Great point on the currency fluctuations Dan, that's one area most importers overlook. Money management becomes extremely important when you're a high-volume importer. I'd love to see the US Manufacturing sector come back, but unfortunately things like minimum wage laws and an avalanche of regulations have destroyed it for now. We'll see what happens... Love your site design by the way!
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Thanks Mike, glad you like the site! You'll have to pay whatever taxes and other fees apply to whatever jurisdiction you're in. In the US, you'll have to pay a small customs fee (or large fee if you are importing a heavily regulated product). Then the State you're in may also have other duties and fees. And then of course, there is the standard US/State taxes like Income Tax you need to pay. The only legal issue to worry about (realistically) is importing an illegal or counterfeit item, which is pretty easy to avoid. You also run the risk of a child choking on your product or something, but that sort of thing is unbelievably rare. Once you get a little bit of revenue going, start an LLC and it will protect you from that. Good luck!
Thanks Abdul! AliExpress is a smaller-scale, more 'consumer-focused' version of Alibaba. Most of the time, AliExpress suppliers are also listing their products on Alibaba for higher MOQs (and better pricing). AliExpress can be useful for everyday shopping or to make buying initial samples extremely simple. As long as you have third-party financial protection, like I discussed in the article, you'll have some protection. Ideally, you'll want to get somebody to do quality control at their factory before your order goes out - but that isn't always possible. Hope this helps!
Hi, very interested in your articles and replies. And thanks for sharing. I have couple of questions in this post. Maybe a little bit no brainer.... What is LLC? and Do we need to apply for an import license in order to buy small bulk from China?
Glad you liked all of it Ying :) An LLC is a Limited Liability Corporation, it's just a legal entity you can 'create' in the United States. You may have to apply for an important license, it depends on where you live and what the legal system is like. It is different everywhere and highly variable. We don't have to do anything special to 'qualify' to buy things from overseas here in Florida, but I couldn't speak for anywhere else.
Hey Will, I'm living in China right now and am functional in Chinese. I want to start selling stuff back in the states. What would you do differently if you could be over here and communicate yourself?
It's going to be tough for you to ship to consumers in the US, as it's going to take 5-7 days minimum for each order (and cost you a fortune). You might want to look into doing partnerships with US importers. You could do quality control and relationship building and take a percentage of each order. That's what I would look into if I were in your shoes!
Will, Your article rocks man! I didn't see where you listed your email address but I suppose I can reach out to you this way .. Myself and a friend are former warriors from the states looking to get in the importing business. We are actually flying to Thailand this week to look for something creative to bring back . I have been there twice already and I have my sights on clothes, headphones , shoes ect. almost everything you said to stay away from . It would be a pleasure if I could get in direct contact with you for a few specific questions I have. I was a PFSO officer in asia SO i am pretty well educated on the ports and movements of containers and shipping. You got a bad ass story and i'd like to learn what I can from you to prevent any errors. My email is [redacted] any information on Thailand or any good spots in China please fill free to email on advise.
Will, amazing text. Liked to much, it makes me to get more enthusiastic on starting my trading business. Cherrs! Renato (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
I have found a blender that could potentially have good profit margins (off alibaba). My only concern is that it is a knock off or the plastic may not be safe or something. I really dont know though. Any thoughts?
Hi Will This is an awesome article! Thank you so much for sharing all this! Now I have a couple of questions, mainly on courier accounts. I'm only starting my online business and a couple of my suppliers are asking me if I have a courier account to send the samples. Is it convenient to have one at this point? Is there any other way they could send me the items? Should I create a company account or a personal account if it's just for this? Thanks!!
Great post! Really interested in importing at the moment. Did you go over to china? I'm thinking of going to the canton fair but it's going to cost about $1500 which could buy products from alibaba. If you did go, did you find it worth it?
