Showing posts with label China wholesale Supplier. Show all posts
Showing posts with label China wholesale Supplier. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

How to Choose the Right LED Lights

One application where LEDs (light emitting diodes) shine is in flashlights. Because LEDs have high brightness, low power consumption, long life, small size and other characteristics, they're ideal for portable lighting. You can choose a good LED flashlight if you look for some key features.

Here are things you should consider before buying led lights:


Efficiency

Manufacturer’s claims vary wildly about the efficiency of LEDs and can often be quite misleading. The simplest way to ensure that you are comparing “like with like” is to look at the efficiency in Lumens per Watt. That is, how much light do you get for each Watt of electricity used. Today (early 2010), LEDs that are in production range in efficiency from about 20 to 60 Lumens per Watt. New developments should increase this to around 80 or 100 Lumens per Watt over the next few years. This compares with around 10-15 Lumens per Watt for old-fashioned incandescent lamps and 50-100 Lumens per Watt for fluorescent tubes.

Colour Temperature

Early LEDs were mostly a very much higher colour temperature (ie a bluish light) than the typical 2700K colour temperature of a warm white incandescent lamp. This has led many people to think that LEDs gave a “cold” light. LED technology has however advanced a great deal in the last couple of years and some types of LED are available in a range of colour temperatures from warm white (2700 or 3000K) up to daylight (6000K and beyond). LEDs with a higher colour temperature do however tend to be slightly more efficient than those with a lower colour temperature so some companies offer these as a way of making their products seem brighter. To replace standard incandescent or halogen lamps, a colour temperature of around 2700K to 3300K is preferred. Some companies use non-standard terms when describing the colour of LEDs such as “natural white” or “office white” which cannot be readily compared with other products. To ensure that you are comparing like with like always check the colour temperature.

Colour rendering

The colour rendering of LEDs varies quite markedly between brands. For some applications this is not particularly important but for ambient lighting it is important to check the quality of light emitted. The LEDs that we offer for ambient lighting all have good colour rendering, comparable to that of a good quality fluorescent tube. Many manufacturers do not however quote a colour rendering index for their LEDs so we are rarely able to quote specific figures.

Heat output

LEDs give off relatively little heat but do run reasonably warm and often incorporate a heat sink to dissipate any excess heat and maintain the LEDs at optimum operating temperature. Compact lamps such as miniature spot lights can thus still get reasonably warm whereas larger bulbs and candles certainly cool enough to touch when operating.

Rated Life

The one area where LEDs really score highly is in their rated operating life which typically ranges from 20,000 to 50,000 hours. This is 20 to 50 times longer than a typical incandescent lamp so LEDs are ideal for use in areas where maintenance is difficult or long life is important.

Watts

Watts is how people think about power usage and how bright a light will be. However when working with LED lights, we all have to change our thinking from watts to “lumens”.  Why?
The simple answer is that a 10 watt LED bulb manufactured by 5 different manufacturers will likely have 5 different light outputs. In fact some LED bulbs can be twice as bright at the same wattage. The reasons for this are numerous, but we will mention 3 here:
  1. The brand of LED chip contained in the light will directly affect brightness
  2. The colour of an LED (even with the same brand chip) will significantly affect light output
  3. The quality and type of materials used to make the light housing will greatly affect brightness
Below is a basic guide on how to choose the correct wattage you'll need for different uses and circumstances: Notice the large variance in light output.
Some LED chips will give 50 lm/w while others can give in excess of 100 lm/w. The figures below are conservative.
Watt Power(w)
Lumens range (lm)
Used for:
3w
150 to 240
Candle bulbs and spotlights.
Used in lamp shades, garden fittings, under benches. Where the light source is located close to the object being illuminated.
4w
200 to 310
Used for the same as 3w when a little more light is desired
5w
250 to 380
This is used a lot in led downlight fittings, led bulbs for bedside lamps and wall fittings. Colour changing bulbs often come in this wattage.
6w
300 to 480
Good middle of the range wattage used for general lighting in domestic homes for hallways & bedrooms. Can also be used for accent lighting of paintings. Also commonly used in LED bulbs for lamp shades.
7w
310 to 500
7w is used for the same reason as 6w when more light is desired. A very common wattage for MR16 and GU10 LED spotlights to replace 20w or 35w halogen downlights.
9w
320 to 600
This is the most popular wattage for downlights and spotlights where general lighting is used. Can be equivalent to or greater than a 35w halogen.
10w
350 to 760
A 10w LED spotlight such as an MR16 or GU10 will produce light output equivalent to 35w to 50w. This makes it a popular choice for retro-fitting.
12w
550 to 1000
Used mostly in downlights for higher ceilings or in kitchens where more light is desired & floodlights.
15w
680 to 1300
Many brands use this wattage as a 50w halogen replacement. Although a better quality fitting with a lower wattage can also do the job.

