You have found an excellent product idea and are looking for a good supplier. Often the search in China will end because of the low purchase prices. In this article, based on my own experiences, I share 15 tips that can help you when you start importing products from China.
Tip 1 Few days Google search
Make sure; you give an in-depth Google search for finding the reliable suppliers to grow your business. Do not start thinking about your first click; there are so many suppliers you can find from China for your business.
Tip 2 Always have an inspection
Perhaps the most important tip that I can give. When the production is ready, always have an inspection company assess the goods. Even if it is the 10th time you order from the same supplier, have an inspection done.
An additional tip is to agree with the supplier that if a 2nd inspection must take place because the 1st is not successful, it must be paid by the supplier.
Tip 3 Fake it till you make it
By this, I mean that you have to appear larger than you are. For example, do not say in your first contact with a potential supplier that you are just starting a small business. This dramatically reduces the chance of a reaction. I always say that I am the purchasing manager and that my boss likes the product.
Tip 4 Use a professional email address
This tip is in line with the previous advice. Make sure you do not mail with a Hotmail or Gmail address. This is unprofessional. Furthermore, I would always use 2 email addresses. One address that you use for the first contacts and one address for the companies with which you are really going to do business.
Tip 5 Visit a trade fair in China
Let me first say that you do not have to go to China to import good products. However, if you ever have the opportunity, I would definitely recommend it. Not only is it interesting to get in touch with Chinese culture, but visiting also has some advantages:
• You can look suppliers in the eye and build up a better contact
• At trade fairs, products are often presented that are not yet available on online selling sites
• You meet suppliers who are not active online so that importers who only search for suppliers via the internet often do not find them.
Tip 6 Use DDP for air freight
When you ship products from China by air freight, you can best use the account that the Chinese supplier has with FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc. Because they ship several packages per airfreight every day, they have rates with carriers that you never will get if you open a new account with one of these carriers. If you are in doubt whether you have received a reasonable price from your supplier, request a quote from another supplier.
Tip 7 Never pay more than 30%
The most common payment arrangement is 30% deposit on the placement of the order and 70% remaining payment when you have received the copy of the loading documents (Copy bill or cargo). The letter is proof that the goods have also been loaded on board the ship. Do not agree with anything else, even if it is the first order you place. The only exception is payment of the sample. You pay 100% in advance.
Tip 8 Pay via internet banking
The ultimate common way to transfer money to a Chinese supplier is via a standard internet bank transfer. More and more suppliers are offering Paypal, but I would only use it for the samples. PayPal is expensive for the Chinese, and they will be processing the extra costs of PayPal somewhere in the product price.
Golden tip: Ask for the bestsellers
Finding right products to sell in your country is often not easy. Therefore, ask your supplier what’s his best-selling products are on your local market. Who knows what exciting products come from there!