Hi will I'm an English hair salon owner , and I'm interested in creating my own brand of shampoos and styling range .. Looking towards china for this , plus the design and labelling of the products ... Do you have any advice or forward thinking on how I can proceed with this without getting ripped off or wasting time ... I plan for this to be internet based sales only ....running off our own website ..are there many restrictions with importing which is effectively liquids ? Many thanks Richard
can you tell us about the customs duties if you use the mail to import ? please tell me any thing you went though. thanks
Be VERY wary of selling LED light bulbs with out the right standards (i know in Australia it cost $6,000 to get them checked) if there is a fire because of the light globe, and the light globe wasn't officially marked the liability is on you the seller as you are selling it in your country, easy way around it: set up a shelf company in hong kong, it cost about $2,000 and most of that is flying there to set up a bank account, but it's a lot cheaper than going bankrupt with a $10 mil lawsuit to your name.
Will, Thanks so much for the great article. I've read all of them on the site and they are full of great info. Still having a hell of a time finding the right product, however. Everything I find that seems like a solid choice ends up having a ton of people selling it on Amazon, or only seems to be selling 1-3 units a day on eBay. If you could maybe give me some more hints, or point me in the right direction I would be very grateful. Thanks again.
Hello Will, I am from Pakistan and currently I am in USA. I know some trusted suppliers in Pakistan who can export high export quality garments. But I don't know how to find buyers or importers here. Any idea how I can do that? I can't sell stuff myself as I don't have enough time and resources; therefore, I am looking for someone who can buy from my suppliers.
I really Love all the advice you have given...however I was wondering about branding your product. Is it illegal to put your name on another persons product & resell it?
I feel importing is really broken currently. There are sales channels for factories in China to sell directly to world wide retail customers. Websites like Ebay and AliExpress allows these Chinese factories to sell at retail price that an importer would like to charge should they have brought it overseas. Or even better if you are a worker or manager in one of these Chinese factories, to simply list what you don't currently have on ebay and when someone from overseas actually bid on your products, then go to your factory to buy at employee price. This Chinese seller would hold zero stock, and at low cost. Will, please import your wisdom to us on how to deal with this. Many thanks.
Hi Dan, Its not so much the Chinese are getting greedy but are going through the same industrial revolution Japan did 30 years ago. They want better things in life and demand higher pay so things cost more. My advice to you is to look at countries like Vietnam, Thailand and see if a similar product can be found and then go through the same costing process you have done on your Chinese supplier. I purposely bring in lines from Thailand to Australia because the two countries have a free trade agreement and that's worth an extra 5% as I don't have to pay import duty. Please remember there is always another way! Regards Jim
Hi Will, Thank you for the info. I have been looking at Alibaba.com and made-in-China.com, and want to sell bridal dresses. I found out that most of the suppliers sell the dress between $140-$200 per piece, However, I found out that that same dress is selling on ebay for $129 sometimes less. How can you compete when ebay stores in China sell the same item (of course making profit) for the price I have to purchase it at, before my mark up. These suppliers on Alibaba do Dropship too. Any ideas you can share would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Will, I am at the starting stages of looking to start importing. Your information is a great help to get started. What are your views on the massive expo that happens in China, as I am considering going to get some ideas on products. Have you attended before ? I am not sure on what I am looking for. As you said, I am looking for something that is light, cheap and with a good demand and a good margin. I live in Australia. Have you any good suggestions on what I should import for the australian market? My family have a small shopping complex with an empty shop. I am also thinking that I could import something and use this shop to sell the products? What are you thoughts. Regards Ravi
Hi, I'm looking into buying clothes from overseas and selling them in my own store in the USA. I have found a few stores that ship to the USA with nice clothes and cheap prices. Can I buy the clothes and sell them in my store without having any problems , is it legal to do. Will the company I buy my clothes from over seas on line try to sue me. How do I ensure I pay the USA taxes that are required. I don't want trouble with the IRS. Thank you for your feed back.
Great information Will, really appreciate it! Just a question, when you first started and ordered your very first products, did you already have a registered company or can you order items privately from alibaba? Also, how did you get in contact with your chosen supplier, eg. Chat, email, phonecall. . ? Thanks will.
