Whether you are a regular importer or planning your first purchasing operation in China, you already know that supplier search can be done online. It is an essential step of any import: to find the right suppliers you must explore countless options where reliable manufacturers, unreliable ones and outright scammers coexist.
It is easy to be drawn by the attractive products and prices offered on platforms such as Alibaba, DealeXtreme or Made in China. However, identifying one or several genuine manufacturers in this online universe requires meticulous research, and the result is not always the one expected.
It often happens that when you think you have found viable suppliers and move forward with the import project, you discover that their websites, data or stock are outdated, that the companies are closed, or worse, that they are scammers.
Five warning signs
Whichever path you take in your search, it is important to be aware of five behaviors that should be considered warning signs in order to detect potential risks. In this article we summarize the experiences that some of our clients had when they tried to import on their own.
1. Different bank accounts
When the time comes to pay for the goods, some suppliers offer several bank accounts that do not belong to them. Sometimes this is done to bypass banking regulations or to evade taxes. If you go ahead with the transaction, you take on the risk that later the supplier denies it was their account and claims they did not receive the money. Imagine losing your entire investment that way.
2. Sudden change of bank account
This typically happens after the supplier has received part of the payment as an advance. Then, claiming there have been internal changes, they send a different bank account number to complete the order. It may be a staff oversight, but it can also be an intruder who hacked the company's email and intercepted the data.
3. Misleading broker
At trade fairs or on supplier search sites, you may come across a broker, an intermediary for purchasing operations. In general, negotiations close without problems. However, in some cases the broker asks for advance payments without providing reliable information about production or shipping dates. Something similar happens with suppliers whose business cards or websites do not match the actual company data.
4. Fake brand offers
During your search you may find special offers from major brands that, in reality, take great care to avoid having their products resold at lower prices. Be wary, as it is likely a low-quality replica or simply a scam where you never receive anything.
These are only some of the risks that exist when searching for suppliers in China. The best thing you can do is to rely on a company that is an expert in international trade and verifies reliable manufacturers so you can import successfully.
Contact us now to receive personalized advice and discover the benefits that await you. We have every solution for your import operation so your company can multiply its profits. Get in touch with no obligation.