Lumens

Lumens are the measurement of the total amount of light emitted from a light source. You may hear the term ‘lux’ thrown around as well. Lux is simply the amount of lumens in a specified area.           1 lux = 1 lumen/m² 

Beam Angles

LED strip lighting and LED bulbs commonly use 120° beam angles. However, if you are purchasing LED spotlights and downlights, you will want to consider which beam angle to use. Below is an easy guide on how to choose your beam angle when choosing lights:

Sunday, October 20, 2013

How to Get into the Equipment Rental Business

According to the Equipment Leasing Association of America, 80 percent of businesses in the United States use equipment leasing on a regular basis. With such a large demand for equipment rentals, starting a rental business helps you get involved in a potentially lucrative business venture. Equipment rental plays a large role in the success of many companies; starting an equipment rental business makes it possible to create long-term partnerships with local businesses.



Step 1

Make a business plan for your rental business. At this time, decide what type of equipment you will rent. For example, rent heavy equipment like bulldozers and backhoes or smaller items like forklifts and trucks. In the business plan, include information about what you plan on doing differently than your competitors. Make some financial projections as well in the form of an income statement, a balance sheet and a cash flow statement.
Step 2

Set up the legal aspects of your business. This may involve incorporating your business or setting up a limited liability company. Buy a business license from your local government. Purchase a business owner's insurance policy that covers your property and general liability. Make sure that the insurance you buy covers all of the equipment that you will be renting.
Step 3

Find a location for your rental equipment business. Many rental equipment businesses need properties with office space and warehouse space. Consider the needs of your business and choose a property that fits into your business plan.
Step 4

Buy the equipment that you will be renting to your customers. If you do not have enough money, borrow some through a commercial loan. If this is the case, use your business plan to show the lender what your business has to offer. When buying equipment, look for quality items that can withstand the wear and tear that your customers will put on it. You want the equipment to last so that it is rented to multiple customers over its useful life.
Step 5

Market your rental business. Call on businesses that have need for your equipment. Advertise on the radio, in the paper and on TV. In the beginning, offer a promotion or other introductory rate so that you gain a customer base.

Friday, October 11, 2013

Safety in Retail Stores

As a store owner, you know it's important to ensure that your retail space is safe for both customers to shop and employees to work. There are a variety of ways a workplace can become unsafe, including inattention to detail or inconsistent floor checks, that may lead to injury or illness. While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has safety recommendations for workplaces, your retail store is only as safe as you keep it. There are a variety of factors to keep in mind when evaluating the safety of your store.


Fire Hazards


Fire hazards may be abundant in your retail store. Factors such as exposed wire from lighting or computers, open flames in a store display, improper chemical storage in a back room or combustible materials left near a heat source are major fire hazards that could harm both employees and customers. To ensure you're prepared for any fires that may arise, always keep fire extinguishers in your store and make sure all employees are trained in how to use them. Schedule routine fire extinguisher inspections to verify that they function properly.

Ergonomics


According to OSHA, ergonomics is the science of matching your workplace requirements to your employees' capabilities. Mismatching job requirements to capabilities can result in employee injury or illness. For example, if you hire a petite person to lift very heavy boxes for hours on end, you may risk injury to your employee due to poor ergonomics. OSHA's examples of some common ergonomic risks include those jobs that require frequent or heavy lifting, prolonged awkward postures or situations in which the room temperature is very cold for a long time.

Air Quality


Retail stores often may be located inside other buildings such as malls, with no windows to open in case the store needs to be aired out. Without proper ventilation, the air in a retail store may begin to collect mold, fungus, bacteria or specific vapors from products used. To keep air quality safe in your retail store, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union recommends installing a mechanical system that cycles in fresh outdoor air and circulates it throughout your store, both in the main floor area and in any back rooms. If a mechanical air system is already in place, check to see that it is functioning properly and hire a professional to fix it in case it stops working.

Visual Inspection of Premises


Visually inspect your store's premises consistently to ensure that no hazards are apparent. These hazards may include uneven flooring, spills that could cause a customer or employee to slip and fall and misplaced boxes or other items on the floor that may cause someone to trip and hurt themselves. Make sure spills are mopped up immediately, and remove clutter from your store's floor. If you do not plan to be in the store every day, train your managers about what to look for to keep your store's premises safe.