Hi , Really want to get ino this import business but finding it difficult to get products to sell. This is because when I compare products with Aliexpress the profit is not that much. Any help with choice of product will be appreciated. I,m based in the United Kingdom and will prefer less bulky product.
Hi there. Is it illegal in anyway to sell p90x? Thanks!
Your article is super awesome. I am from India and doing some market research on what items I can import from China which I would be able to sell in India.
Hey Will, Great article!! i just have one question. Im trying to make an account with Alibaba and i need a business name that exactly matches the one i have set up with the government. Do i need to register a business with the government? Can i just throw a fake business name in there or would u recommend registering a business. I'm Also from Canada so i don't know if its any different from America. Thanks !
Quick question: If I am planning on paying through paypal (but not necessarily selling with paypal) would I need to upgrade to a premier account? Or can this still be done with the personal account. What would you recommend? Thanks, Chris
I think personal account is ok if you only want to pay via paypal. Generally speaking, premier account is only usable for selling stuff to receive big money, or to increase the payment limitation. But in China, it cost me nothing to upgrade from a personal account to premier account. I'm not sure what's the paypal policy out of China. Also, you could give paypal a call directly if you are not sure which account type is the best choice for yout situation. The customer service is very good from my experience:)
In the sense of protecting your privacy, you don't have to register a real business in your country to start a business in Alibaba. Unless you want to sell stuff, then the reputation matters a lot and a real business account is valuable. Just a simple idea~~
Hey Will, You mention at one point you had a simple bulk email processor. I'm just 17 and cant afford to pay the recurring cost of subscribing to a site like aweber, I was wondering if you knew of any software (cost not important if its one off) that would allow me to receive email addresses from a form and respond with content or deals automatically. I'm having trouble finding out if the software I've found would integrate with wordpress or shopify Love everything you guys do here, Eli
Great blog, so inspiring. I learned a lot and I want to try this business. I did read Tim Feriss 4hr. Workweek and I think youve already done it. Awesome, keep sharing :)
Is there a UK equivalent to alibaba?
Do you have to have a registered business to test the waters with this method. In order to deal with the suppliers on alibaba will they ship to me as an individual
hello i'm living in iraq , i cant sell my products in ebay or amazon coz people in iraq dont buy from this sites , can i open a page on fb and advertise my products ?? or share them on iraqi shopping sites ??
Thank your sir. thanks for sharing your knowledge and great experience. it was very useful. also, i have a question about company and registration. i mean do i have to open company to import goods or i can import goods from china without any company.
I'd suggest you open your own commerce site, if there's no mature and big ecommerce platform out there in your country. If it's true, I believe it's a big opportunity for you to operate your business online:)
It's not necessary to register a company when you start a business in Alibaba. Different countries may have different policy regarding importing and exporting. But generally speaking, it's not necessary. Unless you are importing or exporting some VERY special products, like 'Real Guns', medicine:)
Great article. Thanks a lot. One question. Samples are free but who should pay for the shipment of the samples buyer or supplier?
Hi, I am from India just want to start some import/export business. This topic is really nice and giving some light to move further. Is it required to register a company when you start a business in Alibaba ?
Hi, this is a great article. Can you answer a question? I've never had a real business besides just buying stuff at Goodwill and selling on Ebay. But, now I want to try importing and I have an idea for marketing a specific item. Do I need an official "registered" business that sellers will check out to sign up and buy on Alibaba? Or can I just use my made-up business name that doesn't really exist yet. Second, the prices of stuff I am looking to buy on Alibaba are listed at for $2-$10 (for 5-10 pieces), yet these same items would sell for $20-$100 Retail on eBay. I haven't contacted any sellers yet, but what am I missing since these prices sound too good to be true for such small volumes? Am I going to find out that the $2-$10 price is just for 1000 each and the quote for 5-10 items will be closer to the Retail price? Or, does the shipping cost affect the profit margins? Or is this stuff just poor quality? Thanks again!
