Any One Here Successfully Sourcing Products From China?

13 years ago

Chinese proverb:

"Over a long distance, you learn about the strength of your horse; over a long time, you learn about the character of your friend."

#1 tip from a guy who has been living here for years:

First develop the relationship, then do business.

BTW if your supplier is near Beijing I can probably scope them out. Showing up in person works wonders.

Cheers,
Phil

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MIB Mastermind

13 years ago

Originally Posted by xiaophil

Chinese proverb:

"Over a long distance, you learn about the strength of your horse; over a long time, you learn about the character of your friend."

#1 tip from a guy who has been living here for years:

First develop the relationship, then do business.

BTW if your supplier is near Beijing I can probably scope them out. Showing up in person works wonders.

Cheers,
Phil

Thanks I will keep that in mind, China does seem to be the number one place for soursing products, but you I do understand what you are saying about building a relationship first, I think that would be important. If finances allowed and I was starting on a big enough scale I would definately go visit suppliers first.

Thanks
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Calamaroo 13 years ago

Uummm....like...errrr...ummm....Alibaba?

I notice you're from Scotland. Google "london asia expo kenfair 2010". If you go there, you will find yourself in China sourcing paradise. You'll be like a little child on Christmas morning left alone in Toys R Us.
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- MIB Mastermind 13 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Calamaroo
  
  Uummm....like...errrr...ummm....Alibaba?
  
  Well some feedback would be good.
  
  Thanks
  
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- DeadGuy 13 years ago
  
  Are you considering mainland China or Hong Kong? They can differ greatly in their business methods and product quality (in some cases).
  
  Thanks
  
  2 replies
  
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  You are making this work at home stuff way harder than it is. Ready for some sanity? Clear your head and start over.
  
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  Aussie_Al 13 years ago
  
  I work with the Chinese on some of my sites and all my experiences have been pretty positive
  
  Al
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
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  MIB Mastermind 13 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Aussie_Al
  
  I work with the Chinese on some of my sites and all my experiences have been pretty positive
  
  Al
  
  Do you recommend any websites to find suppliers? or could you recommend a resource to use to find good suppliers?
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
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  Aussie_Al 13 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by MIB Mastermind
  
  Do you recommend any websites to find suppliers? or could you recommend a resource to use to find good suppliers?
  
  Can you PM me what niche you are in and I will send you some links
  
  Al
  
  Thanks
  
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  MIB Mastermind 13 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by DeadGuy
  
  Are you considering mainland China or Hong Kong? They can differ greatly in their business methods and product quality (in some cases).
  
  I have not yet found suppliers so I am not sure yet, would appreciate your feedback though, Would you reccommend Hong Kong Or Mainland China?
  
  Thanks
  
  1 reply
  
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  DeadGuy 13 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by MIB Mastermind
  
  I have not yet found suppliers so I am not sure yet, would appreciate your feedback though, Would you reccommend Hong Kong Or Mainland China?
  
  I can only speak from my experience, so please accept my opinion that way. Hong Kong is much more westernized in their business practices which can make life a bit easier. Mainland China will boast a surprising number of suppliers for just about any product and the quality can range from horrible to superb.
  
  The best advice I can give you, regardless the sourcing selection, is to get everything in explicit writing, define all business performance and quality specs to a `T', and be sure to conduct a thorough first article inspection before making your final decision. Unfortunately, you will find very little recourse after the fact, if you run into problems.
  
  Thanks
  
  Signature
  
  You are making this work at home stuff way harder than it is. Ready for some sanity? Clear your head and start over.
  
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xiaophil 13 years ago

Originally Posted by xiaophil

First develop the relationship, then do business.

Perhaps this is too simple to understand.
- Thanks
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Ryan D

Banned 13 years ago

Originally Posted by xiaophil

Chinese proverb:

[FONT=Verdana][SIZE=2]

#1 tip from a guy who has been living here for years:

First develop the relationship, then do business.

Cheers,
Phil

As someone who imports products from China and Thailand, I couldn't agree with this more. I know that's not the answer you want to hear, but it's in your best interest.

Yes, getting products from China is awesome. But any savings you experience are eaten up by transportation cost OR sitting on the inventory if you don't have the ability to move the products.

When I first started online, I wasn't even organized as a company so I had a hard time establishing wholesale accounts. SO I dealt with ebay sellers that were established businesses. If you've ever noticed, they sell products at close to wholesale prices. I just contacted them, asked them what products they had available and if they had ample inventory, and then I told them I'd pay them either check or paypal for their goods. For awhile, this worked out great.

Then I moved to traditional wholesalers once I got things going. Even though I knew I could cut these guys out and get product for cheaper, we weren't at that point yet from a volume or cash flow perspective.

Finally, a few years ago I started working with Chinese factories to import products by the container. It's worked out great, but only because I have the volume to move the products quickly. And because I have 4-5 years of data on what my customers/wholesale customers buy and the quantities.

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E-supreme

13 years ago

To be honest it really depends on what your looking to sell. For example, you might source products that are cheap, yet the shipping is expensive, to a point it would be cheaper to look for sources closer to home.

China is great and using places like Alibaba you really can parse some great relationships. The US market is also great for sourcing products just as long as your looking beyond selling on ebay.com. Do adequate research into what a product sells for in each country and you can really make some good money.

If your looking to start up ecommerce sites use Salehoo to dropship the products for a more hands off experience and test the market, then delve into wholesale when you have a winner.

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E. Brian Rose

13 years ago

I have done business with several Chinese companies that I found on Alibaba. I only have dealt with companies that others had good things to say about. No problems. Never been scammed or ripped off.

It pains me to have to go to China for products, but, unfortunately, the political atmosphere here in the US would makes our country a consumer country rather than a production country.... and guys like us have to go where the products are.

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tycoon828

13 years ago

You can also check these sites:

China Wholesale - Buy wholesale products from Chinese wholesalers on MadeInChina.com

Made-in-China.com China manufacturer directory, China products, China suppliers, China trade, China factory

Best Wishes!

Thanks

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james Day

13 years ago

YES! You should take a look Global Sources Online). One of the oldest -- since 1971 -- trade organizations with China, they have thousands of suppliers on ttheir site, many of them verified. An important consideration since so many comanies in the PRC are "fly by night".

You can also go to Smart China Sourcing site for advice on how to do business in Choina (Handle negotiations, deal with culture differences, etc.)

Good luck!

Thanks

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G.O.A.T

13 years ago

I'm in the same process as you are. I went to alibaba.com and posted a ' I need this thread" and got bombarded with 40+ suppliers. One tip: Ask for product samples.

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Harley101

13 years ago

I have been buying China products from one supplier for over 2 years with great results. The hardest part is trusting your source because its can be risky your first time using a new supplier.

My suppliers needed up front money before they would work on my order. I started off with a small order using paypal.

Now, I have 100% trust in the company that i buy my products with. We have started using Bank Wire. This is saving me money because my bank charges me 15.00 for bank wires. I was paying almost 100.00 using paypal..

It usually takes 30-40 days for my product to arrive and they ship express mail that takes about 3-4 business days and usually cost around 300-400

Hope this helps, Good luck!

