Dreams are not quite free, but maybe opportunities can come along?

**Edbear** · 18th July 2011, 16:46

I know everyone's importing from China these days with varying degrees of success and quality. I've been offered the opportunity to be a dealer for a company, and thought I'd explore what may be involved.

Along with all the usual stuff, generators, pumps, mowers chainsaws, tillers and the usual range of bikes they do have some interesting bits and pieces that may be worth investigating for niche marketing, small volumes, not competing with the main players.

I've downloaded a few pics and thought I'd risk laughter and ridicule to see what you all think?

**jim.cox** · 18th July 2011, 16:55

Originally Posted by Edbear

what you all think?

Sorry Ed, but I would not be spending any of my hard-earned dollars on any of them

**White trash** · 18th July 2011, 16:56

Firstly, stay away from anything that needs to be road registered (especially Mopeds) as the laws have recently changed with the express reason of stopping them getting on the road.

**pete376403** · 18th July 2011, 17:21

I recall Mitre10 having an issue with chinese built trailers - axles breaking and loosing wheels.

**Edbear** · 18th July 2011, 17:21

Yeah, the biggest concern is getting the quality required and I thought I'd have a chat to a local importer to see how he's fared. I thought particularly the small tractors and lifestyle block equipment might be worth looking at. I'd manily be interested in off-road stuff for farms or such-like.

Some cute stuff there though!

**cheshirecat** · 18th July 2011, 17:53

Originally Posted by Edbear

Yeah, the biggest concern is getting the quality

Some cute stuff there though!

Have you considered going for top quality stuff - ie the long term plan

**Edbear** · 18th July 2011, 18:18

Originally Posted by cheshirecat

Have you considered going for top quality stuff - ie the long term plan

Yep! I've got a rep for supplying quality and don't want to jeopardise that rep, so I'm asking them the questions about their company.

**Katman** · 18th July 2011, 18:27

The Chinese must be pissing themselves laughing at us lapping up their cheap and nasty shit.

**scumdog** · 18th July 2011, 18:33

Originally Posted by Katman

The Chinese must be pissing themselves laughing at us lapping up their cheap and nasty shit.

My MSSA weapons haven't let me down yet.

**Edbear** · 18th July 2011, 18:37

Originally Posted by Katman

The Chinese must be pissing themselves laughing at us lapping up their cheap and nasty shit.

They've had a pretty good run up to now, but there is a growing backlash as consumers demand better quality and I've asked some pointed questions of the company representative about the need for good quality over price. I have proved that selling high quality at the best price I can get is no barrier if you pick your market. I don't intend to ever compete with Bunnings, Warehouse or Mitre10 Mega. So if this company wants me to sell their stuff, I'm going to have to be confident it will stand the test.

**FJRider** · 18th July 2011, 18:42

Originally Posted by Edbear

... but there is a growing backlash as consumers demand better quality...

but they dont want to pay for it ... Most want a Mercedes ... at Toyota pricing ...

**Edbear** · 18th July 2011, 18:42

Originally Posted by scumdog

My MSSA weapons haven't let me down yet.

It depends on what you're after in the end. If you want quality you can get it, but of course you can't get Warehouse or $2 Shop cheap and expect it to last. Some of the very high end stuff I sell is manufactured in China to very high standards and is as good as anywhere in the world.

**Edbear** · 18th July 2011, 18:45

Originally Posted by FJRider

but they dont want to pay for it ... Most want a Mercedes ... at Toyota pricing ...

And therein lies the issue. Many foolishly thought they were getting the Merc for the price and complained bitterly when it turned out to be a Trabant! "Why didn't it perform like the Merc?" they yell loudly to all, and demand a refund!