This is such a good read! Just wanted to say thanks, its great to get information that is useful and doesn't have a price tag on it! Awesome!
Hi, Awsome guide by the way! I guess this is late after this post was made but hopefully you will see this and answer my questions. 1. how did you deal with the shipping fees or did you made them send as a gift? 2. I saw your done message you could send to the manufacters but now I can't find it, maybe I'm hallucinating! 3. Awsome guide!
Will, I really enjoyed reading your article. Very inspiring. You warned the readers of selling counterfeit items. Won't most of the branded items the seller buys and sells at a great margin impose copyright, patent issues ? For example, loom band ( glowing rubber bands) bags which are being sold at a price of $20 on Amazon. Let's say you purchase a min order from Alibaba which you then sell on Amazon at a greater margin. Can't that cause legal problems ? I don't understand how there is a way around it, unless you start your own brand. I really like your idea but I am just worried about the legal problems that this business might attract.
Hey Will! I'm SO excited that I found you!! My husband and I have wanted to sell things on eBay for some time now; however, when I went to Ali Baba to sign up, you have to have a business name. (exactly how it's spelled with the government ). It is a requirement to fill that in. Is there a way around that in order to look through the website while we decide what our name is and before we get set up as a business?
Hey Will, Alright im 16 right now and very big into airsofting and ive been searching for airsoft gun dealers on alibaba and found no luck. You said that you made great money by selling guns. I wanted to know if you could like push me in the right direction to a supplier or a dealer. I want to make good money buy selling airsoft rifles. Please comment or email me.
Thank you heaps! I'm 15 and have always been interested in importing! You've honestly helped me so much!
Great info, I lived in China 5 years but still feel I have so much to learn, really appreciate your sharing your knowledge
Great article! After realizing that my salary and my wife's wont help me feed a big family like we dream of (12 kids with god's help!) , i came up and found your great site. Thanks. My idea is to create wooden toys through schemes or sort of 3d illustration and have the chinese produce them for me. My questions are: 1 what is dropshipping? I need some arrangement to send big amounts to maybe toy companis in the world so instead of delivering to my country and again to the customer country, i thought i could send a container from the facility right to the customer. Is this called dropshipping? 2 what blocks the chinese from selling my original design by himself? 3 what about packeging? And graphics on them? Look for another chinese or there are facilitys which do them both?
Hi, I just start doing this with china. The problem is, How do we know the product is 100% Legit in the US.? And when you say they are good at replicated product,it' means it's a copy. Copy are counterfeit... So it's become illegal.. How do we deal with that to make it all legal? Thanks
Hey, I really like your article and wish I could have read it before! Now my 2 amazon account are suspended because they said it was counterfeit. But clearly all the seller there are selling from aliexpress as well and it's the exact copy information that was on ali website and amazon. Have you ever deal with an appeal on amazon? I would really like to know the difference between a copy and a counterfeit. Both seems to be the same for me Lol. Thanks!
Can you offer any advice if I already have a prototype and am looking for a supplier in China to manufacture the product for me?
Hello Will, Your message has been the best thing that happened to me today, thank you so much, you have been so so helpful, thanks for sharing your time and knowledge with everyone I live in Nigeria and my hubby just bought me a big shop space, I want to sell products in Nigeria that caters to women and men ( I was looking at fabrics, fashion costumes, shoes and bags and beads, human hair and accesories) bead making is fast moving. I want my shop payoff line to be "a one stop shop for every fashionista" I am not familiar with eBay but am not sure it really works in my country, pls can you advise me on products to sell and also how to go about it. Can I use FB and Instagram, I will also have a website I was a media person so when all is set I know how to reach out to my target Audience through the media Pls I really look forward to hearing from you, I am going to china in march and I want to have a lot of knowledge about all i want to go into I have registered with Ali baba and they have sent me different companies but none have sent me samples yet, I will start asking for samples before I go. Please I would like you to be my mentor and help me through the business. Thanks again
how does one get around, not using own,email address ?
Anyone tried/had success with Yiwu market?
