Urgent Help Please!!

Shaun_Notts

Hiya there folks i really need some very good advice and i have been around here a few days now and it looks as though everyone helps each other which is great!!
Im thinking about importing some goods from china and maybe start my own small business up and see how it goes. I have found a great site where i can get my products from but i know there are alot of scammers in china! Now the questions i need you to try and answer are... 1) Is there anything i can do with the name of the website,their address, there zip code stuff like that to find out wether they are legit or not?? 2) Also they accept paypal payment method is this secure?? 3) Where would i stand if they didnt send me the goods?? 4) Also does anyone know of any extra costs i may incur when importing or any stumbling blocks what so ever??

You dont know just how much i would appreciate your help on this one folks!!

Please please please help me i do not want to lose money.

Shaun

Red_Rose_Exile

Firstly, make sure that they do not use a Post Office (PO) Box Address

Just because they accept PayPal doesn't make them legit and doesn't necessarily mean that you will get your money back through Pay Pal, or should I say don't rely on them helping you get your money back.

See if the site will give you the names of other traders to get feedback from them. Do a google for the site name, and see how many hits it comes up with. It may show up any people who are complaining about them

Basically if they didn't send you the goods, by rights you are entitled to your money back, but don't bank on it.

Under the Consumer Credit Act 1974, S75 suggests that the credit company is jointly liable for goods or services that are faulty or not delivered if you purchase anything over £100 and less than £30k on your credit card.

However, as usual, the credit card companies want to have their cake and eat it by disputing this See this page

Don't forget you may be liable to VAT and import duty, have a read of this page

Unfortunately, unless you actually manage to get out there to see for yourself, it does appear to very much caveat emptor

Shaun_Notts

What a great first reply!!

Thanks ever so much for that red rose i really appreciate that.. keep the comments and views and answer coming please folks i need as much information as possible please.

cledor

It may be less risky for you to look for suppliers who have distributors in the UK or perhaps other EU countries. You can then check out the credentials of the distributors more easily and even collect your orders from their warehouse.

Red_Rose_Exile

I would second that suggestion of cledors'. At least you would then have the clout of EU law.

Shaun_Notts

i do understand what you are saying and i really appreciate your help and advice but for the certain product that im going to be selling my profit margin is minimal if i buy the items in the EU.

cledor

Shaun_Notts wrote: »

i do understand what you are saying and i really appreciate your help and advice but for the certain product that im going to be selling my profit margin is minimal if i buy the items in the EU.

Ask for volume based reseller discount if you're dealing with official EU distributors. They import stuff by the container which reduces their shipping/handling costs from China, so unless you can do the same, your cost base will remain high.

In any case I would suggest you do more research on the subject or ask your local Business Link office for free advice.

luwpergwin

Hi,

There are a few sites that list directorys of chinese companies and rate them by their reputation ie platinum, gold etc. Most of these companies are legit and have a reputation to keep.

Dont evert pay with paypal or western union. Currency house transfers to the company bank account are best. Never transfer to an individual. Use a currency house for best exchange rate.

Anyway heres two sites to kick off with. They have guides on them to read.

www.globalsources.com

www.alibaba.com

Be warned though there are some crappy quality products out there. Sometimes you don't find out till it turns up.

Good luck!;)

Shaun_Notts

thanks ever so much for that luwpergwin i have been on them allready though lol

Donnie

Suggestions:

Get on an aeroplane.

Ask the supplier for a free sample, together with their business card.

PayPal? I wouldn't.

Shaun_Notts

How come there is so much negative feedback about paypal?? I dont get it. I sell and buy on ebay quite regular and i have never had no problems. I didnt realise there was a bad side to paypal??

What other payment methods are very safe folks??

What payment method do you use on ebay??