10 Common Pitfalls Nigerian Businesses Make When Buying from Chinese Suppliers

Importing from China can be challenging, but avoiding these 10 common pitfalls can make it a smooth, profitable experience - especially when using Proc360's end-to-end solution.

Not Using Proc360's Easy Procurement Platform

Proc360 is an all-in-one platform that eliminates the hassles of sourcing from China. Their key benefits include:

• Virtual sourcing mall to easily find and request quotes from verified Chinese suppliers

• Secure e-wallet for seamless cross-border payments in your local currency

• Clear product requirements and sample requests to ensure you get exactly what you want

• Professional oversight including quality inspections and supplier vetting

• Affordable shipping with order/shipment consolidation and real-time tracking

• The Proc360 team handles everything from sourcing to customs clearance

With Proc360, you simply upload product links/images, and they take care of the rest - sourcing, inspecting, purchasing, and delivering to your doorstep. Sign up for free today!

Improper Representation

One mistake is not maintaining a professional brand presence. Suppliers are more responsive to serious companies. This can be easily solved by using Proc360 - their team presents a credible business image when sourcing on your behalf.

Counterfeit Product Trap

Buying counterfeit branded goods like Nike, Apple, etc. is a huge risk when importing from China suppliers. No matter how tempting the deals seem, steer clear of purchasing knockoff brands to avoid pitfalls like legal troubles.

Unsolicited Communication

Never respond to unsolicited emails or messages from unknown Chinese companies claiming to offer products. These are often tactics used by scammers impersonating legitimate sellers. Only engage with pre-verified contacts.

Poor Sourcing Practices

Many businesses don't properly vet suppliers on sites like Alibaba. Look for credentials like "Verified Supplier", trade assurance, positive reviews and background checks to avoid risks importing from China.

Sample Negligence

A critical error is not requesting product samples before placing bulk orders. Even if you have to pay small fees, getting samples ensures you verify quality and specifications before investing.

Lack of Competitive Quotes

Never request a quote from just one supplier. Get at least 3-5 quotes to gauge market prices, compare options and negotiate better deals when sourcing from Chinese suppliers.

Due Diligence Lapses

Failing to properly verify a supplier's credibility, business licenses, reviews and addresses is a recipe for scams. Conduct thorough background checks and on-site audits where possible.

Unclear Requirements

Don't be vague with your required product specifications. Provide clear guidelines on materials, dimensions, packaging etc. to Chinese manufacturers upfront to avoid mismatched deliveries.

Cost Miscalculations

Don't just factor in the quoted product prices. Miscalculating overall costs by excluding shipping fees, duties, taxes and quality inspections can disrupt your margins when importing goods from China.

Regulatory Blind-spots

Overlooking your local import regulations, product certifications and documentation can lead to delayed or seized shipments. Study all requirements thoroughly before sourcing goods from Chinese ecommerce platforms.

How to avoid these mistakes when buying from Chinese suppliers

Avoiding these 10 common pitfalls when importing from China can seem daunting. However, it all becomes straightforward when you have the right platform - like Proc360 - to seamlessly manage the entire procurement process.

Proc360 is an all-in-one solution that handles everything from sourcing and supplier vetting to quality checks, payments, shipping consolidation, and delivery to your doorstep. Their team of experts ensures you source high-quality products from verified Chinese suppliers compliantly and cost-effectively.

With Proc360, you get:

• Access to a virtual sourcing mall of pre-vetted suppliers

• Guidance on providing clear product specifications

• Ability to request and inspect samples beforehand

• Competitive quotes from multiple suppliers

• Secure cross-border payments via their e-wallet

• Affordable shipping through order/shipment consolidation

• Real-time tracking and customs clearance support

In essence, Proc360 eliminates supply chain complexities and risks, enabling Nigerian businesses to effortlessly import goods from China's vast supplier base.

Sign up for a free Proc360 account today and experience hassle-free Chinese imports! No credit card is required to get started.