Hi , I would like to find and sell products and I only have 100 dollars to start with. May I have some sort of advice on what methods I should follow given the small start up money? Please and thank you.
Thanks Will - Great information. Just curious, why did you not replicate or carry on with this model after your initial experience till the time there was a ban with other products?
Hi Will, GREAT article!! You have helped me so much by providing such an insight into the world of importing! I am looking to have a particular type of clothing made and have been in contact with suppliers via Global Source - would you recommend Global Source or should I stick with Alibaba only? Thanks Will! Kylie
Hi Will I noticed that you did your own shipping. Isn't Amazon offering to do shipping from their distribution centers for a lesser cost. If your supplier shipped your products to Amazons distribution centers and used their shipping networks wouldn't it be a more viable option. Did you ever use that, just wondering. John Darwin, Australia
Hi Will, I am planning to import solar garden flower light and 3d bedding sets, these items are new for the indians,and for me also but i want to take the risk the gold suppliers are ready to provide me with the samples ,how long should i try samples, its quality do the suppliers wait and how much quantity will be enough to sell online and in my shop,kindly reply
What do i do if the suppliers i messaged read my email, but do not respond. Does this mean they think im not a worthy customer? Does my empty profile on alibaba have anything to do with this problem? Please respond, Thanks
Yes, your empty profile will probably tell supplier that you might be a fraud, (even you are not), or at least not a serious business man. Some of my friends have seen many frauds online.
hey there, im 13 yrs old, i live in England, and im thinking of going into this to make some serious money. im not messing about, and im hoping to get somewhere with this or reinvest profits into something more reliable or permanent. its just that some of things you mentioned i didnt realy understand, and you say that you started when you were 13 so i was wondering if you could help me out. i already have a job, and i want to invest my hard earned wage into this to make more money. the thing which im most afraid of, is investing in something that isnt worth it and having to deal with shipments and stuff. i want to get this straight: 1.movers and shakers and the other stuff you mentioned, the items on there are popular and worth selling? i just have to choose one? 2.can you explain the shipment and delivering stuff to me, in less complicated terms? i know i sound like a realy stupid guy, but i just have to make sure of these things from you personally in a way that i understand, before i put my money into it, you know what im saying? please answer, and thanks in advance. -marwan
Hi, How is the U.S. customs importing handled? Does the supplier fill out the forms etc. to enable products (wind chimes, coconut carvings, etc.) to be imported, or do I need a customs broker? Thanks! ~r
Hi there Will Just wanted to say thank you very much for sharing with us. I am also a bit of a serial entrepreneur but haven't managed to get anywhere really. I'm now for the first time ever considering importing something. I have an idea which is already out there but the shape we use in NZ I have never seen anywhere else. I'm now corresponding with a supplier in China who is working on it for me. They don't use airmail for the samples though and they want to use DHL or one of the other courier companies. Anyway I'll keep you posted on progress and if all goes well my success will have a lot to do with your info and encouragement. Kind regards Ninette
Hey Will, Great article! After reading it, it really inspire me to start making extra income. I currently work full-time but always looking to make a extra money on side. I've been researching Alibaba.com and may have found the products I want to start selling. I guess the only thing I'm worried about is dealing with any customs or other taxes that I may incurred. Although I did see one of your comments where you mention if it's shipped by UPS, DHL, etc directly to your home, there shouldn't be a problem. I will follow your advice and just order some samples to get an idea of the products and the shipping time and costs. Thank you again for the great article!
Hey man, I recently found your article and have you say you did a great job. So, I currently have money I can use to invest, but not touch until I have a concrete plan to do so. I'm curious if you have a video going through the whole process in a hypothetical scenario. If not, you should even if it's about a ridiculous product.
hi I have been on alibaba and the gold members al say they wont use paypal. one says he wil use paypal but only for 10 units min. I see a 60 percent profit on my item. but finding the supplier I trust is hard work. one said if I upload my Weston union receipt with a fake receiver name.but cover the important info to prove to him I have the money . he will then send me said product and if I like them I can change the name on Weston union ti his name and we both have what we want. what do you think>???
