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Smart
Shopping Tours Frequently Asked Questions |

Laura
and Maria in China |
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What
kind of products
do you work with? |
We
can source just about any product for your building or renovation
project. If we can't find it we'll have it made for you according
to your specifications. The same also applies if you are looking for
a specific product for our business or market stall etc. We have extensive
contacts and are able to source any item. Just ask when you contact
us to enquire about the tours. |
Is
China the only country you source from? |
Yes.
We have an extensive network of contacts in China, and have found
best value for money there with a huge industrial base and low labour
costs. |
Do
you work with companies outside Australia? |
Yes,
we have clients in the U.S.A., Canada, the U.K., and Europe. |
| Do
you have a minimum order amount? |
No.
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| Once
I place my order how long will it take before I receive the shipment? |
If
you are purchasing goods, delivery by sea freight takes about 3-4
weeks from when the order is placed. If you are having goods made
up then this will take longer depending on the type of product, and
whether you will need to have moulds made up for any new products.
Generally speaking, for new products you will require 30-90 days to
produce any moulds. Once the moulds are made then it may take another
30-90 days to make the product, again depending on the complexity
of the product and the order quantity.
Once the order is ready to ship, sea freight generally takes 3- 4
weeks. Once the container arrives it may take another 3-7 days for
customs clearance and unloading, and then your shipment will be delivered
to your door. |
| How
are the goods shipped to Australia? |
All
shipments go direct from China to a port of entry in a major city
near you. You will then have a customs broker of your choosing clear
the shipment and get it shipped to your door. Or we may organize customs
clearance for you with one of our customs brokers. You can then arrange
to have the goods delivered to your door or we can organize this for
you as well. |
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Can we copy an existing product and what about patent issues?
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Yes, we can send an existing product that is not patented to China
to be duplicated but the responsibility of ensuring there are no patent
or trademark infringement issues lies 100% with you - we do not perform
patent or trademark searches. |
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What protection do we have against someone copying our product?
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Some of our clients have asked us to sign a non-disclosure statement
to protect the privacy of their product. We are happy to do so. (These
are provided by the client or by their solicitor) When we sign this
non-disclosure statement we agree not to disclose information about
your product to anyone else. We value your privacy and will do everything
that we can to protect it! |
| What
is included in the price of the Tour? |
| The
Price of the Smart House and Home Shopping Tour includes: |
- Return
Economy Airfares and Taxes
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- Personal
guide that speaks YOUR language
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- 6
Nights Accommodation in quality hotels
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- Negotiator
at your service
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- All
transfers to and from all venues
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- Introductions
to wholesalers and manufacturers as well as assistance to
purchase items specified by you
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Note: NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE OF TOUR |
- Items
of personal expenditure/ Purchases
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- Cost
of handling and freight
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- Freight
of Goods to you from Port
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| Will
I need a customs broker? |
Yes,
you will need a customs broker to clear your shipment with Australian
Customs. Your broker will get your shipment cleared and transported
from the port and ready to be delivered to you.
If you wish we can also assist with this. |
| What
are the benefits to my business of going on the tour ? |
- Our
direct contacts with factories in China provide us with the ability
to negotiate lower prices. If you were to try to do it on your
own you would be paying a lot more! Many of the factories would
not deal with one-off buyers and small quantities Our contacts
will allow you to buy any quantity no matter how small or large.
- We
know the business culture in China, what not to do, and how to
solve problems should they arise. Our experience means you save
money and time.
- We
have local knowledge of the business culture and are proficient
in Asian negotiating techniques.
- We
negotiate factory direct prices for you, where there is no middleman
involved to increase your costs. Wholesalers back home usually
add 50% and MORE to you.
- Should
you receive a shipment and you experience any problems, if we
have organized the freight, we will resolve your issues quickly
and efficiently.
- Domestic
importers may bring the shipments in for you but they "pad"
the price with fees and additional profits. Because you are the
importer you save these additional costs. So shop with us and
SAVE!!!
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I've
just invented a new product.
Where do I start? |
We
receive many inquiries from people who have an idea for a new product.
There are probably a few things that you need to do beforehand:
- All
necessary plans, designs and research of your product should be
done beforehand. BE PREPARED and know your product and your market.
- You
must have either prints or drawings of the product, or a sample
of the product. We will provide this to the factory so that they
can advise on the process and cost. Make sure that you have more
than one sample.
- Develop
your sales and marketing plan so you have an idea of the quantities
that you will need.
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| If
we want to place orders in the future do we have to order through
your company? |
No,
once you have been on the tour you will have the expertise and the
contacts to be able to place orders yourself. However if you require
any further assistance we will be happy to help you. |
| What's
next? |
Contact
us to find out when the next tour is departing and
LETS GO SHOPPING! |
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