Thread: Wholesale Distribution sites and other information on importing?

Hey guys,

Im getting a start up going and my business involves wholesale imports from China. Here's the thing, I have found people on these business sites who claim to have factories that can produce what I need. Yet, how do I know if they are actually an owner or an representative of a factory? How do I know the company even exists? Does anybody know a site where I can find verified supplies( besides Alibaba)?

Lastly, there is a tariff on imports, yet the Chamber of Commerce keeps telling me that when the product becomes imported, they will inspect it and they will tax it. How will they go about taxing it? Will the tax be imposed on me or the seller? Any help is apppreciated!

Alibaba is in fact a good source these days. They've come a long way since their inception in reducing scam artists and legitimizing the website as a whole.

Besides Alibaba, you need to get in contact with a company who specializes in being an ambassador. These companies and people speak the local language, know the manufacturers' reputation, make sure your order is produced correctly, as well as packed, completed, and shipped to your specifications. They're your go to guys on the ground over there.

This will cost a bit of money, but will save you costly errors that you would have never known about because you are new in the market.

I know someone on the ground over there who specializes in this. I can put you in contact with him if you PM me. You're also going to want to attend the Chinese manufacturers' world fair held in China every October for two weeks. Here you can deal directly with the manufacturers.

Here is a link to the Shanghai expo center's list of events... http://en.sniec.net/page/page_52.html

Here is another source... http://tradeshow.globalsources.com/T.../CSF/INDEX.HTM

And here is a link to the Canton Fair which I spoke about in the main body of this reply... http://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en/index.asp

Thanks JCalifornia! Helped heaps!

Where are u sourcing from? What part of china? I can see what part and i have an office there if near me I can help....

Just about everything can be sourced an imported from China. The country is a huge manufacturer. I've been importing and exporting for quite some time now. There are risks and rewards. I'm sure you've done your research if you're ready to start importing.

What is it you're looking for? Where in China? This will help us help you.

As you all know, most of the products from Alibaba's are representative from the company but how do we know its legit or scam?

How about shipping as well? How will we know if the product will come safe and sound?

My friend told me, his friend negotiated with the supplier but he was low ballin. After the deal was done, products came, he found out he received all the shoes in one side only. He called the supplier to ask what happened to his goods, the supplier said pay the other half to get the other half.

A LOT of counterfeit goods come from china. Be careful because it's a crime to accept and resell these items as legitimate goods whether you knew it or not.

I've been buying from Alibaba for a while. I usually check years being gold members and usually based on the invoice and information they provide.

Here's a good source -- Import Export Business & International Trade Leads - FITA Global Trade Leads

the only true way to know you are getting directly from the manufacture is to directly go there and talk to them.

most guys you talk to are middlemen.

they have the connects to the factories, and sell you whatever supply you need.

they also take their cut of money from every unit they sell to you. most of them are making bank, and it doesn't take much effort for them at all. They know people such as yourself want the goods for a low price, they offer the connection.