The Wholesale Forums

[Jezz]

I just wanted a place for a chat about importing in general,
I was having a discussion with another forum member and think that we may have been getting a little off topic in that thread.
So I was hoping to continue this conversation here, Plus some other general Newbie chatter. (feel free to join in!)

So... trying to continue the conversation without dragging the whole thread here,
The main topic is here:
smallvolume.com
I think we started to get off topic about here:
smallvolume.com (oop’s it’s my fault)

And I’ll just quote jeaneeni’s last post so that you know what I’m talking about:

Originally Posted by jeaneeni

Hi Jeremy,

Thanks for that...although with setting up the business etc and not being knowledgeable of PC besides the basics I may have to pay some-one as to be time effective...as I want a site using flash....I think!

Re the scooter's...it's typical that when you decide on what you want to sell things happen to stop it or suddenly there are a load for sell!

From what I can see the problem with buying products from china etc is that obviously so many large companies import huge amounts and therefore they can sell them much cheaper; as once you add on the shipping costs etc most are not feasible as you can buy them here for the same price or less - unless you get a container full! Then you need the money and storage.

I'm doing this as I need ready stock to hand for staging interiors and I'm trying this out. It's only feasible if I can collect the goods from the shipping port 90mins away from me...for a reasonable price or buy loads....but to start I'm going to buy an amount that can (hopefully?!) fit into mine + my partner's car (I can take out the back seats of mine!)

Anyhow...I plan to go onwards and upwards...I'll let you know how it goes.

Re chainsaws......keep looking....

Janine.

[Jezz]

Yeah flash sites are nice, might be a little bit expensive though.
There is a lot of work involved in doing a site yourself, But if you have your site made using a content management system you’ll be able to modify it yourself easily without needing to pay someone each time you want it changed. (it’s at least worth considering)

Lol, chainsaws no good either?

I think they could be worth while in Australia. A lot of people here have wood fires, And the cheapy brand ones are selling for about $130 Au on eBay.

Case Study for Petrol Chainsaws... (purchasing from smallvolume.com)

3xCartons (6 units) US$263.23
Service Fee US$40.41
Shipping cost: US $117.14
Subtotal: US $420.79

Import Duty 10% (guessing)+ GST 10%: US $84.15
Total US$ 504.95 = AU $600
Sell for AU $130 * 6 units = $780 = $180 profit , less eBay fees.

= 30% return on investment (less eBay fees)

Appears viable unless I’ve under Estimated my import Duty/tax ?

Well... except for my little logistics problem, lol
I'm about 460 km away from my closest seaport

[bobitza]

I don't see the shipping costs included in your calculations. Or the $130 include free shipping ?

[Jezz]

Nope, shipping is there alright it's a wopping US $117.14!

This really doesn't seem that great an idea when you work it all like this.
I'll keep searching for other products, see if I can beat 30%

Might keep it to myself though if I find one

[jeaneeni]

Hi Jeremy,

I received my refund today from smallvolume (for the samples I didn't go ahead with due to high shipping costs) but I'm still wary about importing goods from China!

I have read that people recommend different payment methods, some credit cards and others paypal. What's your opinion?

I think I should just go for it now!
When are you thinking of buying goods?

Janine.

[Jezz]

Hi Janine,

Does paypal buyer protection cover transactions outside of eBay?
If so, this would be much safer.
I avoid putting my credit card number in on the net whenever it's possible.
It's so easy for people to get money out once they have your number!
(read my post here to see why : Spyware)

I've got to wait for some products to arrive for Chinavasion.. and then sell them before I can do anything else.

Besides.. we already decided you were going to be the guinea pig didn't we?
lol.. (kidding)

I need to find a viable product first

And make sense of all these fee's and charges

Jeremy

[jeaneeni]

Hi Jeremy,

Thanks for all your advice. I have a cahoot webcard which is issued each time electronically for the particular amount you want for that sale only, so I always use that for online purchases, as I know what you mean about putting my details online. I'll check out about paypal...as I've only just started with all these things!

We did decide I'd be the guinea pig.....you're right! I will place an order this week. I've been waiting for some products that were being updated, which are actually for my Dad...he wants some cheap watches to sell at a car boot sale! Do you know if watches are more likely to be taken by customs - even if they are not branded. It will be just my luck...as I can imagine adding a couple of cartons for my Dad as a favour (as I'll pay for shipping and drive 1hr 45 mins to give them to him, as this is the only reason he can buy them as he sells everything dirt cheap .i.e. a £1!!!.) .... and then the whole lot gets taken by customs!

Here's goes the guinea pig........

Janine.

[Jezz]

LOL Hey, I was only joking about the guinea pig thing!
really

As far as I've read so far things will only be stopped by customs if they are fakes or if they are genuine items that have trade mark restrictions.
(If you are not an Authorised reseller)
I'm certainly no expert on this stuff though.

I'm assuming you have, but I just thought I'd ask anyway...
Have you taken all your VAT and Duty expenses into account?

It's fairly easy really, I had just about everyone in the forum helping me..
An it only took me about 4 days to figure out how to do this
Anyway... I think this is working properly now.
http://www.thewholesaleforums.co.uk/...-new-post.html

It might help you with this stuff if you still need to work it out.
My order from Chinavasion is almost here according to my tracking info,
So it should be too long before I place my first order either.

Good luck with it all Janine!

[jeaneeni]

Hi Jezz,

Here goes the guinea pig........I have finally placed an order with smallvolume.com for just over $2000 including shipping. This includes products for my property-stylist business and watches for my Dad to sell at a car boot sale!

I'll have to hire a van to collect the goods from the port 90mins away from me...should be interesting, as never collected from a port before!

I'll keep you all posted.
Janine.

[Jezz]

Thanks for sharing Janine
I still can't make a decision on what to buy that's going to give me enough markup.
It needs to be something that's ebay worthy.