No more plugging (for a while, anyway) but thought I'd start sharing some tips for anybody who still has an interest in Importing goods into Australia.

Here are some key factors I always recommend when choosing an overseas suppler:

  1. What is the response time like to any initial enquiries you have made? If a supplier responds quickly and appears to be keen to serve you, there's a strong chance that they will be keen to deliver in terms of service as well.
  2. Check the size of the company and how long they have been in business. Great suppliers stand the test of time and if a company has a solid history, add a tick to the box straight away.
  3. Always check the range and availability of products. Does your supplier have a large range of stock for multiple orders, or will you end up with excessive demand that you will be unable to meet? Good suppliers stock, or have access to, thousands of your preferred products so keep this in mind before you begin placing orders.
  4. Always chech the rate rack price point. How much will you be charged for purchasing a single unit? Remember that you need to meet the demands of your customers every time but you can't afford to make continual losses on singularly purchased items.
  5. Always ask about discounts. If you have the confidence (and demand) to sell high volumes of product, how big a reduction will your supplier offer?
  6. Always read the shipping terms carefully and compare them against each other if you are considering making a choice from multiple suppliers. Shipping terms vary greatly and you need to evaluate them into the cost of your orders.