The Wholesale Forums

[orchid]

Some people on this forum advise that we should never buy at large quantity from a supplier you've never ordered before, just try small orders first.

The contrary is suppliers who can be trusted are usually big factories or have a really factory. It is obviously not worth for them at all to run a production for just a small order. So they will no doubt don't accept small orders.

What is your advice on this issue?

[greedyboy]

Simple answer. Find a supplier who sells what you require in lower MOQ's and/or is willing to sell to you on a sample basis until you are ready to put in bigger orders.

[orchid]

Have you had any real manufacturer in China who sells on a sample basis (I am talking about thousands of items per each style-but still considered a small number to them in regards to the nature of items I am importing)?

Do you think a real manufacturer in China can accept orders sent in 1 or two CBMs?

[cbeebies]

Yes, 1 or 2 CBM is possible,for a trial order.

You should balance your landed cost and the order quantity.

Like the free samples from a Chinese supplier, you may find out that you have to pay 3 or 4 times sample price on the courier price!

Also, a kind reminder, always verify your supplier before placing a big order, or arrange a pre-shipment inspection.

[orchid]

For an order of 1 or 2 CBMs, how should I pay: by an LC? Should I have a pre-shipment
inspection for an order of this size?

[cbeebies]

L/C payment was used most in container quantity orders.

For 1 or 2 CBM orders, it's better to use T/T wire transfer. How much of your total ordered values? If it's more than EUR3000-4000, you'd better arrange a pre-shipment inspection. It costs a few hundred bucks, but you can rest assured you get what you paid for the goods.

[greedyboy]

What cbeebies says is correct. Suppliers will happily supply you smaller quantities but will heavily mark up the delivery charge to compensate for small orders. It is important you have a rough idea of shipping costs when placing orders.

[orchid]

When I ask for price quote for items, I should only ask for FOB price and after they give me the price and agree to ship in smaller quantities, then I should ask them how much they charge for the shipment? What is the maximum weight allowed in one CBM from China to the US?

Do I also need to find a freight fowarder beforehand and ask them about costs they'll charge to retrieve the shipment for me after it's arrived as well as clear customs in US and send it to me (by truck or railroad I guess)? Will they let me know even I don't have a shipment at the time of asking? I live inland and most shipment go to ports in California.

I don't know how to solve this problem: I need to have a rough idea of shipping costs before placing an order, but I am afraid when I ask, forwarders will ask me where the shipment is which I don't have. Please advice.

[greedyboy]

9 times out of 10, shipping will always be cheaper if the supplier arranges it for you in China.

Get them to ship the items to your local port and then employ the services of a domestic freight forwarder to clear the goods and deliver them to your warehouse.

When getting prices ask the supplier for an FOB (their local sea port) price and CIF (your local sea port) price. Then contact a domestic frieght forwarder with the shipment details/weight/dimensions and ask them for a CIF (EX Works China Factory) price then you can compare all the options.

[orchid]

I am sure you're right, the best is let the supplier arrange the shipment. I wonder how the supplier can quote a CIF price for each individual item without knowing what the quantity is you are going to order. However, I can't give them the quantity until they give me a quote?

Can I ask a domestic freight forwarder all sorts of questions to get an idea of costs they will charge to clear the item and deliver it to me even before I have a shipment?

By the way, I just asked Fedex and they said it is safe to give out Fedex account number because the shipment is either to you or from you, so even someone steals my number, he can't do nothing.