Natural Disasters


Where your retail store is located can determine what safety measures you may need to take in case a natural disaster occurs. For example, if you are in a region where earthquakes are common, you may take special precautions by not stacking inventory high above your customers' heads where it can fall with earth movement. If tornadoes occur in your area, be prepared with a plan that allows you to alert customers immediately to any watches or warnings. If possible, have a safe sub-room built below ground where you, employees and any customers can wait out imminent tornadoes. Keep safety kits that include water and non-perishable food in case employees and customers are unable to leave your store after the natural disaster is over.

Crime


Whether you've experienced shoplifting or other types of crime in your store, or if similar crimes have happened at nearby retail stores, the safety of your customers and employees may be in peril if a crime can occur on your premises. Be prepared to nip crime in the bud by taking measures that may include installing a security alarm system, setting up surveillance cameras in different parts of your store and hiring a security guard who can monitor your store during business hours.

Lighting


Low lighting may create the ambiance you are looking for in your retail store, but it can lead to more accidents or crime. Poor lighting may make it easier for shoplifters to steal goods without being clearly seen. Customers or employees also may have problems seeing objects on the floor and could trip and fall as a result. Always keep good lighting on throughout your store's front end and in stock rooms.

Employee Training


A variety of emergencies in your store could require a first aid-trained employee to handle. For example, if an employee cuts himself unpacking inventory, he may need to properly know how to clean and bandage the wound to avoid infection. If, on the other hand, a customer begins to choke on candy you've put at the front register, one of your employees may save her life by administering the Heimlich maneuver and dislodging the candy from her throat. Hire a first-aid professional to train your employees in basic first aid, and always keep first aid supplies on hand in case of emergency.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Low Prices, High Quality, and Huge Savings: Get It All From Abcsources.com!

ABCSources.com is a registered online wholesaler which is also the biggest B2R(Business to Retail) company in Yiwu China, They have online store that caters for small wholesale ordersIt has a superior supplier management system to maximize products and suppliers’ info to their database. The website offers worldwide free shipping on selected items and does cater to the world. They sell mostly electronics, school and office supplies, accessories, home and garden tools and others.So the only thing you need to do, is to search on our web site the products you are interested in, put into your container, after confirmation then submit. Their customer service will email you PI and Packing list in hours or one working day. Your order would be placed timely after we receive the deposit. 
Yes, this is a little story for ABC sources, one typical Yiwu mode purchasing agent. We bring traditional procurement process online to save time for buyers and maximize the profit on small budget. 
What are the Qualities of the Products?
 Actually they have all the products you can think of especially in their small commodity . They really look inviting and they could be mistaken for the famous branded qualities. However, as a Chinese buyer, we know that China wholesalers do not carry branded items. They have their own non-branded items or copied items bearing different brand names. The same goes with the apparels. They do not carry the famous brands of clothing however, like their electronic products they vouch that they are made from high quality materials. Abcsources have made it a point to make a thorough verification of their suppliers to ensure high quality products.
Good Reasons to Buy From Abcsources.
1. Exciting and Inexpensive Products: If you are in the e-commerce business and you are selling items too on your website, you will be able to entice more clients to come by featuring the interesting products of this company. It currently has a very wide range of small commodity that are cheaply priced but have high quality. Their product gallery pages feature jewelry, computers, toys, sports and outdoor equipment, home tools, jewelry and watches, and even gift and party supplies. Their suppliers are readily accessible and this is the reason why they are able to really offer these items at factory prices.
2. Free Wholesale Membership Registration: Unlike any other wholesale websites out there in the internet these days, we don’t really charge anything for membership registrations. Abcsources is dedicated to make its services even more accessible for those who are just starting out in the buy and sell business in the internet. Registration takes not more than a minute and there are fewer requirements to deal with.
3. International Warehouses: Even those orders that are placed by international buyers and clients are priced the same. These items are shipped in the same time frame as those that are locally ordered. This is due to the fact that Abcsources has international warehouses which contain all the stocks of items that can be seen on their web based site these days. These warehouses are found in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Each warehouse is updated regularly in terms of stocks.
4. Easy Ordering Process: All clients will receive full access to the purchasing privileges after a simple registration process. There are no complicated steps involved in the ordering process. Their shopping cart platform is user-friendly and really simplifies the tasks of selecting which goods to purchase and paying for the orders.  PayPal and major credit cards are accepted. Additional charges are computed right away when using credit cards and this is an assurance that there will be no unwanted surprises on the part of the buyer later.
5. Special Offers and Saving Zones:  If you are a budget shopper, you will find out that Abcsources  website will be a good place to see special offers and excellent promos. They have a dedicated webpage that contains all the items that are offered up for great discounts.  Buyers can enjoy up to 50% on selected items. There are also items that are priced $1 and below. The best prices can be seen on this page and there is even that search feature which allows buyers to see items that fit on their shopping budget range.
 Abcsources  as  a wholesaler, Online Shop, and a Money-Making Partner
The best dropshippers are there in China and this is one thing that must really lead us to be randomly choosing one. Abcsources is a wise choice when it comes to being a wholesaler, an online shopping site, and an affiliate program partner. It simplifies the process of e-commerce for those who are investing with its updated and client-friendly systems.  One of the best things about this company is that it never stops in looking for ways to provide buyers with new and updated product lines. It qualifies to be one of the best wholesaler websites out there in the online world today!

