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Importing and getting Samples

by orangescamper
10 replies
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I am looking at a few products that I would like to get samples of etc. Is it common for the cost of a sample to be very high? Also one guy is asking for my shipping account info to send out the sample is this common? Thank in advance for help.
#importing #samples
  • Profile picture of the author ZanyZebra
    Originally Posted by orangescamper View Post

    I am looking at a few products that I would like to get samples of etc. Is it common for the cost of a sample to be very high? Also one guy is asking for my shipping account info to send out the sample is this common? Thank in advance for help.
    Yes. Often.

    The cost to send one sample by air freight around the world can be relatively high.

    Good luck with your ventures.
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  • Profile picture of the author rumifdx
    Originally Posted by orangescamper View Post

    I am looking at a few products that I would like to get samples of etc. Is it common for the cost of a sample to be very high? Also one guy is asking for my shipping account info to send out the sample is this common? Thank in advance for help.
    I had few samples shipped from Taiwan and mainland China: I basically paid only for express shipping by air-courier ($30-$35) and the price of samples was as low as if I was ordering 1000's, and in one case they were sent free of charge.
    I think it depends on the wholesale cost of the product and on the manufacturer/distributor policy.
    If you don't have shipping account ask them to use their own couriers and give you quotes for shipping+samples. To don't look like a newbie tell them that you don't have shipping account 'coz your actual suppliers ship goods to your distribution centers on your behalf; that will make you look bigger than you are
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  • Profile picture of the author waynmeyer
    This is perfectly normal and i would not fear. Proceed as normal
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  • Profile picture of the author violet0176
    Setting up a DHL or UPS shipping account is free so there shouldn't be an issue with that.
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    • Profile picture of the author Importexport
      Originally Posted by violet0176 View Post

      Setting up a DHL or UPS shipping account is free so there shouldn't be an issue with that.
      Setting up your account is easy, but you must negotiate a good rate with the courier before quoting your account number to suppliers.

      If you don't, you could find that you are paying double what the supplier would have charged you for the freight.

      Most suppliers get better rates than individual buyers can get unless you are frequently shipping numerous parcels.

      "If you think education is expensive - consider the cost of ignorance."
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      • Profile picture of the author violet0176
        Originally Posted by Importexport View Post

        Setting up your account is easy, but you must negotiate a good rate with the courier before quoting your account number to suppliers.

        If you don't, you could find that you are paying double what the supplier would have charged you for the freight.

        Most suppliers get better rates than individual buyers can get unless you are frequently shipping numerous parcels.

        "If you think education is expensive - consider the cost of ignorance."

        I thought shipping was calculated by weight of the parcel? I just set-up a UPS business account last month and haven't used it yet, so I will have to inquire about rate options.

        I'm currently dealing with a Supplier that charges much more for shipping(FedEx) than I'm used to paying. I'm trying to figure out why it's so high.
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        • Profile picture of the author Importexport
          Originally Posted by violet0176 View Post

          I thought shipping was calculated by weight of the parcel? I just set-up a UPS business account last month and haven't used it yet, so I will have to inquire about rate options.

          I'm currently dealing with a Supplier that charges much more for shipping(FedEx) than I'm used to paying. I'm trying to figure out why it's so high.
          Shipping charges can be based on weight or the dimensions of the package.

          If you ask a supplier to send items to you with freight to be charged to your account, and you have not asked about rate options you could be in for a nasty surprise.

          You would probably be charged schedule rates. For more information ask me any questions on my thread: Ask Me Anything About Product Sourcing And Importing For Profit. ― Veteran Importer Here. ( 1 2)

          Walter Hay
          "If you think education is expensive - consider the cost of ignorance."
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  • Profile picture of the author Ben Armstrong
    In my experience the item cost shouldn't be too high. At most you should be paying whatever their highest price bracket is for low volume orders, not a special sample price or anything like that.

    Shipping will obviously be expensive when ordering from overseas but that's just the way it goes.
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    • Profile picture of the author Importexport
      Originally Posted by Ben Armstrong View Post

      In my experience the item cost shouldn't be too high. At most you should be paying whatever their highest price bracket is for low volume orders, not a special sample price or anything like that.

      Shipping will obviously be expensive when ordering from overseas but that's just the way it goes.
      Thanks Ben,

      I agree that there should not be any loading of the price just because it is a sample. If the supplier is obviously trying to overcharge in order to make some profit on the sample, they are not a business that you want to deal with.

      If they want the business they will be reasonable, but it is very important to not come across as a newbie or as someone just after a single cheap product.

      Many people complain that they get no response from suppliers, but they blow it with their first contact.
      "If you think education is expensive - consider the cost of ignorance."
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      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
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  • Profile picture of the author Platt
    The more you send, the cheaper the cost per product. So if you want to get small amounts, the price will remain high. So if you're willing to pay that, there's nothing wrong with it.
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