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Serenity090

13 years ago

try www.aliexpress.com , it has all verfiied Suppliers of almost any product...

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Byron_Wells 13 years ago

Originally Posted by Serenity090

try www.aliexpress.com , it has all verfiied Suppliers of almost any product...

They might be verified but they are still alot off fakes on there.. I have looked for Microsoft Office products and most of them are high copies...

So doesnt matter if they are verified or not I would stay completely away
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icoachu

8 years ago

I've done it.

Using my own sites.

It can be very lucrative.

What kind of questions do you have regarding logistics?

I did import/export from China to EUROPE.

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IMMer1975

8 years ago

I've bought off Aliexpress. It was jewelry. I had to go out of my way to make sure it wasn't a knock-off ... such as a 1Direction bracelet. I found something I think was original...if not original, at least generic enough. I could have got it much cheaper through alibaba if I had the desire to purchase in high quantity, but since I only wanted to order 250 I used Aliexpress.

I had a good experience with the process...paid for the DHL shipping upgrade. Managed to move them, if a bit slow...but that wasn't the fault of the supplier!

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Importexport

8 years ago

Originally Posted by IMMer1975

I've bought off Aliexpress. It was jewelry. I had to go out of my way to make sure it wasn't a knock-off ... such as a 1Direction bracelet. I found something I think was original...if not original, at least generic enough. I could have got it much cheaper through alibaba if I had the desire to purchase in high quantity, but since I only wanted to order 250 I used Aliexpress.

I had a good experience with the process...paid for the DHL shipping upgrade. Managed to move them, if a bit slow...but that wasn't the fault of the supplier!

You are taking a major risk importing a big brand item whether genuine or not.

If and when they are detected by Customs they will be confiscated. Other consequences can include: Fines, imprisonment, flagging you name and address as well as those of the supplier, and forever after every shipment of any product to you will be delayed for thorough inspection.

If the brand owner becomes aware of what you are doing you could be sued into bankruptcy. It is not worth acting illegally.

Regarding Aliexpress and their parent Alibaba, you will pay lots more on Aliexpress because it is a retail site. You could have easily bought 250pcs at Alibaba provided you found the real manufacturer.

The problem there is that although most listings on Alibaba are by suppliers claiming to be manufacturers, very few really are. Traders don't like selling less than their big MOQ for reasons I will explain if anyone asks. Traders charge a lot more than manufacturers do.

I advise against using Alibaba, for several reasons, but if you have a look at China’s Consumer Protection Watchdog Reports On Alibaba you too will possibly change your mind about using that site.

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

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myob

8 years ago

Years ago I used to source a wide range of products from China. Some of the very same factories that manufacture name brand products will also offer "knock offs" that either do not meet standards in the manufacturing process, or are made generically for sub markets. By never expecting quality products from China, and you will never be disappointed. It is probably a good practice to price your products accordingly for absorbing high refund costs.

Always get samples before promoting them, and never try to emulate brand names. What I often did was offer or give away these knock-off products with promotional marketing campaigns as alternatives to much higher-priced name brands (ie iPhone and iPad look-alikes) with conspicuous comparisons such as "100% Guaranteed Genuine Counterfeit". These were almost always bundled as free bonuses for affiliate product purchases which provided a high perceived package value.

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Importexport

8 years ago

Originally Posted by myob

Years ago I used to source a wide range of products from China. Some of the very same factories that manufacture name brand products will also offer "knock offs" that either do not meet standards in the manufacturing process, or are made generically for sub markets. By never expecting quality products from China, and you will never be disappointed. It is probably a good practice to price your products accordingly for absorbing high refund costs.

Always get samples before promoting them, and never try to emulate brand names. What I often did was offer or give away these knock-off products with promotional marketing campaigns as alternatives to much higher-priced name brands (ie iPhone and iPad look-alikes) with conspicuous comparisons such as "100% Guaranteed Genuine Counterfeit". These were almost always bundled as free bonuses for affiliate product purchases which provided a high perceived package value.

You were lucky to escape prosecution or being sued by the brand owners of the genuine product.

Even look alike items carry the same penalties and risk as fakes bearing the brand name.

The act of importing them is a crime, even if you give them away.

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

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myob

8 years ago

Originally Posted by Importexport

You were lucky to escape prosecution or being sued by the brand owners of the genuine product.

Even look alike items carry the same penalties and risk as fakes bearing the brand name.

The act of importing them is a crime, even if you give them away.

LOL!

This is not true at all unless there is "obvious and willful intent" to distribute the products under the brand name, according to my legal counsel. For example, many Android phones and tablets today have a very similar look and feel to their Apple counterparts. Besides, as I alluded in my post above, the very close look-alikes were labeled as "100% Guaranteed Genuine Counterfeit".

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Importexport

8 years ago

Originally Posted by myob

LOL!

This is not true at all unless there is "obvious and willful intent" to distribute the products under the brand name, according to my legal counsel. For example, many Android phones and tablets today have the look and feel of their Apple counterparts.

You referred to these as "knock offs" even made by the same factory that makes the real thing.

Your legal counsel may not have been aware that you were buying from those factories that made the real product and the products did not just have the "look and feel" of the real product, but were apparently the real product minus the label.

If a product uses the same exterior design, that is likely to be an infringement of copyright and that can lead to prosecution or being sued by the design copyright owners.

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

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myob

8 years ago

Originally Posted by Importexport

You referred to these as "knock offs" even made by the same factory that makes the real thing.

Your legal counsel may not have been aware that you were buying from those factories that made the real product and the products did not just have the "look and feel" of the real product, but were apparently the real product minus the label.

If a product uses the same exterior design, that is likely to be an infringement of copyright and that can lead to prosecution or being sued by the design copyright owners.

The factories and dealers I bought from in Hong Kong and Guangdong actually seemed quite savvy about US Customs and copyright infringement laws. And they certainly would not do anything to endanger their manufacturing contracts with major US companies. Their overall quality was good, however with a few caveats. Functionality was acceptable to sometimes exceptional; but "knock-offs" could not pass as any known brand names.

These were never labeled with "brand" names; 99% copy and everything was labeled as such specifically to get through Customs. For example, the "iPhone 5th Style" was perhaps borderline design copy infringement, but the phone was unlocked and worked on a GSM network. It had some really cool advanced features but was missing others such as GPS. Also, the "iPad copy" had Dell chipsets.

There are factories which will contract manufacture on any non-patented design spec, but you may have to buy in large quantities to get any competitive price point.

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Importexport

8 years ago

Originally Posted by myob

The factories and dealers I bought from in Hong Kong and Guangdong actually seemed quite savvy about US Customs and copyright infringement laws. And they certainly would not do anything to endanger their manufacturing contracts with major US companies. Their overall quality was good, however with a few caveats. Functionality was acceptable to sometimes exceptional; but "knock-offs" could not pass as any known brand names.

These were never labeled with "brand" names; 99% copy and everything was labeled as such specifically to get through Customs. For example, the "iPhone 5th Style" was perhaps borderline design copy infringement, but the phone was unlocked and worked on a GSM network. It had some really cool advanced features but was missing others such as GPS. Also, the "iPad copy" had Dell chipsets.

