AboutHank S Expertise Ask me about sourcing products in China, finding manufacturers in China, importing from China, developing new products in China, moving manufacturing to China, price negotiations with suppliers in China, and logistics-related issues.
Experience I lived in China from 1993 to 2003 where I learned Chinese and worked in the fields of logistics, marketing and manufacturing services. I have visited hundreds of factories in China. I am authorized by the NYS Unified Court System as an interpreter of Mandarin Chinese. I have an MBA in international business and entrepreneurship. I work in a U.S. company as product development and sourcing manager.
Education/Credentials MBA, International Business & Entrepreneurship, City University of NY
BA, East Asian Studies & Chinese, City University of NY
Studied international trade taught in Chinese at the University of International Business & Economics in Beijing
Chinese language study at Beijing University & Nanjing University
Question Hi, this is my first time importing from China and I’m not sure where to begin, so I’ll tell you a little about where I am so far.
The products I want to import are eco friendly stainless steel water bottles.
The first thing I did was go on websites like alibaba.com and look for suppliers. I researched a little on the web and it turns out that most of these suppliers are scams. Apparently they sometimes even send good samples and after you pay via western union or T/T you receive cheap merchandise or none at all. Being it my first time, I don’t know how to spot these scams and would rather be safe than sorry.
So, the next thing I did was contact a sourcing and logistics agent (I found this agency because someone on a message board on alibaba.com recommended her, along with others)
She is going to find 3-4 manufacturers for me and send me the samples, she accepts western union and t/t and if I visit China she’ll take me directly to the factories.
Now my question is: do you feel it is necessary to have an agent like this? Or would it be better to find manufacturers and deal with them on my own? If so, where would be the best place to find them?
Also, how can I be sure this person is reliable? This is her info:
Jasmine Lin Tel: 00480
Fax: 01359
CELL: 0086-13531297757
ADD: UNIT 105,9/B,RUI HUA YA TING, LONG HU INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT, SHANTOU, GUANGDONG, CHINA http://www.jasmineservice.org/en/index.asp
Should I plan a trip to China to meet her suppliers?
Any extra tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you so so much!
Answer Hi Monica,
Yes, it is necessary for you to have an agent like this. You need someone in China to help you source and manage suppliers and inspect shipments.
You can still find factories on your own, and your agent can visit them and give you his or her opinion and advice. You can "deal with vendors" on your own but that's not a good use of your time. Although right now you are thinking about sourcing and importing, your REAL business is going to be selling/marketing and distributing your products. Dealing with vendors in China is merely a distraction from dealing with your paying customers.
For these and many more reasons you need an agent. The key, as you have already figured out, is that you need an agent you can TRUST. You need an agent that is going to look out for your best interest, not their own.
Jasmine's web site says: "We may not the best agency, but we will always do my best to serve our cleints." This gives me a warm & fuzzy feeling. There are other sourcing agents like Jasmine out there, and you can find some of them by Googling "China sourcing", "China factory inspection", etc. But my sense is that Jasmine is ok. I think the testimonials on her site are real. I could call her and interview/interrogate her on the phone in English and Chinese but I'd have to charge you $100.
You asked some very good questions: "Where would be the best place to find [sourcing agents]? Also, how can I be sure this person is reliable?" Unfortunately there is no "best place" to find them and when you do find them you can't be sure they're reliable. You must rely on the Internet and your own instincts and intellect. You've done well so far.
Yes, you should plan a trip to China to meet your suppliers. In fact the Canton Fair is coming up very soon -- possibly too soon for you to go. Check out cantonfair.org and see if Jasmine thinks there's time to book you a hotel. If Jasmine is available to walk the show with you I bet she can help you select good suppliers. Note that the exhibitors at the Canton Fair might consist mainly of import-export companies and not factories. But this does not necessarily matter for your purposes. At the end of the day what you need are the right products at the right prices supplied by folks you like doing business with. You do need to know who you're buying from and it behooves you to meet them face-to-face.
If you can't make it to the show you can let Jasmine find you the suppliers, get you the samples, etc. You can send her money via Western Union and probably all will be fine. Once you think you're ready to place your first "big" order you can make a trip to meet Jasmine and your suppliers. Good luck, Hank
