The Wholesale Forums

[denislbg]

I suggest you find a sourcing agent for you , because they know the China resources more than you . it save time and cost also.

[thepolodealer]

Like others said, do your research first.

When I first started the business I found my supplier online and then personally went to china and visited his factories. He was extremely helpful and even put me up in his house and said he would have been offended if I stayed in a hotel.

I must say it was a great trip, I learned a lot that I think really helped me.

[veropierre]

Originally Posted by thepolodealer

When I first started the business I found my supplier online and then personally went to china and visited his factories. He was extremely helpful and even put me up in his house and said he would have been offended if I stayed in a hotel.

After doing my homework, I went to China and met potential suppliers. Today I go there 3 times a year and continue to build relationship. Chinese entrepreneurs can be tough to deal with but when it clicks, you are part of the family.
But always be careful, for Chinese the shortest distance between A and B is not always a straight line and if you loose their trust, it’s gone for ever.

[greedyboy]

This is what I was talking about

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMtW2wBhvdQ

Fill your suitcases up

[veropierre]

Yup - I love these markets, always something new to find. But when I need quantities, I deal directly with a factory or a broker depending on the volume.

Small factories are awesome and totally against our views of workers' conditions.
One I know very well is composed of 3 floors -

• 1st floor - factory - shipping/receiving and a kitchen (no bathroom)
• 2nd floor - R&D, offices, manager bedrooms and a kitchen (no bathroom)
• 3rd floor - storage, dormitory (bunk beds) open bathroom and a kitchen.

Yep only one bathroom on 3rd floor, 3 kitchens and when there is not enough space for storage, 2 level bunk beds become 3 level bunk beds

An that is not considered a sweatshop and the owner if very proud of his shop.

[greedyboy]

Originally Posted by veropierre

Yup - I love these markets, always something new to find. But when I need quantities, I deal directly with a factory or a broker depending on the volume.

Likewise. 95% of the stuff in the markets come from the factories anyway so there is no benefit for regular/large buyers.

I use them more of a market where I can get a few of these and a few of them. For instance I need a BlueTooth hands free, may as well pick 10 up for $80, keep one and sell the remainder down the pub. Can't help myself

You can also find some new great product inspiration.

[veropierre]

When we go to China we come back with at least a 20 footer - there is a good price difference between market and factory.

Our Xmas shopping for 2007 was 2 x 40ft - it's when I messed up with the warehouse

We come back with backpack filled with stuf purchased in market as well.

[greedyboy]

Originally Posted by veropierre

When we go to China we come back with at least a 20 footer - there is a good price difference between market and factory.

The market is designed to purchase small amounts there and then without any lead times hence you are paying for the convenience.

[veropierre]

Originally Posted by greedyboy

The market is designed to purchase small amounts there and then without any lead times hence you are paying for the convenience.

Yep and don't forget to say that it tiring but so fun to do. I can't imagine going to China without spending at least half a day in markets.

Business wise it's also a great place for sampling trends.

[denislbg]

Which market did you go ?