There are factories which will contract manufacture on any non-patented design spec, but you may have to buy in large quantities to get any competitive price point.

For the benefit of others who might be tempted to follow what you have done, I would warn that they would be skating on thin ice.

I would never advise my hundreds of sourcing/importing students to take such a risk.

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

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dvduval

8 years ago

I've been taking Chinese lessons for several months now and have developed friendships in China, including people who work in that business. I hope to also develop a business in time but it is more something that I plan to do in the future. Right now I'm just building relationships and meeting some wonderful people who I'm sure will lead me to some opportunities when the time is right. The right now I'm doing great with what I'm doing and don't need anything else!

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verial

8 years ago

You should probably hire someone to help you to avoid getting ripped off. I've been doing this for a long time now, and finding a reliable factory is typically the hardest part.

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Importexport

8 years ago

Originally Posted by verial

You should probably hire someone to help you to avoid getting ripped off. I've been doing this for a long time now, and finding a reliable factory is typically the hardest part.

Finding a reliable factory is the easiest part if you source through a reliable and safe B2B site.

Most people take the advice of amateurs who say you should source through Alibaba. Unfortunately for those who follow that advice they rarely find a genuine manufacturer, and if they do, they may not know how to know how to sort the good from the bad. Here is what one of my book users posted recently on WF: "He writes about how and why to contact the manufacturers directly, no dropshipping. I have contacted some manufacturers already (from links he supplies) and I am just shocked at the low prices they offer for products I am researching. Forget Alibaba, Global Resource, whatever."

Using an agent to help you avoid getting ripped off is an unnecessary extra cost. I have taught hundreds how to do safe sourcing and only one has ever reported being ripped off.

He admits it was his own fault because he did 3 things wrong:

He sourced through Alibaba which I advise against.
He placed a large order first up, but I teach that you should always place a small order first.
He paid though Western Union which I warn is the scammers preferred payment method.

I can't understand why people will pay for good advice and then ignore it.

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

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verial

8 years ago

Originally Posted by Importexport

Finding a reliable factory is the easiest part if you source through a reliable and safe B2B site.

Most people take the advice of amateurs who say you should source through Alibaba. Unfortunately for those who follow that advice they rarely find a genuine manufacturer, and if they do, they may not know how to know how to sort the good from the bad. Here is what one of my book users posted recently on WF: "He writes about how and why to contact the manufacturers directly, no dropshipping. I have contacted some manufacturers already (from links he supplies) and I am just shocked at the low prices they offer for products I am researching. Forget Alibaba, Global Resource, whatever."

Using an agent to help you avoid getting ripped off is an unnecessary extra cost. I have taught hundreds how to do safe sourcing and only one has ever reported being ripped off.

He admits it was his own fault because he did 3 things wrong:

He sourced through Alibaba which I advise against.
He placed a large order first up, but I teach that you should always place a small order first.
He paid though Western Union which I warn is the scammers preferred payment method.

I can't understand why people will pay for good advice and then ignore it.

Obvious advertisement from a guy who doesn't have any skin in the game. Ignore. Only deal with middle-men fluent in Chinese.

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Importexport 8 years ago

Originally Posted by verial

Obvious advertisement from a guy who doesn't have any skin in the game. Ignore. Only deal with middle-men fluent in Chinese.

No skin in the game!!!! I began importing in 1987. So successful that I franchised my importing and marketing business in 4 countries. Retirement due to serious surgery was driving me crazy, so I wrote my book, which is updated at least every year.

I now enjoy teaching newbies how to safely enter the high profit world of importing. Hundreds have done so successfully by following my guide. Have you noticed the 468 thanks I have received?

Here are just two WF posts about my book:

"The best word I can find to describe it is WOW! This is like a text book, except it is very easy to read and for a newbie like me easy to understand.

Its full of the most amazing tricks of the trade, and after reading it twice I found a manufacturer who gave me the most amazing prices on the little order I wanted to buy. Before I got the book I had tried to find a supplier of these things on Alibaba and DHgate, but now I know that the high prices they quoted me were because they are not the actual manufacturers. Walter's book showed me how to be sure they are.

Im selling the product at nearly 5 times my cost. Its now time to re-order.

Thanks a million Walter! You have saved me heaps of money and taught me how to get great profits. Any body who tries to import without your book is gonna lose out."
..........................................
"Few months down the track we looked at sourcing another high margin product, and this time I put in place a lot of the techniques that the ebook discusses in terms of dealing with the suppliers. I can't stress enough how invaluable the information was in helping us set up the relationship with the supplier. This directly allowed us to add an another 5 figure profit stream to our ecommerce business.

I am once again looking to source a few new products, and the first place I am looking are the sources in this ebook.

Can't recommend it enough!" (This is only part of this Warrior's post.)

There are many more, but I don't want to overdo it. These are enough to show that you are rudely criticizing someone when you know nothing about what he teaches and about whose experience and ability you know nothing.

What gives you the qualifications to tell people to ignore me?

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

8 years ago

MIB masterMind

Sourcing products from China is a logistical nightmare. It's by no means an easy route. It sounds great and exotic but the reality is very different. You have take into account, freight charges fluctuate, minimum order requirements, import duty, legislation, fakes, scammers , who is responsible if things go wrong etc. Competition from other importers who get better pricing deals can be a headache and some manufacturers nowadays are also starting to sell directly through their own network of middle men.

For a single newbie with no contacts and no relationships, it's VERY hard. And to be taken seriously by the makers is tough because they want volume and when they don't see you ordering in big volume they focus their attention on the big boys who have got the resources to order big. This is speaking from my own experience having built a business selling products on QVC The Shopping Network which I imported.

Once I got on QVC it gave me so much more leverage because the makers knew how much product they could shift and there was a real change in the business relationship but starting out was just too hard and I imagine it's worse now. Am not saying don't try but really think about it.

What type of products are looking for?

Many thanks.

Rich

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Importexport

8 years ago

Originally Posted by Rich Lowe

MIB masterMind

Sourcing products from China is a logistical nightmare. It's by no means an easy route. It sounds great and exotic but the reality is very different. You have take into account, freight charges fluctuate, minimum order requirements, import duty, legislation, fakes, scammers , who is responsible if things go wrong etc. Competition from other importers who get better pricing deals can be a headache and some manufacturers nowadays are also starting to sell directly through their own network of middle men.

For a single newbie with no contacts and no relationships, it's VERY hard. And to be taken seriously by the makers is tough because they want volume and when they don't see you ordering in big volume they focus their attention on the big boys who have got the resources to order big. This is speaking from my own experience having built a business selling products on QVC The Shopping Network which I imported.

Once I got on QVC it gave me so much more leverage because the makers knew how much product they could shift and there was a real change in the business relationship but starting out was just too hard and I imagine it's worse now. Am not saying don't try but really think about it.

What type of products are looking for?

Many thanks.
Rich

Sorry to read of your bad experience with product sourcing, although it's good to see that you have found a way around it, but I must disagree with the main thrust of your post.