Thursday, September 26, 2013

How to Source Products from Overseas

Globalization and the internet have made sourcing products from overseas more accessible than ever before. The ability to get access to products at significantly lower prices has made sourcing a very appealing option for many businesses. Small and large businesses alike are utilizing web resources to gain access to vendors that were once out of reach.
However, sourcing products overseas may seem like an overwhelming task for those who have never done it before. To demystify the process, I’ve outlined a simple step-by-step plan to help you get started.
Time Required: Varies

Here's How:

  1. Choose a Product
    The first step is to decide what type of product you are looking to source; a well defined product is the key to success, efficiency, and profitability. Most people choose to source products overseas because they are looking for a way to earn a quick buck; the problem with this approach is that there are so many other variables that a person needs to think about. Ask yourself:
    • Is there a target market that wants this type of product?
    • Does your product fill a need within this market?
    • Are you trying to source a niche product or are you looking for a variety of different products to sell?
    • What are some of the benefits and drawbacks of your product?
    • Does this product interest you in any way? Would you buy this product for yourself?
    There are many reasons why you want to take the time to answer these questions. You will be investing time, effort and financial resources toward sourcing your products from overseas, taking the time to think through what you are trying to accomplish will only help you. For instance, does it make sense to invest in a product that has no customer base?
  2. Identify Specific Countries
    Not every country produces every type of product, and certain countries have advantages that keep costs to a minimum. Therefore it is essential that you figure out what countries specialize in the products that you trying to source. For instance, China has access to a great deal of metal whereas other countries don’t. Consequently, if you are trying to source a metal home furnishing product, then China would probably be the best country for sourcing.
    A couple of great resources to explore are Background Notes and Country Commercial Guides. Both sites will help you hone in on the specific countries that specialize in your product.
    This simple step will save you a tremendous amount of time and headache when looking for overseas suppliers.
  3. Find a Supplier
    Once you have identified the optimal country for production, it’s time to find a supplier. The great news is that there is an abundance of web resources to help you find the supplier that best fits your needs. abcsources.com excellent resources that can help you get started quickly. Simply type in your product and country of origin and you will be shocked at the sheer number of overseas suppliers. For a more comprehensive guide to finding overseas suppliers, check out Supplier Guide to Sourcing Your Product Overseas.
  4. Choose the Right Supplier
    Once you’ve identified suppliers, take a moment to research each of the companies on your list. Begin with a quick Google search; look for reviews, detailed company information or problems related to this supplier. The more background information you have about the supplier, the better!
    When contacting the supplier, make sure you ask the questions that matter to you. Here are some sample questions to think about:
    • What specific products does the supplier offer?
    • Are their minimums when ordering their product?
    • What discounts do they offer for purchasing larger quantities?
    • How long does it take to ship an order from time of purchase?
    • Does the final price include shipping and duties/taxes?
    For a comprehensive list of questions, check out the Overseas Supplier Checklist. Every supplier has their own rules and requirements. You can choose the right supplier simply by identifying the requirements that best meets your business needs. Also, be an informed consumer; don’t be afraid to contact several suppliers to compare prices.
  5. Request Product Samples
    Before you purchase anything from an overseas supplier, insist on receiving a product sample. The main reason to request a product sample is to ensure that you review the quality of the product. You do not want to work with any supplier that skimps on quality.
    Another great reason to request product samples is to have the ability to present actual products to prospective customers.
    The more ammunition you have to set yourself up for success, the better the outcome. So my advice to you is to request a product sample before you finalize any agreement!
  6. Finalize Agreement with Overseas Supplier
    You are now ready to finalize an agreement with an overseas supplier. Make sure you have everything in writing as issues typically arise when language barriers exist. Some key points of an agreement between an overseas supplier and a US importer are:
    • Product Specifics
    • Pricing
    • Payment Terms
    • Shipping Terms
    • Delivery
    For a comprehensive list of overseas supplier agreement options, check out the Overseas Contract Checklist.
  7. Start Sourcing Now
    As you can see, there are seemingly infinite opportunities for sourcing products overseas thanks to globalization and the internet. Just follow the simple steps above, and you will be on your way to sourcing success!

