anton
      Please take a look at this link and tell me what you think:
      eForChina - HiPhone 5

      Thanks!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8305685].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jking1
    There's seems nothing wrong with china electronics products as long as your buyers are aware with the differences of these products from branded ones. They should also be aware that china products have no warranty compared to original products. Despite of differences in quality, features and price there are still many people who will prefer to buy then because they can save a lot.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8305814].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rizy
    Okay alkasense clearly has no idea what he is talking about. Selling Chinese Electronics is completely legit, but it is better to choose high end Chinese companies phones, also make sure the phones don't look exactly like major U.S phones. And make sure that manufacturers you select provide good warranty. And this is an awesome market for prepaid buyers. @alkasense a big company called LightInTheBox does this as well, and they recently went onto NY Trade Exchange. The owner used to work for google.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8305873].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author alksense
      Originally Posted by rizy View Post

      Okay alkasense clearly has no idea what he is talking about. Selling Chinese Electronics is completely legit, but it is better to choose high end Chinese companies phones, also make sure the phones don't look exactly like major U.S phones. And make sure that manufacturers you select provide good warranty. And this is an awesome market for prepaid buyers. @alkasense a big company called LightInTheBox does this as well, and they recently went onto NY Trade Exchange. The owner used to work for google.
      Rightttt.. I have no idea what I'm talking about because I brought up the fact that it's possible to run into legal and customer service issues when selling knockoffs... I'll stay out of this one. Carry on.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8305909].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author rizy
        Originally Posted by alksense View Post

        Rightttt.. I have no idea what I'm talking about because I brought up the fact that it's possible to run into legal and customer service issues when selling knockoffs... I'll stay out of this one. Carry on.
        I never used the word knockoff, there are billion dollar Chinese companies like Oppo, Jiayu, Onda, Pipo and about 20 more. It's possible to run into legal problems with any business, that's why you should always have a lawyer by your side.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8307019].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rymen1993
    I recommend starting selling products on eBay, once you got a ''permanent customers'' and they confidence. Then create a eCommerce site, it's a big business and there are a lots of palyers so beware
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8306538].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author webrankingseoservices2000
    Banned
    What do you mean it is safe. The fact is if you do not sell Chhinese Electronics then you will be soon out of business. Chinese electronics are the cheapest and that makes them shut down all their competitors.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8307046].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Nystemanalyzis
      Originally Posted by webrankingseoservices2000 View Post

      What do you mean it is safe. The fact is if you do not sell Chhinese Electronics then you will be soon out of business. Chinese electronics are the cheapest and that makes them shut down all their competitors.
      If we look all around us, Chinese products dominate the market and this is because China is very good with doing business. So I agree with webrankingsseoservices2000 and chinese products are very much high in demand.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8307307].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author probo
    well, if you are wanting to create a brand for your website then please dont resell china stuff.

    They are low quality.
    I have been in this business. Its very hard to keep a good customer relationship.
    Signature
    Find AI Experts on AiExperts.Me Get Ahead or Left Behind.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8308047].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jonas Glad
    While chinese goods are kind of a risky bet, the profit margin can be very high. I think it is doable if the product quality is reliable.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8308318].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author journalistabid
    Here in pakistan it is not illegal as most of the distributors are selling the china mobiles of the different brands
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8308677].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author fitnessguy88
      Has anyone tried eforchina.com? What is on there that is profitable other than Chinese electronics?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8311903].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Lanhawk
    Having lived in the Philippines for several years now, there is a ton of china made phones for sale here and they look good on the outside but are crap on the inside. I honestly believe the average life cycle of these items has to be less than a year. If I was selling them I would expect a return for refund rate of about 1/3 of all I sell. Yet things like flash drives, memory sticks, computer speakers and head phones and gaming accessories could be something worthwhile to look into.
    On the other hand, if you feel strongly that this is the way to go, then by all means go. Maybe in six months we will be reading your success story here in the forum.
    And so end my first post in this forum .
    Signature
    I am just a noob so if it sounds like I don't know what I am talking about then you are probably right.
    ☮ Peace My Brothers and Sisters
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8312016].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author amcg
    Originally Posted by fitnessguy88 View Post