Sourcing products from China need NOT be a logistical nightmare. I have taught hundreds of people how to import the easy way. They don't have to learn all the rules and regulations and the whole transaction runs smoothly.

Product sourcing can be done safely, without being scammed and without having to buy huge quantities. The idea that you have to is a myth perpetuated by those who don't know how to approach manufacturers the right way.

The great majority of those I have taught successfully have been total newbies, and none of them have found it "VERY hard" as you did. I have a huge number of emails and WF posts expressing appreciation for the fact that they have found it easy.

Only one out of many hundreds has ever been scammed. That was a result of him failing to follow the advice in my book.

As I wrote in an earlier post: He admits it was his own fault because he did 3 things wrong:

He sourced through Alibaba which I advise against.
He placed a large order first up, but I teach that you should always place a small order first.
He paid though Western Union which I warn is the scammers preferred payment method.

I would hope that your negative report about your experience will not be put others off the idea of entering the high profit world of importing. It can be easy if you have the right advice. There is a huge amount of misinformation on forums and I try to dispel that wrong advice by offering to answer any questions on the subject. See :

Ask Me Anything About Product Sourcing And Importing For Profit. ― Veteran Importer Here.

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

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Rich Lowe

8 years ago

Originally Posted by Importexport

Sorry to read of your bad experience with product sourcing, although it's good to see that you have found a way around it, but I must disagree with the main thrust of your post.

Sourcing products from China need NOT be a logistical nightmare. I have taught hundreds of people how to import the easy way. They don't have to learn all the rules and regulations and the whole transaction runs smoothly.

Product sourcing can be done safely, without being scammed and without having to buy huge quantities. The idea that you have to is a myth perpetuated by those who don't know how to approach manufacturers the right way.

The great majority of those I have taught successfully have been total newbies, and none of them have found it "VERY hard" as you did. I have a huge number of emails and WF posts expressing appreciation for the fact that they have found it easy.

Only one out of many hundreds has ever been scammed. That was a result of him failing to follow the advice in my book.

As I wrote in an earlier post: He admits it was his own fault because he did 3 things wrong:

He sourced through Alibaba which I advise against.
He placed a large order first up, but I teach that you should always place a small order first.
He paid though Western Union which I warn is the scammers preferred payment method.

I would hope that your negative report about your experience will not be put others off the idea of entering the high profit world of importing. It can be easy if you have the right advice. There is a huge amount of misinformation on forums and I try to dispel that wrong advice by offering to answer any questions on the subject. See :

Ask Me Anything About Product Sourcing And Importing For Profit. ― Veteran Importer Here.

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

As I said, it was from my own experience and I know one of the biggest exporters in Hong Kong. He taught me quite a bit.

It also depends which country you are based in. Different countries have different rules and legislation for items coming into the country. Don't even get me started on the read tape here in the UK.

Congratulations to you and am delighted your system is helping so many to import successfully. I wish i had a copy of it when I started out.

Rich

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Importexport

8 years ago

Originally Posted by Rich Lowe

As I said, it was from my own experience and I know one of the biggest exporters in Hong Kong. He taught me quite a bit.

It also depends which country you are based in. Different countries have different rules and legislation for items coming into the country. Don't even get me started on the read tape here in the UK.

Congratulations to you and am delighted your system is helping so many to import successfully. I wish i had a copy of it when I started out.

Rich

Thanks @Rich. I know how bad red tape can be in the UK. I have lived there for long periods and I set up one of my bigger importing/marketing franchise networks there. A problem for importers (this is not strictly red tape but the lack of it) in all of the EU, including the UK is the lack of licensing of Customs Brokers.

In other respects it seems to be a "Big Brother is Watching You" country, more than most I have traded in.

Just be thankful you are not operating in Latin America, Eastern Europe, or India for example, where rubber stamp operators often won't lift their hand holding the stamp until the palm is greased.

The methods I advocate do operate successfully in the UK and other countries despite the red tape and the corruption in some of those countries. The basic rules and regulations are pretty well universal. In fact my book is being used successfully in 35 countries.

Each one has its peculiarities in the red tape department. One in the US that causes angst among newbie importers is the random use of FDA rules regarding treating simple electronic devices such as laser pointers as "medical devices".

I try to keep abreast of all significant changes affecting importers worldwide, and questions from my readers help me do that. Forums are helpful in that regard. I usually publish my findings online.

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

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wakerz

8 years ago

I just started using drop shipping on aliexpress and apart from late deliveries, I dint face any problems. Sellers are really helpful and so as much possible. Since everyone is for business so they are doing it.

Once i will scale up then i will start sourcing to my inventory. I recommend you the same.

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Importexport

8 years ago

Originally Posted by wakerz

I just started using drop shipping on aliexpress and apart from late deliveries, I dint face any problems. Sellers are really helpful and so as much possible. Since everyone is for business so they are doing it.

Once i will scale up then i will start sourcing to my inventory. I recommend you the same.

Aliexpress has a very bad reputation. Check them out on ripoffreport.com.

Late deliveries by your Chinese dropshippers will at least cost you bad feedback, and if they don't meet the delivery date promised, you could lose your eBay or Amazon account.

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

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LesterRussell

8 years ago

I would use Alibaba for my sourcing whenever i need stuff from China. But whatever platform you decide to use, always remember to ask for a sample and state precisely your specifications you will need for your product. You can never be too detailed for this.

Another tip i can share would be to order in small quantities at the start, samples can be deceiving at times. Unfortunately i had the experience of purchasing sub-standard products that were of different quality from the original sample. Once your payment has been made and your goods are shipped out, getting a refund or compensation of sort from them is close to unlikely.

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colzinfobiz

8 years ago

Originally Posted by MIB Mastermind

Hey Folks,

I have a few good ideas for for launching my first ecommerce store and was looking to source products from China etc, and I has wondering if any one here does this successfully? And wouldn't mind sharing the sites that you use.

I no about Alibaba, Tradekey and esources and was wondering if any one has experiance dealing with suppliers through these sites?

Or if you could point me in the direction of other sources I would be very greatful.

This is somthing I would really like to get into and would love some help and feedback from other people who have done this successfully.

Thanks

Bryan

Hey Bryan,

Yeah sure I have some experience with wholesale suppliers from china

Stay away from anyone offering you cheap iPhones lol

In reality, it's all about real feedback from these suppliers. I would be very skeptical if they have not had feedback or the feedback is generic:

"really great product - thanks"

"got it thanks"

"I always buy from here!"

"you da man"

You get what I am saying....It's a matter of doing your due diligence, and not taking the first recommendation. It's a personal thing when you find someone you are happy to deal with then you can mover forward.

I have some luck with a company called Chinavasion. Their prices can sometimes be a little up there. But they have offered me good service in the past and they have offered loyalty rewards for continued business like cheaper pricing. Their products are also quite unique.

Anyways I wish you all the best

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Importexport

8 years ago

Originally Posted by colzinfobiz

Hey Bryan,

Yeah sure I have some experience with wholesale suppliers from china

Stay away from anyone offering you cheap iPhones lol

In reality, it's all about real feedback from these suppliers. I would be very skeptical if they have not had feedback or the feedback is generic:

Anyways I wish you all the best

Why buy from wholesale suppliers when you can buy direct from the actual manufacturers for much, much less?