Thursday, August 15, 2013

How to Select Floor Lamps

Floor lamps play a vital role in determining the decor of any room. That's is why it is very important to select them with utmost care otherwise getting it wrong when choosing them can greatly affect the general appearance of an otherwise elegantly furnished house. For people who are shopping for floor lamps for the first time, it can be very difficult to choose the ideal ones. Floor lamps come in many sizes and styles and picking the right one from such a huge selection can be a rather daunting task for first timers. The following tips can however help anyone shopping floor lamps to do confidently regardless of his experience in doing it.

The first thing that one should consider before choosing any floor lamp is the décor that has been adopted in room in which it will be fitted. However, this should also be guided by the general décor of your home that can be determined by a number of factors including the country where you are staying and the décor theme you want to adopt among others.

For instance, if you want to give room a look that is arty, a well designed tripod floor lamp can be a perfect choice. The second crucial thing that one should consider when choosing a floor lamp is its purpose. This includes putting in to consideration what the lamp will primarily be used for whether it writing, reading, art object, lighting for accent purposes among others. For instance, arc floor lamps are great accent pieces that can be used to enhance a modern theme of a house.

Keep in mind where you are going to place the lamp that you are buying too. For example, antique tripod floor lamps can look great in the living room but cannot fit in the kitchen, bathroom or even the game room. Consider also where the lamp will be placed including whether it will placed on the dresser, chest, mantel, armoire or table among other places.

Another thing that you need to take in to consideration when you are buying is its size. You see, you do not want to cram up your small living room with huge floor lamps .Not only will it appear awkward, it will also be uninviting. Similarly, having too small lamps for rather huge room will make it appear unbalanced. If you are choosing a torchiere floor lamp, make sure that you have the dimensions of the room where it will be used. The same thing applies when you are choosing vintage tripod floor lamps.

Before choosing any type of floor lamp, make sure that you have checked the material that it is made of as well. This is because some materials are more durable than others despite the similarity in the appearance of the lamps. Lastly, you need to know your how much you are planning to spend on the floor lamps you are planning to buy. Some lamps can cost you a fortune and if you are living on a bootstrap budget, it can unwise to buy them. The good news is that there are many stores with a wide selection of high quality floor lamps.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Enjoy a Good Drilling with this 2-in-1 Electric Drill and Screwdriver

Give it a good screwing with this 2-in-1 Electric Drill and Screwdriver and put a smile back on your wife’s face. Made for most serious D.I.Y situations, this power tool is ready to help put hairs on your chest and stand up to the occasion. Being cordless means that them annoying wires won’t distract as you tear the house down and then put it back up. With a twist handle that can change the tool from a ‘L’ shape to a straight directional shape making it useable it most situations. The built-in flashlight lights up when you use the drill allowing the ability for you to drill at night or in a dark place as the flashlight will light up the direction you are drilling in.

Key Features
Cordless Adjustable Electric Drill and Screwdriver – Being cordless makes it extra safe, without the risk or burden of getting tangled in the wires or not being able to reach the intended target due to the power cord’s length.
45 Various Attachments – Featuring a 45 piece set of various drills, screws and sockets this electric drill is almost guarantee to have an attachment or tool to fit the job.
Built-in Flashlight – It lights up when you use the drill allowing the ability for you to drill at night or in a dark place as the flashlight will light up the direction you are drilling in.


Friday, April 19, 2013

How to do business with Yiwu market supplier?