I just wondered about import duties, I don't recall seeing anything about it in the article. I live in the UK and wondered if there was tax & import cost to pay? Thanks
Amazing things you can learn from a 16 year old. As Will said juts get started. Not much to lose and you will learn something out of this process.
Justin, if you are going to have any future in business you need to plan the brand or your trading name and not make up fake ones to plug holes in whatever is happening at the time. If I was wanting to buy from you and one minute your Justin's sales then I see a name change I would start to get a little worried your changing it to avoid detection. Happy trading Jim
Hi, try looking for small items such as colour contact lenses, light bulbs as these are cheap, easy to ship and have a low investment value. Your return on investment (ROI) needs to be better than the bank would pay you otherwise why risk it. Unless your trading in big dollars the profit is always low but coupled with some volume low profit equals good money! Regards Jim
Hi Rachael, There are many companies in the UK to buy from. They will be buying from Asia already but their volume could mean you get a great deal and avoid the hassle of importing yourself. Look for dropshipuk or wholesale uk companies Regards Jim
Hi. I enjoyed reading your article. I have helped my Husband run his landscape and lawn care business for the last 11 yrs. A couple of years ago we started installing Christmas lights. We have 2 suppliers which we get the products we need, ( at a wholesale price) based on the design that we are working with. Recently we been discussing going to the next level, and trying to decide weather or not to open a storefront on our website to sell these Christmas lights and decorations, and carry the inventory, or to get into dropshipping. One of our suppliers offer drop shipping. Can you give us any advise on which one would be better for us to try and go with? And what are some of the questions should we ask pertaining to suppliers and drop shipping? Thanks for your time.
Very helpful article!! a quick question though. when do you pay for the goods you purchase on alibaba? is it right after you place the order or when you actually receive your order? the reason for this question is because i was thinking of ordering some replica watches but i am worried that custom will seize them. if that were to happen and i had already paid the supplier my money goes down the drain.
I've absolutely found a gem with this article. The information given has like many inspired me to move on some ideas I've had for some time now. My only question is about shipping times and replenishment of supply. I've ordered one product from China and it took around 14 days or more to receive. If my initial order is for ten products would it be safe to say that at the point I'm 50% sold out I should order more product? My only concern is the shipping to me and in turn to the customer. Are there any tips you can pass along on cutting this time down? Again I'm going to put to action all of this advice right now...
Hello, im from venezuela and I want to emigrate to the USA and start importing producducts from China. Im an bachelor in International Trade and a few months ago I traveled to China and I fell in love with every single detail of it, from their culture to their business. Your article was so helpfull to make me feel so anxious to start with this, as hard as it could be. I've understood all what you wrote on this article, but in order to start I need a good, I mean the best product I can find to import. but i have no idea which one could be. Im planning to leave my actual contry (Venezuela) by may of this year. I want to establish in florida and I need a product to fit on this tropical and tourist place. Could you help me, or give any tips to have an idea of what can I sell? Thanks
Hi great article firstly.... Can you please tell me how much you should expect to pay for a sample product? If an item is small and light and cost is around $1 what would you suggest is a responsible amount to pay for samples?
Hey there, Really enjoyed the article, just a quick question, should we be paying for samples from the suppliers? Either for the product itself, just the shipping cost, or both? Thanks.