Feedback is just about worthless. If you doubt that, have a look at my thread: China’s Consumer Protection Watchdog Reports On Alibaba
One of the things in the report relates to Alibaba failing to fix flaws in the feedback system.

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

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RayAcevedo

8 years ago

I have seen other guys doing it and building their very successful business from scratch..

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Importexport

8 years ago

Originally Posted by RayAcevedo

I have seen other guys doing it and building their very successful business from scratch..

If you mean that they have done their sourcing on Alibaba I don't doubt it. Many people are lucky, but don't realize the risks they are taking. See the thread linked in my post above.

Another factor to take into account is that many newbies think they are getting a great deal because they get prices that seem good, but they don't know what they are missing. If they buy from wholesalers (like most suppliers on Alibaba are) they are throwing away a lot of extra profit.

That extra profit that they could get by buying direct from the real manufacturer is being banked by the wholesaler or trader instead.

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

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myob

8 years ago

Uh oh!

Beijing police shut down massive iPhone counterfeiting operation | Reuters

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Importexport

8 years ago

Originally Posted by myob

Uh oh!

Beijing police shut down massive iPhone counterfeiting operation | Reuters

It would be interesting to know how those fakes were all sold. I would guess that they were sold on the big B2B sourcing platforms like Alibaba, Aliexpress, Tradekey, DHGate, etc.

While ever there is "one born every day", there will be fakes made to sell to them at unbelievably low prices.

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

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myob

8 years ago

Originally Posted by Importexport

It would be interesting to know how those fakes were all sold. I would guess that they were sold on the big B2B sourcing platforms like Alibaba, Aliexpress, Tradekey, DHGate, etc.

Actually, Sears has been selling iPhone look-alikes for years with impunity.

Sears is selling iPhone 4 look-alike - News | The Full Signal - June 16 2011

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Importexport

8 years ago

Originally Posted by myob

Actually, Sears has been selling iPhone look-alikes for years with impunity.

Sears is selling iPhone 4 look-alike - News | The Full Signal - June 16 2011

The article you have linked is dated June 16 2011, so it is impossible to know how long the seller lasted before getting caught or at least banned by Sears.

In fact, Sears never sold that phone. It was being sold by Gadgetdealersdirect, who are no longer merchants selling on Sears.

Maybe Sears gave them the boot, or maybe Apple caught up with them. As I wrote in my Post #33 above, such people are skating on thin ice. Looks like they fell through!

Rather than try to encourage illegal activity by newbies (as you seem to be pushing the idea of selling fakes) you might do better to offer some helpful advice, or even .... ask for some yourself.

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

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myob

8 years ago

Originally Posted by Importexport

Rather than try to encourage illegal activity by newbies (as you seem to be pushing the idea of selling fakes) you might do better to offer some helpful advice, or even .... ask for some yourself.

LOL! If you read my posts with less irresponsibility and carelessness, you will see that I have never encouraged illegal activity or "pushing the idea of selling fakes". My customers always knew exactly what they were getting. For example, there will always be a huge (and legal) market for iPhone "look alikes" based on the Android operating system just as Sears did and other major brands continue to do so now. My imports were conspicuously and humorously marketed as "100% Guaranteed Genuine Counterfeit" which point you keep missing in your self-promotional knee-jerk responses.

P.S. I was just pushing your buttons with posts #45 and #47, and you took the bait!

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Importexport

8 years ago

First, Sears have never sold fake iPhones.

Second, my suggestion that you "as you seem to be pushing the idea of selling fakes" was not about you selling them but your constant flow of posts that would convey to many newbies the idea that selling fakes is normal and OK.

Your "humorous" labeling would not save people from prosecution if the fakes were close enough to attract the attention of the aurthorities.

Importing and selling counterfeits, even "100% Guaranteed Genuine Counterfeits"is still illegal.

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

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myob

8 years ago

Originally Posted by Importexport

First, Sears have never sold fake iPhones.

Sears actually did briefly offer an iPhone clone back in 2011.

Originally Posted by Importexport

Second, my suggestion that you "as you seem to be pushing the idea of selling fakes" was not about you selling them but your constant flow of posts that would convey to many newbies the idea that selling fakes is normal and OK.

Your "humorous" labeling would not save people from prosecution if the fakes were close enough to attract the attention of the aurthorities.

Importing and selling counterfeits, even "100% Guaranteed Genuine Counterfeits"is still illegal.

Check it out with competent legal counsel of course, but it is perfectly legal to sell iPhone "look alikes" or clones unless you break copyright software laws, trademark laws, patent laws, or falsification of pertinent product information.

For example, a current hot clone of the iPhone 6 is the Sophone i6. Spec wise, you’ll get a 1.3GHz quad-core MediaTek CPU with 2GB RAM, a 13MP rear Sony cam, 4.9MP front cam, a fingerprint scanner, a 4.7-inch display, an 1810 mAh battery, USB 2.0, Bluetooth 4.0 and a GPS. The OS is Android 4.3 Jelly Bean with an "Apple-inspired"’ skin. It won't run any Apple apps or software, but at $140, that is a non-issue for huge numbers of buyers.

And although not as feature-rich, an iPhone 6 clone is even available on Amazon - the Mobiper IP6. It's running Android 4.3, 1.3Ghz quad-core MediaTek CPU with 1GB RAM, 4.7 Screen, 2.0MP front camera, 13.0MP back camera, 2000mAh Battery, USB/Bluetooth 2.0, and a GPS. As of right now it retails for $114.

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Importexport

8 years ago

Originally Posted by myob

1 Sears actually did briefly offer an iPhone clone back in 2011.

2 Check it out with competent legal counsel of course, but it is perfectly legal to sell iPhone "look alikes" or clones unless you break copyright software laws, trademark laws, patent laws, or falsification of pertinent product information.

1 Where's your proof? Careful, Sears might be watching. Sears might have displayed the advertisement for an iPhone copy in 2011, but Sears were not the sellers. That vendor is no longer in business. Guess why?

2 Almost exactly right. This is what I have been saying except that a clone of anything is identical. Imitations are not illegal "unless you break copyright software laws, trademark laws, patent laws, or falsification of pertinent product information." By definition clones do break those laws.

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

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myob

8 years ago

Originally Posted by Importexport

1 Where's your proof? Careful, Sears might be watching. Sears might have displayed the advertisement for an iPhone copy in 2011, but Sears were not the sellers.

This was all over the web at the time:
Sears selling iPhone clone??

But Sears did drop the clone apparently from intimidation in the wake of Apple's aggressive litigation maneuvering.

Originally Posted by Importexport

That vendor is no longer in business. Guess why?

Don't be so sure about that.

Originally Posted by Importexport

2 Almost exactly right. This is what I have been saying except that a clone of anything is identical. Imitations are not illegal "unless you break copyright software laws, trademark laws, patent laws, or falsification of pertinent product information." By definition clones do break those laws.

Apple has been involved in various legal proceedings and claims (more recently known as mobile device patent wars) since it began operation. They themselves have broken the law by copying patented parts from Xerox, Google, Android, Motorola, KDE, Samsung, HTC, Sony, Nokia, and others.