    Hi everyone,

    I am a newbie and I started my own ecommerce dropshipping website a couple days ago. This website is for electronics, and I am hoping to sell China electronics like the China versions of the iPhone, the China version of the Samsung Galaxy S3 and S4, PC Tablets, and more. I also want to sell accessories for name brand electronics. I found a supplier for these, which is eforchina.com. I have a couple questions about what I should do. First, and most importantly, is it illegal to sell the China versions of popular mobile phones and other electronics? Second, is it a good idea to sell the China versions, or would it fool a lot of people? Are there any good reasons NOT to sell the China versions? These China versions of electronics seem like they could make me, and anyone else, a ton of money.

    Thanks!
    I've done this. I actually opened my own ecommerce store selling Zopo brand mobile devices after visiting China and seeing the adoption of these phones. There's two reasons why the store failed:

    1) Whilst Zopo/other Chinese brand devices are popular there, the same cannot be said for Europe where I sold them. (likewise N.America I'm guessing)

    2) Supply chain - it's reasonably straight forward to get devices into the hands of customers - including taxes. That said, it's difficult to handle returns when they go wrong - and circa 10% of my shipments were DOA.

    I would definitely try this business - you will learn a lot and it won't require a lot of capital to get started/run. That said, be prepared for poor margins (as with most electronics/ecommerce) and obviously you'll need time to dedicate to satisfying customers/marketing.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8313353].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sudheerkiran
    Everyone have that worst and cheap feeling on China products regarding the quality of any products. Of course, that's why we're getting those at cheap price. Apart from this there is no worthy to buy those products. My personal suggestion is... nobody will show interest to buy China products in online So, please go for some other branded products, you'll succeed with those
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8313549].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dynamyt100
    Stay away from Chinese products unless you want to spend the rest of your life replacing them and listening to customer complaints. I was one of the first to offer the Chinese version of the eBook reader, opposition to Kindle, and got burned big time. If you are adamant about cheap Chinese stuff then look at things that aren't electronic.

    One key thing to remember is after sales service. If you can offer this then you will grow a nice following.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8313581].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Importexport
      Originally Posted by dynamyt100 View Post

      Stay away from Chinese products unless you want to spend the rest of your life replacing them and listening to customer complaints. I was one of the first to offer the Chinese version of the eBook reader, opposition to Kindle, and got burned big time. If you are adamant about cheap Chinese stuff then look at things that aren't electronic.

      One key thing to remember is after sales service. If you can offer this then you will grow a nice following.
      I built a successful importing business based largely on products from China. I ran the business for 22 years and franchised it in 4 countries. You can't do that if you are selling trash.

      Having said that I hasten to add that I only sourced quality. I have been in Chinese factories and have seen dreadful quality and exquisite quality coming out of the same factory with the same workers.

      I would never touch electronics. For one thing there is too much competition. I was only interested in products that I could mark up by a minimum of 250% as a rock bottom margin. You will never get margins like that with electronics.

      Regarding products that look like big brand items. Designs can be copyright, so even the appearance can get you into big trouble if it looks like a copy, regardless of the brand it carries.
      Signature
      Use emotions and perceptions to build a great brand. Ask me about my book LabelsThatExploit. For safe sourcing and easy importing from 41 countries globally, see https://provenglobalsourcing.com
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8464096].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author digmarket
    fear of buying or selling of china phones has no issues now a days because china have been developing its product with a lot of care and most of th ebiggies are trying to establish their companies in china.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8464064].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jodevizes
    Hi there. It depends what you are selling but I would be very careful. Here in the UK the Trading Standards Officers are investigating electrical stuff from China. It seems phone chargers are particularly bad as they are bursting into flames. The packaging is so good that they look like real I-Phone or Samsung items so you need to be very careful.
    Good luck in your enterprise.
    Jo
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8474595].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author repricerexpress
    I would agree with alksense—nothing wrong with selling goods from China, and nothing wrong with selling legit merchandise, but if you're starting out, opt for products that aren't customer service intensive. It's one thing to make the sale, but what about aftersales? That part of your business can eat into your profits if you run into problems with any quality issues etc.
    Signature
    Amazon repricing software that helps you win the Buy Box more often. eBay repricing also available.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8501274].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author trader909
    yeah India and you lot seem to have "degrees" in running scams. Is it an acceptable part of your culture? Expected?