Hi Sam, The cost of the sample would normally be around the retail price plus courier. The fact is many factories would go broke sending out samples at low costs. They normally refund this cost when you place an order in an effort to weed out tyre kickers. You could try arranging your own courier. I use a site called we deliver the world. Get an instant quote and you don't have to be an account holder. They normally come up pretty well priced. Don't get hung up on the cost of a sample. If your serious its a cost investment. Good Luck Jim
Hi Kevin, Stock control can be a real pain. I guess its down to how you are selling the products. One of my big customers tells me what he wants stocked on his historic sales data so that makes things a little easier particularly since he takes the stock in at his warehouse. On smaller items I guess at 50% sold should be a good marker unless its taken 3 months to sell them then I would replenish when stocks were lower or drop the line and look for a faster moving item. Most of my trading life I have looked for a disposable type product, I import coffee cups, PVC cling film, vinyl gloves, garbage bags amongst other things and all these products end up in the trash every day of the week. Keeps the sales moving through. Good luck and keep trading! Jim
Hi Drew, yes is the answer to your questions. We suppliers would go bust sending free samples out. There is a cost of doing business that everyone has to suck in and paying for samples and freight is one of them. More often than not the company sending the samples will credit back the sample cost when you place the big order with them. Remember suppliers have to survive as well. Regards Jim
Hi Gabriel, I hope your life the USA works out for you. A very exciting place. Look for products that have low minimums so you can ease into the trading thing without the worry of having a load of stock to move. Sometimes it gets overwhelming looking at thousands of dollars of stock. You could look at contact lenses. Colour lenses and crazy lenses. I wholesale these and am a gold supplier on Alibaba. I specialise in selling low minimums, only Korean made lenses as the Chinese ones on the whole are not certified to my standards. Shelf life of 4-5 years and the user can wear them for up to one year. You can easily triple your money on these which is a great way to go. They post well, almost unbreakable. Check our retail site out and drop me a line www.contactlenshub.com Regards Jim
Hi Jorge there is no way a supplier who is selling fake goods will let you have them without being paid up front. The business basics of selling is very easy. By selling fake goods you will be in for trouble. You might get a few through without a hitch and make money but its a business that will be hard to grow without getting noticed and if customs do take your stock they will also probably prosecute you as they are trying to stamp out this sort of thing. Now theres nothing to stop you buying watches and selling them. Years ago I ran an internet shop called South pacific Timepieces, an internet only shop with a great range of sports and dress watches. The supplier was based in the UK and would dropship for me anywhere in the world. Not fake but nice watches with beautiful packaging. check out www.watches2u.com I love watches and have a few so this might be right up your alley. If you wanted to take in a load of stock then I would look at http://www.millionsmart.com/e/default_home.asp as these guys are huge watch makers in China. Good luck! Jim
Hi Will, I just wanted to thank you for you informative site. I have recently been left a single mum of two in the UK and plan on moving to South Africa to be closer to my sister. We plan on trying to open a little business for me to live out there and support myself and my boys. Your site gave me the extra push I need, so thanks. Hope you're still successful! Kind regards Sam
Hi Will I am very impressed with your article, as I am starting this already and have a few questions. When you are requesting information form these suppliers and they ask you for the number of pieces that you are looking for, would you enter a single amount or multiple amounts. As I use to have my own Point of Sales Business in the past and had to close it down as my son was battling cancer. I am struggling on what type of products to import as I live in Canada. As I am starting to get my passion back to really put myself into this. Any ideas. Mike Fogarty
Hi Will! I found your article very helpful! I want to start selling products on amazon and I don't quite understand how to become a prior seller out of buyers choices amazon offers for a particular item?
Hi Will, I read your article with interest and learned quite a lot. I found a Item on Alibaba that would sell and now makes me quite a bit of money on eBay. My only problem is this item is a big brand. I emailed the company in China that I bought the Items off to ask if they were genuine, the reply I got was that they are genuine and made by a OEM factory. Could you explain to me what a OEM Factory is and what is their connection with the original brand? The only thing I know about OEM is what it stands for ( Original Equipment Manufacturer ) but that still doesn't explain to me what the relationship is between the genuine brand company and the OEM factory. Does the OEM factory contract to the branded company and have got permission to make their brand which makes the item genuine?? Im confused!!! Ha ha!!! I would really be really grateful if you could clear this up for me. Thanks Craig
thanks sir so, when they ask my address can i give my home address since i don't have any other place that i can receive products, or should i find local cargo company or big shipping company to get products thank you have good one
what a great truthful guy you are Will. I am not sure how recent this post is. I certainly would like to talk to you more. I ran this business for all of 2010 and I could have benefited a lot from applying the lessons of this article prior to all the trials and errors. I found communication with the suppliers I used to have been the most frustrating. May God continue to bless you.
