Ordering from Overseas
This episode highlights some essential factors to consider when sourcing products from overseas factories.
- Sourcing is not limited to just China, as factories from other countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Korea, and Thailand also participate in sourcing.
- Alibaba.com and the Alibaba sites provide a vast range of countries and manufacturers enrolled in their supplier program, and so do other sites like DHgate.
- There's typically a three-week shutdown of Chinese factories during Chinese New Year that buyers should note. To avoid delays, it's critical to place orders early during holiday seasons.
- Asking for a real photo from a seller before ordering a sample is advisable, mainly to ensure that the product is not a mock-up and is what it actually looks like.
- The shipping time for a product can vary depending on whether it is shipped by air or sea. The processing time also differs, similar to ordering from Amazon.
- Checking communication in a timely manner with overseas suppliers is important due to the time difference. Many factories use translators, so clarifying misunderstandings is essential.
- Paying through Alibaba guarantees that the factories listed will stand behind the terms of service. Alibaba has guarantees in place for payments made through their platform to ensure buyers are working with reputable factories.
- There are reviews on the website to provide transparency on factory performance. A processing fee for payment protection on products is also involved.
- It's crucial to remind shippers to use strong packaging to prevent damage to the product during shipping.
- Samples are necessary to avoid surprises in size or color when the actual product arrives. It's advisable to request samples to be sent by air for items ranging from $50 to $150.
- The pricing on Alibaba is generally more competitive than other sources, but other sources often offer fast shipping and allow customers to buy in lower quantities.
- Customizations can be made to items listed on Alibaba, depending on the factory and the product being sold.
- Customers can search for specific products on Alibaba and find them on the summary page, which is a collection of items under that search word.
I hope these tips help you when sourcing from overseas, and I look forward to sharing more insights with you!
