Buying from China

annmarie1976

Hello everyone, just wondered if anyone could give some advice? I have been looking for a supplier and have found a company offering a good price in China via a well known trade website (not sure if can name it!). Now, im new to all this so has anyone had experience of buying from China, import costs (so far i think i would pay only VAT according to hmrc website) Any help would be fantastic! :beer:

nexuss

More than likely will be fakes.

annmarie1976

They are fakes actually!! hair pieces Thanks for the reply tho

nexuss

Have they been cleared to be sold in the UK under health and safety guidelines ?

martindow

Don't know about fakes, but you will need to trust the company as they will probably only supply on a pro forma.

You need to find out the shipping cost and the method of shipping. If it is by sea to a port or by air to an airport there will be lots of extra charges. If it is with a carrier to your door you will just have VAT, possibly duty of a few per cent and a customs clearance charge.

annmarie1976

Thanks for the info Martindow, I will double check it is with a carrier to my door, I am aware of having to pay vat once it arrives in the country but will speak to suppler tonight to make sure im not gonna get slammed with other charges! Again, thank you!

annmarie1976

OK just a quick update, supplier has said I can choose between UPS/TNT/DHL/EMS direct to my door or they can give a price on each so I can see which is cheapest, is that a normal practice? The company has been verified etc by Alibaba so would that make buying from them any safer? Sorry for sounding stupid but this is the first time i have sourced from China!

Caseyface

annmarie1976 wrote: »

OK just a quick update, supplier has said I can choose between UPS/TNT/DHL/EMS direct to my door or they can give a price on each so I can see which is cheapest, is that a normal practice? The company has been verified etc by Alibaba so would that make buying from them any safer? Sorry for sounding stupid but this is the first time i have sourced from China!

Hi, i've always had goods sent by EMS (Never really been given a choice though)

I've only ordered 3 times, but each time i didn't have to pay any extra on top for my goods. I'm aware that extra charges could incur but so far not had any.

I doubt being verified will make them officially safe but just do your research. Google reviews on them or if you really must purchase from these suppliers only then don't spend a mountain, just incase it does go belly up.

Don't be put off by purchasing from China, alot of people are down on the idea just because it is heavily associated with fakes, i think in the hair game you're pretty safe!

martindow

I also import from China. It does involve trust so I always email to double check items, quantities and specifications as returning is not a viable option. I also make it clear that I intend to continue ordering so want good quality goods.

Do your homework and be prepared for the worst case regarding fees and charges possible to be sure it still makes sense. I have been very happy with how it has worked out but it makes sense to check as much as possible before sending a few thousand pounds to someone you don't know!

nexuss

Verfifed by alibaba means nothing trust me.Alledgedly there is a huge amount of scammers on alibaba.

http://www.fraudwatchers.org/forums/showthread.php?t=2700

lcharm

I would never buy anything wholesale from China unless I had direct contact with the firm out there and an independant cantonese/mandarin speaking contact.I'd even want to visit the supplier myself. A lot of businesses get shafted by Chinese suppliers.