Importing from Asia

[yim]

Hello group,

I apologize if I'm posting on the wrong forum. Please bare with me. This is
my first post here.

I have a question regarding importing from asia (more specifically hong
kong). I am using a free site (alibaba) to locate the product and suppliers.
However, I live in Canada and I am a little afraid to invest even on minimum
order quantity. Can anyone give me some feedback on how to filter the scams?
How do I minimize the chances of being ripped off? I usually do as much
research as I can but it seems quite difficult to find out about companies
in remote locations. Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

Thank You,
Tim H

[___cliff rayman___]

Post by yim
order quantity. Can anyone give me some feedback on how to filter the scams?
How do I minimize the chances of being ripped off? I usually do as much
research as I can but it seems quite difficult to find out about companies
in remote locations. Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

Legitimate business in China / Hong Kong is all done through
connections. There should be a trade council in Vancouver. That would
be a good place to start. Ask around at Chinese restaurants and other
Chinese businesses. Otherwise, you are shooting in the dark.
C

[T.Lin]

Hey,Yim!

I know what many people do is to find a credible person in China to
check the companies for them. How to find such a person? It's hard if
you know nobody there. But once you find one who wants to help you and
be a friend of you. You can ask him to check any companies/products
for you or ask him to find manufactures for you.
Good luck!

Post by yim
Hello group,
I apologize if I'm posting on the wrong forum. Please bare with me. This is
my first post here.
I have a question regarding importing from asia (more specifically hong
kong). I am using a free site (alibaba) to locate the product and suppliers.
However, I live in Canada and I am a little afraid to invest even on minimum
order quantity. Can anyone give me some feedback on how to filter the scams?
How do I minimize the chances of being ripped off? I usually do as much
research as I can but it seems quite difficult to find out about companies
in remote locations. Any feedback is greatly appreciated!
Thank You,
Tim H

[fp]

You can check out GlobalSources.com. They have a number of manufacturers
that are reputable. You should have your bank issue a letter of credit and
have the payment disbursed once you have inspected and accepted the product.

[jmk]

Post by yim
I apologize if I'm posting on the wrong forum. Please bare with me. This is
my first post here.
I have a question regarding importing from asia (more specifically hong
kong). I am using a free site (alibaba) to locate the product and suppliers.
However, I live in Canada and I am a little afraid to invest even on minimum
order quantity. Can anyone give me some feedback on how to filter the scams?
How do I minimize the chances of being ripped off? I usually do as much
research as I can but it seems quite difficult to find out about companies
in remote locations. Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

Tim, you are likely to find that "minimum order quantity" is a pretty
flexible number. Tell them you would like to order a few pieces for now to
test the market.