Like its competitors and peers, infringements, copies, lawsuits and counter-suits are going on right now with the iPhone, and are a normal course of business among all of the major brands.

The fact is, the iPhone brand is rapidly losing ground primarily to the Android market generally (currently at 80%), and specifically to Samsung due to superior technology.

Apple's arrogant pricing and belligerent behavior in the marketplace will continue to drive massive emergence of less expensive and more robust alternatives. Importing cell phones and accessories which have the "look and feel" of the most current iPhone is a high growth, booming market with virtually no end in sight.

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Importexport

8 years ago

Originally Posted by myob

This was all over the web at the time:
Sears selling iPhone clone??

You have made the same mistake that hundreds of people make about who is selling something online. Sears NEVER offered that product for sale themselves. It was being offered for sale by a business called FACTORYDIRECT., NOT by Sears. In both case where you quoted a "news" item, the item was written by someone ignorant of the fact that Sears was simply operating as a sourcing platform. They were not the sellers.

It is the same with Alibaba. People say they bought a product from Alibaba but Alibaba don't sell products. They are acting as a sourcing platform bringing together sellers and buyers. You buy from the seller, not from the sourcing platform.

But Sears did drop the clone apparently from intimidation in the wake of Apple's aggressive litigation maneuvering.

Sears, in the same way as often done by Amazon and Alibaba, cancelled the seller's listing as soon as they discovered that fakes were being offered.

Don't be so sure about that.

It's about time you got your facts straight. You are so sure you are right, but you don't even understand how places like Alibaba, Amazon. eBay and Sears function as sourcing platforms. Amazon and Sears do market some products in their own right, but they NEVER market fakes. Write to Sears and accuse them if you are so sure you are right.

Apple has been involved in various legal proceedings and claims (more recently known as mobile device patent wars) since it began operation. They themselves have broken the law by copying patented parts from Xerox, Google, Android, Motorola, KDE, Samsung, HTC, Sony, Nokia, and others.

Like its competitors and peers, infringements, copies, lawsuits and counter-suits are going on right now with the iPhone, and are a normal course of business among all of the major brands.

The fact is, the iPhone brand is rapidly losing ground primarily to the Android market generally (currently at 80%), and specifically to Samsung due to superior technology.

Apple's arrogant pricing and belligerent behavior in the marketplace will continue to drive massive emergence of less expensive and more robust alternatives. Importing cell phones and accessories which have the "look and feel" of the most current iPhone is a high growth, booming market with virtually no end in sight. This rant does not interest me except that it shows what's behind your continual replaying of this theme: You have a strong dislike for Apple!

I think it's time we got back to the subject of the thread, rather than making your pet hate, Apple, the subject.

Moderator, It would not bother me if you deleted all these pointless argumentative posts, including mine.

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myob

8 years ago

Originally Posted by Importexport

I think it's time we got back to the subject of the thread, rather than making your pet hate, Apple, the subject.

Moderator, It would not bother me if you deleted all these pointless argumentative posts, including mine.

It seems you are the one creating an argumentative tone by twisting facts and logic to fit your agenda. I have nothing personally against Apple, but only showing the reality of the marketplace. There is a huge demand for value, apart from entrenched name brands. Here's an article to show an example of the point I was making:
Why Apple Is Losing Ground To The Samsung Brand - Forbes

And in keeping with the topic at hand of this thread, my company has quite successfully sourced and imported tens of thousands of Android-based phones from China which had that popular look and feel. It is an accepted marketing strategy to compare generic products to well-known brands.

Oh, BTW, for argument's sake, Amazon does have a listing for an iPhone 6 look-alike -

Mobiper IP6
Hmmmm... I wonder what that "IP6" could mean?

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Importexport

8 years ago

Originally Posted by myob

It seems you are the one creating an argumentative tone by twisting facts and logic to fit your agenda. I have nothing personally against Apple, but only showing the reality of the marketplace. There is a huge demand for value, apart from entrenched name brands. Here's an article to show an example of the point I was making:
Why Apple Is Losing Ground To The Samsung Brand - Forbes

And in keeping with the topic at hand of this thread, my company has quite successfully sourced and imported tens of thousands of Android-based phones from China which had that popular look and feel. It is an accepted marketing strategy to compare generic products to well-known brands.

Oh, BTW, for argument's sake, Amazon does have a listing for an iPhone 6 look-alike - Mobiper IP6

Hmmmm... I wonder what that "IP6" could mean?

I have no argument about the merits of Apple and why it is losing ground. I had intended dropping the discussion at this point except that you have clearly not understood the irrefutable point that I have been making, that the sourcing platform is NOT the seller of the product in question.

In relation to the latest example you give, the seller is UleFone, NOT Amazon. They are certainly carrying a listing, but they are not selling the product.

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

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myob

8 years ago

Originally Posted by Importexport

... you have clearly not understood the irrefutable point that I have been making, that the sourcing platform is NOT the seller of the product in question.

In relation to the latest example you give, the seller is UleFone, NOT Amazon. They are certainly carrying a listing, but they are not selling the product.

By this same reasoning then, your broad-stroke denigration of Alibaba and other sourcing platforms is unjustified. As with Sears and Amazon in my references, they carry a listing, but they are not selling the product. If your point is so "irrefutable", then perhaps your understanding of how Alibaba works may be about 180 degrees off. As with Sears and Amazon, it is impossible for Alibaba and other sourcing platforms to inspect every listing for full compliance of applicable laws. Again, you seem to keep twisting facts and logic to fit your agenda.

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Importexport

8 years ago

Originally Posted by myob

By this same reasoning then, your broad-stroke denigration of Alibaba and other sourcing platforms is unjustified. As with Sears and Amazon in my references, they carry a listing, but they are not selling the product. If your point is so "irrefutable", then perhaps your understanding of how Alibaba works may be about 180 degrees off. As with Sears and Amazon, it is impossible for Alibaba and other sourcing platforms to inspect every listing for full compliance of applicable laws. Again, you seem to keep twisting facts and logic to fit your agenda.

Yes I have an agenda. It is to provide helpful advice to save newbies from being scammed and to help them safely enter the high profit world of importing.

Alibaba receives the greatest amount of bad publicity because they are the biggest by far and they are the most widely used and recommended B2B site. I also advise against using other sites where scammers abound, such as DHGate, Tradekey etc.

As for my "broad-stroke denigration of Alibaba and other sourcing platforms" being unjustified, I wonder did you bother to read the thread China's Consumer Protection Watchdog Reports On Alibaba that I linked previously.

If ever there was broad-stroke denigration of Alibaba it is in that report by a Chinese Government authority. I have not invented the problems with Alibaba. They are real and they are serious enough for China's government to be taking steps to bring Alibaba into line.

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

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myob

8 years ago

Originally Posted by Importexport

As for my "broad-stroke denigration of Alibaba and other sourcing platforms" being unjustified, I wonder did you bother to read the thread China’s Consumer Protection Watchdog Reports On Alibaba that I linked previously.

