Smart Shopping Tours FAQ's
Smart Shopping Tours Frequently Asked Questions

Laura and Maria in China

Laura and Maria in China

 

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.
Can we copy an existing product and what about patent issues? 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.
What protection do we have against someone copying our product? 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
  • Personal guide that speaks YOUR language
  • 6 Nights Accommodation in quality hotels
  • Negotiator at your service
  • All transfers to and from all venues
  • Introductions to wholesalers and manufacturers as well as assistance to purchase items specified by you
  • All meals are included
Please Note: NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE OF TOUR
  • Items of personal expenditure/ Purchases
  • Insurance of Goods
  • Cost of handling and freight
  • Cost of China Visa
  • Customs Duty
  • Freight of Goods to you from Port
Smart Shopping Tours - Return economy airfares and taxes
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 ?
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. We have local knowledge of the business culture and are proficient in Asian negotiating techniques.
  4. 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.
  5. Should you receive a shipment and you experience any problems, if we have organized the freight, we will resolve your issues quickly and efficiently.
  6. 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:

  1. All necessary plans, designs and research of your product should be done beforehand. BE PREPARED and know your product and your market.
  2. 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.
  3. Develop your sales and marketing plan so you have an idea of the quantities that you will need.
 
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!
Contact Smart Shopping Tours to boook your next trip!
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