thanx for that info, i have learned so much since joining salehoo a month ago and still really don't know anything. i have always been put off on chinese suppliers, b/c of all the horror stories. glad to see another perspective on chinese suppliers. is there any tell tale signs of a bad chinese supplier, or good supplier you could share w/ me and the rest of the newbs? i really appreciate all the knowledge and experience the salehoo staff and members share w/ everyone, its priceless, best $67 i ever spent
Well I think the the above article points one in the right direction. From what I gleaned from it is, a serious business person who is looking for a long term business relationship should consider visiting Asia.
This isn't an outright rule but would prove very helpful.
There are some basics which when added up help eliminate losses.
1. Age of website
2. Popularity of website
3. Email directed to website and not a third party like Gmail.
4. Others non-biased opinions.
5. Dealing with the business and not individuals. Meaning not just some guy you contacted but the business and then the individuals from that business.
6. Reputations
7. Credit card and Paypal payment methods.
8. Reviews by Salehoo members who have been around for awhile. Not based on a review by someone who just turned member.
9. Do not buy Vero items from Asia.
Try to always give yourself an out or way out of a deal or backup plan.
For example, your using a supplier for the first time. They except Paypal.
Use your credit card and if you have an American Express use that. That way, if you are conned you can file a dispute with your credit card issuer.
AE is instant ,other CC issuers need for you to file forms. Each way you are very likely to get your money back and Paypal has to use its funds to do so.
Set up steps for each supplier you come in contact with. And if they can't meet those steps then drop them. Its always better to not order product than to lose money.
Start setting aside loss funds. Meaning funds you can use to buy from a risky seller. 200$ would be a good amount to run test orders. Sell them and take those profits and purchase again. That way you never lose funds you need and a loss would be just a lesson learned.
When I say risky seller I don't mean buy from a seller that has red flags raised all over hell but one that is meeting a lot of your criteria but you still have concerns about.