1) When you are planning to come to Yiwu City, we book hotel for you before you come, and go to Yiwu Airport to pick you up when you arrive Yiwu airport.
2) Go to market and visit shops one by one, we will arrange a translator to go to market with you.
3) You choose interested items, write down item number, price (you may get price directly from supplier), quantity per carton, measurement of carton, take sample or take photo.
4) We make a Order list, list all the goods you are going to order, calculate total amount and volume.
5) You send 30% deposit to our account by T/T, then we will confirm order with all the suppliers.
6) We send you shipping advice when the goods is ready, then you T/T the balance payment to us. We collect goods and inspect goods in our warehouse upon getting you balance payment.
7) We book container, arrange shipment.
8) We send full set documents to your office, include B/L, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, etc..

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

How to Verify Your Wholesale Supplier?


Many overstock, liquidation and surplus stock sales are happening generally in minutes. The total price of the wholesale liquidated stock is here usually the most important factor to make up your mind. You'll receive an amazing stock offer and you have to act really fast as there are potentially tens of buyers hungry after this wholesale bargain deal.
But how do you know that your supplier is really genuine and he is what he really says he is ? How do you do a security check or verify your wholesale supplier. This could be a tricky and frustrating task, but here are some useful tips to get you started.

Steps

  1. 1
    Ask for the VAT or a copy of Tax ID, Company Registration number and full company details. Google could be a good tool to research who're you're dealing with. With the individuals this could get a little tricky as there are not many options, but i suggest you ask for the bank details, also relevant to verifying a company.
    • In US you can use the website bbb.org ( Better Business Bureau ), try to find you company there. Equivalent of this in UK could be oft.gov.uk Office of Fair Trading.
    • Try to make a search for you company there, see if anything pops up. You can also try and search for companies and individuals on websites like ripoffreport.com
  2. 2
    Use these useful tips for dealing with and and verifying Chinese companies or "businesses" however these could be very relevant to verifying any company.
    • Some Chinese companies - even some paid members of trade websites - are scammers. Your business is not legally protected by Chinese authorities if you are dealing with an illegal company. Buyers need to verify potential suppliers first.
    • Unfortunately, while there are some Chinese websites that can help provide company verification, there is little support for us English speakers. So, here are some tips to help you be sure you are dealing with a valid supplier.
  3. 3
    Contact Information. Most of the time, scammers do not provide correct business contact information. They submit a false address, telephone number. ALL buyers should make personal contact with suppliers before concluding a sale.
  4. 4
    Verify the Company. Every legal company in China needs to be registered with Chinese government authorities at the Bureau of Industry & Commerce (BIC). Once approved, each company is provided with a unique company number. Be sure to get this number from suppliers - if they cannot provide one, walk away. Once you have the number, check with the local BIC administration office to verify company information. (NOTE: You will likely need to have someone Chinese make the call, as English is not supported).
    • In China, all companies that wish to import and export must apply for and obtain a Certificate of Import & Export from Ministry of Commerce and its authorized local agencies in China. This must be done after a company has registered at their local BIC. In addition, trade companies have to register with Chinese Customs House and its regional branches before conducting formal business with international businesses. Buyers should ask suppliers for their company number from BIC, as well as a copy of their Certificate of Import & Export.
  5. 5
    Payment Terms. Scammers never accept Letter of Credit (LC) payments. The fraudsters of the world prefer Western Union, TT and PayPal payments - as these cannot be traced. Buyers making a large purchase should definitely pay be LC. For sample orders and smaller shipments, consider using an escrow service (like Escrow.com).
  6. 6
    Check Customer Referrals. Professional suppliers understand the value and power of customer referrals. Before finalizing an order, ask the supplier to provide names and contact information for some of their satisfied buyers. You may wish to start by asking if they have shipped product to your country before. If they say yes, get customer referrals there. If not, ask what other countries they have sold to and get info for some of those customers.
  7. 7
    Watch out for Unbelievable Prices. Part of the lure of scammers is to offer products at truly unbeatable prices. But, the reason they can offer such low prices is that you will never get the product - so who cares what the sales price is? Consider this: If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  8. 8
    Check the authenticity of Branded Products. China is famous for selling copied versions of branded products, such as watches, electronics, shoes, handbags, golf clubs and more. At the same time, there are a number of legitimate Chinese producers of branded products, that sell surplus quantities illegally. Buyers should note that while a Chinese company may provide you with a certificate indicating they have the right to produce the branded item, this certainly does NOT authorize them to resell those items. Check the wording carefully.
    • Chinese suppliers provide buyers with real opportunities for cost savings. Just remember that without conducting appropriate due diligence, you are going into the deal blind and putting yourself at risk. Like in the rest of the world, most businesses are professional. With a little research, buyers can trade confidently and develop valuable business relationships.
    • These are very good Tips to start your own verification for any supplier before you send them money !! Anyone can make their shop window look nice with great products to choose from, it's what's inside that counts
    • With suppliers that have their web sites online for years not months, this is a good way to trust them, it would take some time before bad feedback filters through the internet, so with new websites under 1 years you have to be more on the cautious side. When we really trust a person or a supplier, we can send any payment type as we know there is no problem with the security of this money, suppliers that have a long term business and with a good reputation would never cause any problems to their business with poor products and bad customer service, but when you deal with scammers they would promise you the world, but most would only want payments like W/U with no security for the buyer, many buyers like to use Pay Pal, but once again for real suppliers that's fine not for a supplier that would close his accounts after he as made his money from this scam !!
  9. 9
    Consider safer methods of paying. Payments like COD or L/C seem to be better for the buyers, but remember to think clear, what's inside the container or box?, even if I order a DVD on COD, when the item comes, i open the box see the DVD looks fine, pay the deliver guy, later i try the DVD, there is no contents inside, this scam is old but has caught so many people out, and before you reply to me and say why do i show these details of scams, like the scammers would learn from this post, be real, scammers know more than than you think, this is their life, the fact is if you have a need for a product or service the scam is so easy.
    • How many people have bought from suppliers that sell, "20 x video cameras in boxes complete new model" UNTESTED, low prices but how easy is it to test them, and sell for more money, so the fact is you be lucky to get 3-5 out of them working by using the parts from others, and the time and cost is not worth business.
    • How many people would buy a tin of food from a supermarket with no label on it?, not got a clue of the contents, only that the sell by date is ok, well i would not buy, best to get the tin i want and know the brand i can trust, and so many buyers do the same with these suppliers selling Phones, Games, Laptops,,,, THEY TAKE A CHANCE and hope they get a bargain of a life time deal.

