Hi Andrew,

I’ve previously emailed before, but this is a slightly different subject!

I’ve been in contact with some manufactures from alibaba.com and one of them has offered me a sample product but the sample is to be shipped via chinese shipping but a any bulk orders via DHL. Is this usual practice?

Their payment terms also say wire transfer, western union and money gram, but when i asked about payment they said paypal. Again is this usual? (have read your advice on WU and won’t be using it.

Lastly if they send me the sample via chinese shipping will it come staight to my address?

Thanks,
Paul

Hi Paul,

Thanks for your question.

Yes, that doesn’t surprise me at all. Samples are often sent via simple Airmail to minimize costs, especially if manufacturer covers the shipping fee. Only downside with Chinese mail is that it can be very, very slow – up to 4 weeks. Honk Kong airmail on the other hand is much faster – delivery to Western Europe shouldn’t take more than 7-10 business days.

If time is important and you’re willing to cover shipping for these samples, offer supplier to use EMS instead – it’s traceable shipping method, delivered in UK by the Parcel Force. Using EMS you should receive your samples within 4-6 business days.

For bulk orders DHL may be ok if items are small/high value as cost per kg with courier company like DHL will always be higher than with air freight or sea freight. You can read more about optimal shipping service for your imports here.

Lastly – payment options. WU can be ok for samples as it costs less than to send a bank transfer (for small amounts bank fee may be more than the amount you send) but if they offer PayPal, use PayPal. Just make sure company you’re dealing with is totally legit (Gold Member on Alibaba, preferably on their 3rd+ year) and that goods are not in high risk category.

Yes, samples sent via Chinese Post will be delivered straight to your address by Royal Mail.

Thanks,
Andrew

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