Fedex account for sending samples

orchid · 08-07-2008, 07:11 PM

My supplier (I haven't verified if they are legit or not) asked me to give him my Fedex account number so he can send me some free samples.

Is is safe to give out your Fedex account number to a stranger? Will they steal this number and use it later on. Do they charge fairly if they use my account number? Will I loose anything? I am a newbie, please give me advice on this.

greedyboy · 08-07-2008, 07:36 PM

Yes it is perfectly safe and standard procedure for free samples.

orchid · 08-07-2008, 07:46 PM

They will not steal this number and use it later on, won't they? Will they benefit anything if they overcharge the shipping cost for samples?

greedyboy · 08-07-2008, 07:49 PM

Seriously you are worrying about nothing. Just ensure you are dealing with a genuine business and you won't go wrong. If you are still worried, speak to Fedex and see what they suggest as it's along time since I used my account as they are expensive.

orchid · 08-07-2008, 08:17 PM

So what shipping method do you use for receiving samples? I don't need to get the samples soon, so as a matter of fact I don't need to use Fedex either, they are expensive. How do you make seller send samples to you without having an account like Fedex because they won't pay shipping?

I will talk to Fedex. I am not sure my supplier is genuine or not but they said they could send free samples.

greedyboy · 08-07-2008, 08:23 PM

Ask the the supplier for the gross weight and dimensions of the package. You can then book fedex yourself to collect from their office or factory without the need for handing over your details.

orchid · 08-07-2008, 08:53 PM

That is a good idea. I wonder if I can tell the supplier to use postal collect mail (cost less than Fedex because sample is sent from Canada) , then I can pay upon receiving samples.

greedyboy · 08-07-2008, 09:01 PM

Don't push your luck too far. They are sending you a free sample so they want as less hassle as possible. Just get FedEx to pick it up and leave it at that.

orchid · 08-07-2008, 09:03 PM

I have this question:

When suppliers say minimum order, do they usually mean per each size/style or I can order different sizes/styles and combine them to meet minimum order. The item I am interested in importing come in so many different sizes.

greedyboy · 08-07-2008, 09:12 PM

It varies from supplier to supplier. I am talking to a new supplier at the moment and no matter what I say or do their MOQ is one 20' container per model. 10 models = 10 containers. Other suppliers will let you mix and match as long as you get somewhere near their MOQ.

It is mostly based on the complexity of the manufacturing process and suitable production runs. Most factories don't carry 'off the shelf' stock, so they will start a production on an order by order basis (hence 20' container MOQ). Less complex items may only have an MOQ of 10pcs and a lead time of a few days.

Swings and roundabouts as always, so it's best to clarify this information with your supplier.