Monday, April 15, 2013

How to Find Chinese Distributors?


It is not easy for US exporters to find proper China distributors. The reason is, unlike China suppliers, China distributors do not promote their business in the US. Therefore they are mostly unknown to US companies. However, there are cost-effective ways to find many potential distributors in China to sell your products. Before you set up to physically go to China, you should conduct sufficient research and connection, so that your costly visit could be very productive. It is highly recommended to use government resources.


Steps

  1. 1
    Search online to get general idea of the market situation and distributors in China for products that are similar to yours. China distributors of course focus their attention on China market. So they normally do not have website or web listing information in English. Therefore you need to have an informed person who understand Chinese to help you.
  2. 2
    Contact US Embassy in Beijing or Consulate Generals in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shengyang for assistance. These agencies could give you lists of reputable distributors in China, with company and contact information.
  3. 3
    Record your findings using a data table, so that you could better manage the vast information you obtained. The data table would include columns like distributor’s name, company information, products range, market channels and industrial applications, and notes.
  4. 4
    Analyze the information you have and initiate the contact with your interested distributors. You may directly send email or fax to the distributor in English, because you may like your target partner to have some one speak English in daily communication.
  5. 5
    Develop relationship with the potential distributors of your interest.
  6. 6
    Visit the distributors in China and finalize the cooperation agreement. The best time to visit your distributors in China is during relevant trade shows or relevant industrial conventions, seminars or workshops. Join US governments’ trade missions to China is excellent opportunity for establishing relationship with China distributors, because, by accompany government officials to visit China, you obtain high credibility with China companies.

EditTips

  • In internet searching, there are generally two kinds of websites you should use. One kind is the major Chinese search engines, like www.baidu.com, www.sohu.com, www.sina.com.cn, www.google.cn, and www.yahoo.cn. Another kind is business web directories maintained by various industrial associations, which could give you very concentrated and structured information of distributors, by products, by market channels, and by industrial applications. You can also find these directory websites through search engines.
  • When you set up to visit China, it is highly recommended you to use Gold Key Matching Service provided by US Commercial Services to arrange meeting with reputable China distributors in your area. US Commercial Services work with US Embassy and Consulate Generals in China to provide this service locally with a small fee of $675 per program. One of the big benefits of this service is that you will directly meet the high management of the potential distributors. For more detail, visit http://www.export.gov/comm_svc/goldkey.html
  • The equity information of a China distributor is very important, it may be privately owned limited liability company, a government owned company, a company that pertains or is affiliated with a big group of companies, or industrial association, or local government. Such information is the key to understand the capability and marketing channel of the distributor. For example, if you are to sell consumer products to upscale department stores, you may use a private limited liability company. Or if you are to sell control devices to energy industry, you may want to work with a distributor that can help you go through necessary regulatory process.
  • In developing relationship with China distributors, you need to repeatedly exchange information with them, discussing business plan, marketing support and launch plan, etc. In the cross-culture and cross-system environment, intensive communication is the key to establish firm relationship. When proper, sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the idea distributor, expressing the intention of cooperation. MOU has very important symbolic significance of confirming business relationship in Asia.
  • In China very few distributors can operate national wide. You may need to find many distributors to cover the whole market. But you should start with working with one in a major city.
  • There are sayings that working with China distributors is difficult. Yes, it is. However, that would be where the opportunity exists. Once you get through, the transaction cost will become your profit and the entry barrier will help protect yourself from competition.