    Here in pakistan it is not illegal as most of the distributors are selling the china mobiles of the different brands
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8501631].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Importexport
      Originally Posted by trader909 View Post

      yeah India and you lot seem to have "degrees" in running scams. Is it an acceptable part of your culture? Expected?
      Scams abound on the internet, and they are not limited to India, Pakistan, and China.

      If you look at the popular sourcing platforms you will find suppliers listed from many countries and many of them are suspect to say the least.

      You can rarely believe claims that a supplier is a manufacturer. The vast majority of those listed are traders, and apart from the fact that some will take your money and run, if they are genuine businesses, traders will at least take some of your profits.

      The adverse comments so often seen on the forum regarding buying from overseas are primarily a result of ignorance about the few safe sourcing sites and how to source safely in general.

      I have previously commented that I would never consider electronics, but that is a sweeping comment and there are exceptions. If you buy direct from a real manufacturer and you adopt the proper procedures you can buy anything from China, and other countries overseas with confidence.

      As far as quality is concerned, I began my business in 1987 by buying from a local manufacturer. Before long I decided to buy from China because of the local manufacturer's appalling service, indifferent quality control, and very high prices. Using the knowledge I had acquired while exporting to China over the previous 9 years, I located excellent suppliers.

      The quality I obtained from China was superb, service was quicker and more helpful than I could get locally, and the prices allowed me profit margins that were phenomenal.

      I have written all this to show that buying from China can be extremely profitable and almost entirely trouble free. You just need to adopt safe sourcing practices.
      Signature
      Use emotions and perceptions to build a great brand. Ask me about my book LabelsThatExploit. For safe sourcing and easy importing from 41 countries globally, see https://provenglobalsourcing.com
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8504564].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author trader909
    he's 100% right O.P. is the one that doesn't know what he's talking about.

    I would agree with alksense
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8501634].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author KittyPoo
    As far as electronics is concerned i would prefer to stay away from china products. You might problem after sales because they might get damage and you might have to provide replacement or your customer will chargeback so simple thing stay away from china electronics.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8518104].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author trader909
    didn't day that did I?

    Fact is 3rd world countries cannot enforce copyright law.


    Scams abound on the internet, and they are not limited to India, Pakistan, and China.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8518152].message }}
  • To tell you the truth, when I see china items on Ebay, Amazon or any other website I think cheaply made, replica's and overpriced shipping. I would be careful selling anything china related. Feedback is always important to any business and selling items from china is not a good way to go. It could ruin your name and reputation. All I'm going to say.
    Signature

    Hire a Nerd Today! Allamericanwebcontent.com
    I offer eBook services, article writing, website services, video services, press release writing/submission, and much more. Go ahead and check out my website or send a PM if you want to chat about exclusive offers.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8520749].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author secterra
    you can sell anything that does not violate any copy write or any patented or owned trademark

    and with electronics thanks to the big boys it will be down to you to prove that what you are selling is kosher, and that will probably cost you millions, it is designed that way, they win, you lose

    sell accessories, that is open slather and a huge market and no one has managed to lock down a bit of plastic yet, but you can bet they are working on it, LOLOLOL

    there is a huge market out there if you are up for the challenge, sell adult products
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8525100].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Amilia007
    Hi, I'm not the expert about electronic but I just want to tell you if you want to sell product from China, don't choose electronic because my brother used to tell me that electronic product from China are useless to sell because they get hot too quick...you know what I mean?? Because they are cheap, so the products are products with cheap & unquality raw material. I can sell toys or clotches...its more saleable & more trendy.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8527562].message }}

Trending Topics