If ever there was broad-stroke denigration of Alibaba it is in that report by a Chinese Government authority. I have not invented the problems with Alibaba. They are real and they are serious enough for China's government to be taking steps to bring Alibaba into line.

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

ROFLMAO! Do you really trust Chinese government "authorities" and believe China's "Consumer Protection Watchdog" is there to protect consumers? Due to political overtones in that statement all I can say on this forum about it is that protection by Chinese authorities does not extend very far outside of their sphere, and certainly not even to their own populace.

There actually had been an escalating feud between the Chinese government and Alibaba founder Ma Yun. Known as Jack Ma to Westerners, his story of rags to riches is similar to Steve Jobs, Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerman except he achieved the "American Dream" in China.

Ma's pro-Western sentiments were considered an affront to Chinese officials, for which this report was obviously produced in retaliation. Subsequent to Ma stepping down as CEO in May 2013, this "Consumer Protection Watchdog Report" suddenly and inexplicably disappeared from China's SAIC website (State Administration for Industry and Commerce).

This is not say that Alibaba has not had its own internal problems, especially the challenges involved in investigating every listing for compliance with international laws. But they have always cautioned to act with "due diligence" when sourcing products. Here is a link specific to this discussion: Alibaba.com Help Center - What are the signs of the scammers?

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Importexport

8 years ago

Originally Posted by myob

This is not say that Alibaba has not had its own internal problems, especially the challenges involved in investigating every listing for compliance with international laws. But they have always cautioned to act with "due diligence" when sourcing products. Here is a link specific to this discussion: Alibaba.com Help Center - What are the signs of the scammers?

I am tiring of you arguing for the sake of argument. You have not answered my unchallengeable statements that Amazon and Sears are not the sellers of iPhone copies. Each time I point out who the real seller is you conveniently ignore that fact. If I am wrong, I dare you to contact them and accuse them of selling iPhone copies, or better still place a small advertisement in a newspaper to accuse them. AND ... if I am wrong tell me how I am wrong, don't just ignore it when I point out your mistakes.

By the way, the last sentence in Alibaba's Help Center message on how to avoid scammers is false: "To find reliable suppliers, we suggest you trade with Gold Suppliers or Verified Suppliers. Their information is partly or fully verified by third-parties."
Gold Suppliers and Verified Suppliers are not "partly or fully verified by third-parties." I know Alibaba's rules because I have for years been a registered seller on Alibaba, (although I have never sold anything there).

That false statement shows that Alibaba try to persuade gullible newbies to buy thinking they are safe dealing with "reliable suppliers."

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

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myob

8 years ago

Originally Posted by Importexport

I am tiring of you arguing for the sake of argument. You have not answered my unchallengeable statements that Amazon and Sears are not the sellers of iPhone copies. Each time I point out who the real seller is you conveniently ignore that fact.

That point has already been answered by your own statement that Amazon and Sears are sourcing platforms and my validation that Alibaba is also a sourcing platform, despite your contentious and self-serving arguments.

Originally Posted by Importexport

By the way, the last sentence in Alibaba's Help Center message on how to avoid scammers is false: "To find reliable suppliers, we suggest you trade with Gold Suppliers or Verified Suppliers. Their information is partly or fully verified by third-parties."
Gold Suppliers and Verified Suppliers are not "partly or fully verified by third-parties." I know Alibaba's rules because I have for years been a registered seller on Alibaba, (although I have never sold anything there).

That false statement shows that Alibaba try to persuade gullible newbies to buy thinking they are safe dealing with "reliable suppliers."

You conveniently failed to mention the rest of Alibaba's suggestions for reducing the chances of being scammed:
Alibaba.com Help Center - What are the signs of the scammers?

"What are the signs of the scammers?

1. Unauthorized brand products

Scammers often post numerous branded products (Apple, Samsung, etc.) on their site for very low prices. If asked for legal documentation, they will either refuse or provide fake documents.

2. Preference for less secure forms of payment

Scammers often refuse to accept Secure Payment or PayPal - even if you offer to cover the transfer fee. They prefer Western Union, Money Gram or T/T so that they can get the money directly.

3. Extremely low prices

Their product prices are half that of physical stores – or even less. Such scammers also often promise to provide you with a ‘buy two get one free’ deal.

4. Excessive contact information

Scammers do not like to deal online – they prefer to trade offline. Therefore, they often put their contact information (phone number, Skype, WhatsApp, etc.) all over the site – in product names, product descriptions, product pictures and even their company names.

5. Changing bank accounts and email addresses

Minutes after you receive a bank account from your supplier, you will get a new message from a similar email address (i.e. the supplier’s email is wendy@hotmail.com; the new email is vvendy@hotmail.com). In the new message, the scammer will explain that the original bank account is being upgraded and request that you send your payment to a new one. After you submit your payment, the scammer will not respond to your messages.

6. Strange replies from unknown suppliers

You sent an inquiry to 3 suppliers (A, B, C). However, you received replies from 5 different suppliers (D, E, F, G, H), none of whom you had sent an inquiry to. To be safe, you should ask them where they got your inquiry and contact information. You should also check their company information to see if they are in your inquiry list.

7. Too many accounts with the same company name

If you find products posted on many different sites with more or less the same supplier name – and in each case the supplier is unverified – it may be a scammer. We suggest you avoid trading with such suppliers.

To find reliable suppliers, we suggest you trade with Gold Suppliers or Verified Suppliers. Their information is partly or fully verified by third-parties."

An independent online search of companies listed for verifying information and obtaining references is strongly recommended, because Alibaba does not have the resources to do all of this for you.

Thanks
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Importexport

8 years ago

Originally Posted by myob

That point has already been answered by your own statement that Amazon and Sears are sourcing platforms and my validation that Alibaba is also a sourcing platform, despite your contentious and self-serving arguments.

You have done it again. Red herrings will not enable you to escape from the fact that you stated in Post # 47 that Sears were selling iPhone copies. They were not, as I pointed out when I showed you that the seller was Gadgetdealersdirect.

You ignored that inescapable fact and posted a reply in Post #54 with a different article link that you thought proved that Sears were selling an iPhone clone. Once again, they were not, as I proved when I pointed out that the seller was another business called FACTORYDIRECT.

Once more you ignored the inconvenient truth and in Post # 56 you gave a link "for argument's sake" to a listing on Amazon for an iPhone copy. As I pointed out that item was being sold by UleFone not Amazon.

I have proven that you do not understand that the selling platform is not the seller - the vendor is.

This argument is totally unproductive and I will not reply to any further posts by you on the subject - whatever it has become. The stage is all yours.

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

[ 1 ] Thanks
1 reply

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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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myob

8 years ago

Originally Posted by Importexport

You have done it again. Red herrings will not enable you to escape from the fact that you stated in Post # 47 that Sears were selling iPhone copies. They were not, as I pointed out when I showed you that the seller was Gadgetdealersdirect.

You ignored that inescapable fact and posted a reply in Post #54 with a different article link that you thought proved that Sears were selling an iPhone clone. Once again, they were not, as I proved when I pointed out that the seller was another business called FACTORYDIRECT.