Hi Craig, Big brands do not allow product to be shipped by traders. This would be called grey importing or parallel importing. They normally protect their brands by making sure the factory doesn't do this. I think you are being offered a copy or goods coming out of the factory without authorisation. They could be genuine goods but destined for other markets. I would steer clear or you might end up with a headache! Regards Jim
I recently started with shampoos, body scrubs, conditioners for the Maldives. The products are all made in Australia which has a very high regard internationally and the products are all natural so no harmful additives. I would be happy to discuss further with you if you feel inclined.
Hi Will, I have moved to Norway and know of a product that doesn't seem to exist here, but I saw it in Australia. I am considering looking at the option of either importing and distributing to retailers, or alternately, direct sales via on-line. Do you have any advice as to checking legality of copying (or very slightly modifying the original) and how to go about finding a manufacturer in Asia? This is preferred as this would increase my margin, rather than going to the current manufacturers and distributers in Australia. The product is basically a small wool pad that you attach to the end of a pole. Also, do you have any experience or advice as to developing a market for selling to retailers? Many thanks.
Hi Solo, I am new to Norway like yourself. Would love to hear if you have found a way around the tax issues on importation. Regards, Rory
Thanks for this advice! I'm a bit worried about the samples. I have a couple of things in mind I want to sell (women's dresses, makeup brushes, hair oils, and small electronics like audio cables) but I'm stumped as to how to ask the company how to acquire any samples from pieces of clothing. Do you just do the minimum orders and see if they fit the description? Any advice would be appreciated.
Hi Jen, I am actually looking into some "fashion" right now. I have identified a bit of a niche in school uniforms where parents (that's me) get ripped something terrible. I have a friend who manufactures in Asia so let me know what it is your looking for and I will pass your details to him. Normally you have a design and know the spec of material, cotton etc you want. Then you go to a sample then to production. With regards to hair oils and make up be sure none are classed as dangerous goods. I set up a website selling makeup, nail polish and my very first order was to Canada. It got destroyed by Canadian mail because it was classed as dangerous goods. Just when I thought I knew it all!! Electronics is a heavily saturated market. Never did much on that but good luck as I think the margins will be small due to the completion around. Hope all goes well for you. Regards Jim
Hi Rory, The product you are talking about doesn't sound like it would have any patent protection since its very basic. I live in Australia and cant for the life of me think what it could be used for. If you are looking for someone to make the product from scratch you need to post a buying requirement on Alibaba. Be specific, make sure your not vague otherwise you will be snowed under with factories trying to sell you a mop. You can refine your search by asking for gold suppliers only but this can mean big MOQ's (minimum order quantities) I ship in the UK some castings and cut and weld brackets and use a small guy in Guangzhou. The difference is I went and met him, saw his operation and we have been doing business together since 2007. He even ships for me without payment telling to pay when I can. That's what good trading is all about. Don't use trading platforms just to screw the suppliers. Look for good suppliers who you can see a future with. Good luck mate Jim
Hello Will, I hope everything is OK there,I have a question. If Chinese supplier quote a price between $15 - $20 per pair,unit or piece , What will be the chance of negotiation. Please reply, Thanks. Rajeev Kapoor
Hi, I am very thankful and happy I stumbled upon your blog. I'm new in this field of importing and I know and feel my business will be a success. I'm curious to know how can you tell the supplier is good I see suppliers with more than 90.0% feedback and some items never had a order, but the product they have you know people who'd buy it. What do you do in a situation like that? Also, can a supplier with good feedback scam you too, like saying they shipped a package but tracking say it can't be found how many days does it take to track shipment? Also did you buy your items upfront than sold them or you'd advertise then order the items. I'm asking as I see a lot of pop-up online stores using these websites and I notice a lot of their items say pre-order so I'm curious to know what are they doing why is it pre-order instead order now etc....