Have done quite a lot of business through it I find it a good start for finding companies but not used it beyond that ie actually ordered through it but do use the company details to start phone calls etc a lot of it is common sense simple things like there phone number and address can work wonder’s g maps helps to see if it’s a factory or a house? Ask and check reference of companies/people who have purchased items in Europe, USA (UK if buying the same item can be a little harder) Hire Private detectives over there helps prior to flying out there, cost depends on how much info you want them to get?
Research the product the more you know the harder for a scammer
E.g. if it were a bucket
The height, width, depth, thickness of bucket , Handle size, Materials used, Weight of bucket and handle separately, colors, How quick they can produce the item, What the discount rates are 1000, 10000,100000, Can you have logo on it what the manufactures will stamp be on it.
Shipping times to what port find out about custom charges duty etc ask in the uk what you need see if the Chinese company knows what it needs to ship here, if it has before it should do, how much will it cost, how they ship in Crate/container size, who do they ship with, (if they have shipped here before you can check with the shipping companies if there shipping price is real or if they have a record of them.) say this is simple for you to know what you need at this end to unload distribute it if asked why .
When you call ask there name and there superior name, owner name how you spell it get a reference number, Who else deals with international orders what times the company is open call out of hours see if there is an answer message etc ask to speak to another sales person call a few times often scammers are just one man band’s and the same person answer all the time?
How do you pay what’s there bank were is it phone and check, (just say you want to make sure you bank deals with them ?and you would be surprsed how much info some bamks have about companies to ?)
Ask if you were to fly out were the nearest airport is a local taxi firm number nearly everyone knows there nearest airport and a taxi number if they don’t it’s a good indicator? Ask what the weather’s like there that day and also what its like in another month of the year which is the best worst month check with local weather sources, Are they a party member (they nearly all are ?) check with the local party offices,
This might sound like a lot to ask but companies would expect many of these questions it and should have much of the information to hand Chinese are a lot different many are happy to practice there English with English speakers? They want export orders too?
Note there answer's down call a few times ask to clarify the question check against original answers
If you’re ordering many or high cost items then there is no real alternative than going there, A fixer is essential (bribes are the norm) and check what you buy is what they ship to the docks your items can be waiting to be shipped from the docks for a long time if you or they don’t grease the right palms Once you have done it a few times its pretty easy. Yes I did buy a bucket ?