Once more you ignored the inconvenient truth and in Post # 56 you gave a link "for argument's sake" to a listing on Amazon for an iPhone copy. As I pointed out that item was being sold by UleFone not Amazon.

I have proven that you do not understand that the selling platform is not the seller - the vendor is.

You have once again inadvertently proven my point. There is a real perception among consumers that products listed on "selling platforms" are sold by the online storefront because orders of third party products are fulfilled through their system.

This phenomenon is in fact common to nearly all ecommerce sites including Sears, Amazon, and Alibaba. It appears you either do not understand how such marketing systems work, or are tweaking the facts to suit your position. I suspect the latter.

Your continued bashing of Alibaba as a sourcing platform is completely unfounded due to that reason, in addition to the explanation given in my posts #60 and #65.

And it has not gone unnoticed that one rather glaring example of your ongoing cherrypicking and twisting of the facts is with the last sentence in Alibaba's Help Center message on how to avoid scammers (ignoring all of the others as I mentioned in post #65) in vain attempts to support your untenable allegations:

Alibaba try{sic} to persuade gullible newbies to buy thinking they are safe dealing with "reliable suppliers".

.

Thanks

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Kiwigal

8 years ago

Originally Posted by Importexport

Yes I have an agenda. It is to provide helpful advice to save newbies from being scammed and to help them safely enter the high profit world of importing.

Alibaba receives the greatest amount of bad publicity because they are the biggest by far and they are the most widely used and recommended B2B site. I also advise against using other sites where scammers abound, such as DHGate, Tradekey etc.

As for my "broad-stroke denigration of Alibaba and other sourcing platforms" being unjustified, I wonder did you bother to read the thread China's Consumer Protection Watchdog Reports On Alibaba that I linked previously.

If ever there was broad-stroke denigration of Alibaba it is in that report by a Chinese Government authority. I have not invented the problems with Alibaba. They are real and they are serious enough for China's government to be taking steps to bring Alibaba into line.

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

"The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge"

[ 1 ] Thanks
1 reply

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Importexport

8 years ago

Originally Posted by Kiwigal

"The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge"

Thanks Kiwigal, a breath of fresh air. Anyone in particular in mind?

Thanks

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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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Kiwigal

8 years ago

[DELETED]

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Shellg

8 years ago

[quote=Kiwigal;10205175]

Originally Posted by Importexport

Thanks Kiwigal, a breath of fresh air. Anyone in particular in mind?[/QUOTE

You

Importexport really knows his stuff, not like a lot of people who only think they are experts. Anything he doesnt know about sourcing in other countries and importing just isnt worth knowing.

He knows so much about China that he could even be Chinese?

[ 1 ] Thanks
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Importexport

8 years ago

Originally Posted by Shellg

Importexport really knows his stuff, not like a lot of people who only think they are experts. Anything he doesnt know about sourcing in other countries and importing just isnt worth knowing.

He knows so much about China that he could even be Chinese?

Thanks @Shellg. No, I'm not Chinese, but I have spent so much time there that I have become thoroughly familiar with their social and business customs.

That is a great help when dealing with them in business, and as you would know from my book, I help newbies understand what they need to know about the differences between Western and Chinese attitudes.

I keep up to date with changes in China because that is the biggest source of imports for most newbies, even though I encourage looking elsewhere.

I was recently asked if I see a change in business attitudes in China resulting in the young generation not relying as much on trust as their predecessors did. In answer I had to say, sadly, yes. One change to a centuries old tradition relates to what is known in China as Tomb Sweeping Day.

I was disappointed to see how attitudes to that formerly sacred duty have changed recently. Younger business people now think it is OK to hire someone to perform their sacred duty because they are too busy making money.

As a result, there is a growing industry in Tomb Sweeping services. Instead of going to the grave and cleaning it up, decorating it, offering a sacrifice and talking to their dead ancestors, they now pay someone else to "honor" their ancestors.

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

Thanks

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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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Jabesh

8 years ago

[quote=Shellg;10205986]

Originally Posted by Kiwigal

Importexport really knows his stuff, not like a lot of people who only think they are experts. Anything he doesnt know about sourcing in other countries and importing just isnt worth knowing.

He knows so much about China that he could even be Chinese?

I don't have his book but I've read a huge number of his posts and boy, I'm impressed.

I've never seen anyone else show as much real knowledge of the importing business as he does. Most just give you part answers or sometimes they even give what I know to be wrong answers. His post after yours shows that he knows China well, but I found his thread about searching for products in countries outside China very helpful.

Thanks
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Kiwigal

8 years ago

I know importexport knows his stuff but he does not know it all., I tried to delete my previous post but so far no mod has removed it yet, sorry I looked at it later and thought it was harsh.
Importexport my concern was that anybody who had an opinion that differed from yours became your target for an argument, sometimes less means more.

[ 1 ] Thanks
1 reply

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Importexport

8 years ago

Hi Kiwigal,

Thanks, I appreciate your attitude. If you want to delete a post the simplest way is to click on Edit, and delete the content. You could replace it with the word "Deleted", or simply leave it blank.

Regards,
Walter

Thanks
1 reply

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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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Kiwigal

8 years ago

Originally Posted by Importexport

Hi Kiwigal,

Thanks, I appreciate your attitude. If you want to delete a post the simplest way is to click on Edit, and delete the content. You could replace it with the word "Deleted", or simply leave it blank.

Regards,
Walter

Ha Sorted Done:-)

[ 1 ] Thanks

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Kiwigal

8 years ago

[quote=Jabesh;10206377]

Originally Posted by Shellg

I don't have his book but I've read a huge number of his posts and boy, I'm impressed.

I've never seen anyone else show as much real knowledge of the importing business as he does. Most just give you part answers or sometimes they even give what I know to be wrong answers. His post after yours shows that he knows China well, but I found his thread about searching for products in countries outside China very helpful.

If your so impressed I would go and buy his book, why are you dallying.

Thanks

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Kiwigal

8 years ago

[quote=Shellg;10205986]

Originally Posted by Kiwigal

Importexport really knows his stuff, not like a lot of people who only think they are experts. Anything he doesnt know about sourcing in other countries and importing just isnt worth knowing.

He knows so much about China that he could even be Chinese?

Lol... not sure what you mean by this...

Thanks

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hotto 8 years ago

Originally Posted by RayAcevedo

I have seen other guys doing it and building their very successful business from scratch..

yes, you can find some logistic company that offer souring jobs like Hoyoyo.com - Online Shopping for Apparel, Bags, Auto Parts, Electronics, Home & Garden, Toys, Watches from China & Japan..
- Thanks
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Bargains From China with Fast Shipping
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hahihahi

8 years ago

1. build the relationship (through emails and calling if you could not visit China personally

2. be polite during your communication. I have seen some buyers showing off and act like they are the king in the past

3. stick to the rule of thumb: good quality never comes with a very cheap price unless you are purchasing
something like 500k - 1 Mio units and above where this only happens to those BIG brands you could easily see
in Walmart, Target, Tesco etc...

Thanks

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Tips & Tricks About Sourcing In China --> http://bitly.com/sourcingdistribater

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Any One Here Successfully Sourcing Products From China?

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