Tips for Find a supplier in China

  • Work with suppliers that have already exported their products to Europe or the US. Pay attention to the agent relationship. Many manufacturers may have their products exported to the US in good quantity through a third party supplier without an exclusive supply agreement. They may want to have direct channels to the US, and that might mean more business for you.
  • Information comes from seemingly insignificant data, for example, the email addresses may reveal useful information about Chinese suppliers. However, do not judge an address too quickly. You never know where good information can come from.
  • Consider accessing the U.S. customs records for your supplier to get an independently verified list of their shipments to the U.S. This will tell you who their customers are, how loyal those customers are, as well as the volume capabilities of your factory. Import Genius offers these hard-to-find customs records at affordable rates.
  • Document your product as effectively and as completely as you can. 3D drawings, 2D drawings, Bill Of Materials (BOM), photos, samples and prototypes are all good ways to do this. Sometimes, words just aren't enough.
  • Be aware that while the decision-maker may not speak any English, establishing good relationship (guanxi) with the top management is crucial for long-term success.
  • Just because a site is ranked higher in Google search listing, this does not necessarily mean it is a more serious business. Some very good Chinese suppliers are not well-versed in having their website listed highly, while some other Internet guys can have their website listed very highly. Use your industrial judgment.
  • A visit to your supplier production site in China is the only reliable way to truly know its capabilities, to check that the data you have collected on the company is 100% correct, and that ISO & Quality principles are applied: Check the factory organization, its process flows, the quality of goods produced, the packaging, the workers' training level, the overall working conditions, equipment maintenance, etc. This will give you an indication of how the company is managed. A face-to-face meeting with the supplier's management team will also give you an idea of their experience and willingness to embark on your project. You will also be able to create a friendly relationship, which is crucial for your project!
  • Email is good for exchanging product specifications, catalogue and price list. To establish a deeper relationship, a phone call is 10 times better than email. A personal meeting is 100 times better than a phone call. Many people want to start a business, so you have to show you are more serious. As long as your contact person uses English, you can just go ahead and give that person a phone call. It does not matter how much you and that person can understand each other; you can always follow up with an email.
  • An independent third party can be an excellent idea for a quick cost effective review of potential suppliers before you choose one to visit. There are many companies in China run by westerners who do this and can provide a good bridge between you and your supplier at the start.
  • Analyzing the types of suppliers has strategic importance. It will help you to understand where you are, what kind of results to expect, and what are the things you need to take care of in the mutual cooperation. You may want to have an experienced person help you to analyze the information. In your strategy, you will also need to include the consideration of the future contracting and operation. You may seek advice from Chinese professionals who understand the Chinese mentality, culture and business practices. You may get the incorrect interpretation if you visit the supplier's English website, or you could omit data that contains key information.

  • Warnnings:

  • If you send out inquiries you will get tons of replies from suppliers of all kinds. Some guys may continuously send you product info for years, and are able to pass through all sorts spam protection. You may not want to use your primary email account to register with these sites.Contact a reliable outsourcing company 
  • Be careful with suppliers sub-contracting your order! When facing a backlog of deliveries, Chinese suppliers usually sub-contract them partially or in full, without taking the precaution to inform their clients! Most of the times this leads to sub-standard deliveries
  • Beware of cheap electronic products sellers from China. Many online sellers of electronic products in China are fraudulent sellers. Unless you are buying in bulk and the products are shipped legally passing through custom checks, then most likely you are buying the product from retailer or wholesaler who do not have export license. This means there is no way to know whether the product is Real or Imitation unless you are an expert. Famous brands will not allow their supplier to sell below their normal selling cost, therefore the suppliers are either selling illegally or it is actually an imitation.