World Internet Summit Speakers

When ever I receive an email that I feel is important, I like to share the information with my readers. This post is an email that I received from Amanda Clarkson (an ebay expert).

I had to send you this warning after an unsuspecting good friend of mine just got scammed $1500 by someone promising to send her products from overseas to sell on eBay, if she paid via ‘Western Union.’

Now, don’t get me wrong. My friend is no ‘dummy’, in fact she’s a switched on lady who was led up the garden path by a professional scammer who was so good at what he does that she truly believed she was dealing with a legitimate wholesaler. (And he should have been, because she found him on a legitimate website for
wholesalers!)

Unfortunately though, since sending the $1500 to her ‘would be supplier’ she has lost all contact with him. He’s long gone…with her money! Hans, you should only ever send money via Western Union if you personally know and trust the person. It’s not the way to transfer monies when dealing with suppliers.

So Hans, here’s the tip.

Before you ever send money to a supplier (and it doesn’t matter what country he/she’s from) make sure you’re dealing with legitimate business people. No matter how convincing they are over the phone.

How do you know you ask?

Well, here are a few things that I do when dealing with overseas suppliers.

1. I get on the telephone and speak directly with them.
Yes, I email back and forth regarding the products I’m interested in, but before I outlay a cent, I call them to get a ‘feel’ for the type of person they are. Not only that Hans, I ask them a lot of business and product related questions to see how much they do know about the items I’m buying from them. And of course, the ‘type’ of person I’m going to be doing business with long-term matters a lot!

2. If time and money is on my side I actually fly to the country and visit the factory or premises of the person I’m dealing with. If they’re legitimate, they’ll be more than happy and excited to have you come and visit. They’ll send you an official invitation. If not, they’ll give you a string of excuses as to why you shouldn’t come. Even if you don’t intend on going, say that you are to see what response you get.

3. We use an outside company to transfer our money into the company bank account of the business we’re dealing with overseas. This way Hans, all funds are traceable and everything is above board.

For instance. When transferring money to a Chinese bank account, the local banks are very pedantic about recipient details and bank account numbers. This means you get the exact details of the company and person you’re transferring money to. So if you’re dealing with a ‘scammer’ they will not have or give you the details you need. These are the people who insist on using other ways to get their money. This is where nice people like my friend get taken for a ride.

4. Never ever be afraid that you’re asking too many questions Hans. While you may feel silly and inexperienced, I can tell you that you’re going to be in a lot more pain if you lose your money. I’m a great one for asking questions Hans, and because I’m in business and out to make as much profit as I can in this game, I want to make sure I’m dealing with the right people. And anyway, when you ask lots of relevant questions, your supplier will know that you’re a serious player because you’re crossing all your T’s and dotting your I’s!

5. Don’t forget that you’re the customer Hans. When dealing with overseas suppliers it’s in your interest to build long term and trusting relationships. Legitimate suppliers want to form a good relationship with you too to ensure ongoing business. This is very important to them. So if for any reason at all you feel ‘funny’ about any aspect of your dealings with suppliers, listen to your gut feeling and be cautious.

Now Hans, I’m not trying to scare you off dealing with overseas suppliers. Quite the opposite in fact. All I want to point out to you is this.

Know who you’re dealing with and take the time to do your homework before you send any money.

Never wire money or use Western Union transfers when dealing with suppliers.

When transferring money from your account to a foreign business account, think about using an outside company who can do this for you so that you know the whole process is being done properly. This is what we do.

Of course it’s up to you to make sure you have all the correct banking details of the suppliers you’re doing business with, but at the end of the day, peace of mind means everything.

Hans, importing products from other countries can be a very rewarding, and exciting way to make more profits in your business so don’t let this deter you. Matt and I import on a regular basis and have very good business relationships with our suppliers and will continue to do so.

It just comes down to how you go about it.

Till next time Hans, keep learning,

Take care,

Amanda.

I think you will agree this is great advice from Amanda Clarkson.

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