In contact with the manufacturer.

[Wasabi]

Hiya. I m currently looking to get a nylon lycra swim suit, similar to the Australian stinger-suit, designed for distribution in Europe. It basically provides protection against jellyfish and is comfortable to wear.
I am in contact with three manufactured in China and the far East, and have sent over images of various stinger suits. They have all said that they would be able to produce something similar.
Obviously I would have to test the material before buying a bulk order, since I could be sent rubbish, and am just wondering what would be the best way to go about this? Would most manufactures be willing to send over a sample of the material? Also, how easy would it be to get private label manufactures to label a product for you?

Cheers

[Marko van Basten]

Hey... its pretty easy dealing with china but a few points:

1. Create a business entity and pay for all samples, and do all internation with any manufacturers through the entity.

2. As you have, be double sure that you ask for samples before making any other payments.

3. Do as much research as you can about the company online. Do keyword searches based on the person you are dealing with and the company name. If you don't find find any info, or find very fishy looking info then don't deal with them.

4. Ask for a printed brochure and other companies that the manufacturer has worked with (read preferences) and also ask for samples of other products they have produced.

5. Most Chinese manufacturers worth anything will work hard and be happy to Private Label your products as that is their main business model.

The samples and brochures will easily be sent via DHL.

Once you feel comfortable with making a minimum purchase, try to bargain down the MOQ (minimum order quantity) if its too high for you. While that may make you look like a small fry, im my experience I have done this and it worked out fine. Afterall, one little order may lead to bigger ones down the road.

When you are ready to pay for the MOQ and they give you wire instructions make sure you check out the bank info.. most serious manufacuters will use Western intermediary banks...

Also, make sure your sales agent is asking you serious questions about your order, specifications, ect.... if they are not asking you the right questions in order to get your product produced correctly (ie. whats your packaing preference, what sizes do you need? Is it ok if we pack the items like this, as opposed to like that?, ect... ) basically look for logical thinking on their part that they are in the process of working on your order... because if they are not asking these questions in the process I would be hesitant to make the MOQ payment until i did feel comfortable.).

I usually go back and forth 3-5 times on shipping samples before i negotiate a priduct order.

By the way, usually MOQ is at least 1000... if they offer you much less (unless its a prototype or sample) it may mean they are just resellers....

Sorry for the scattered thoughts... but there is my 2 cents.. BEST OF LUCK..


ALSO, since you will be an importer I suggest you obtain liability insurance incase any one ever decided to sue you for what ever reason... as the sole importer you are responsible for the product.. no one will sue the chinese guys... while the probablity of this is very unlikely given your product, we know how the world is.. and even if you won your case, you may have had to dish out 50k to defend. Insurance will cover this, and it wont cost you much per year..

Cheers!

[Wasabi]

Thats awesome advice man, I really appreciate it!