No response from potential supplier?

[RahKnee]

Hi all,
Among other things, I've been traveling a lot the past few years. Almost every time I'm abroad somewhere I see something that I think would be great to resell in the US. My success so far has been mixed. It's kind of shocking to see a great product in South America, find the manufacturer, and have them tell you they already have an exclusive distributor in the US. Then where tf is your product? What can't I buy it here?

Moving on, I came across a brand that I believe would make a killing in the US right now. They have no presence outside their country, but put out some serious quality in their products. I've done quite a bit of Google fu and LinkedIn searching to find their businesses and marketing people. This was no easy task and actually took a few weeks.

With contact info in hand, I put together a professional sounding pitch to them and even paid to have it translated into their native language. I was excited when I sent it off. Then nothing.

I sent it again a few weeks later and still no response. What gives? Do my messages wind up in spam bins, or do these people have so much money that they don't care?

I'm not quite ready to give up on this product. So what is my next move? Book a flight to their offices and show up in person to talk to them? Spam away with emails?

 

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[Jon L]

Have you called them? Or just sent an email. Perhaps call them with a translator on the phone with you?

 

[Elizabeth Shi]

We have actually did a write up on this on our blog, if you do have time please do check it out as most of the tips are very much applicable to your case. Good luck!

 

[jlwilliams]

Hit the print button and mail it to them. Some people respond better to mail than email, particularly older or more traditional people. This may be as simple as a generational lack of communication.

 

[RahKnee]

Thanks for the ideas. I'll try to call them and if I can't get through with my translator, I'll send them a written letter.

 

[Walter Hay]

Hi all,
Among other things, I've been traveling a lot the past few years. Almost every time I'm abroad somewhere I see something that I think would be great to resell in the US. My success so far has been mixed. It's kind of shocking to see a great product in South America, find the manufacturer, and have them tell you they already have an exclusive distributor in the US. Then where tf is your product? What can't I buy it here?

Moving on, I came across a brand that I believe would make a killing in the US right now. They have no presence outside their country, but put out some serious quality in their products. I've done quite a bit of Google fu and LinkedIn searching to find their businesses and marketing people. This was no easy task and actually took a few weeks.

With contact info in hand, I put together a professional sounding pitch to them and even paid to have it translated into their native language. I was excited when I sent it off. Then nothing.

I sent it again a few weeks later and still no response. What gives? Do my messages wind up in spam bins, or do these people have so much money that they don't care?

I'm not quite ready to give up on this product. So what is my next move? Book a flight to their offices and show up in person to talk to them? Spam away with emails?

Ash's blog post linked by Elizabeth is very good for buyers looking to buy large quantities, but is not very helpful for newbies who have smaller requirements. Many readers might find some help in my AMA post here: Sharing my lifetime experience in export/import. Product sourcing specialist.

@RahKnee 's need is somewhat different, and needs a slightly different approach, but the general rules I outline in that post are relevant.

When a specific product is known and can be identified in first contact, it should be done in a matter of fact way, as though this is a routine transaction for the buyer. This helps to convey the impression of being familiar with the sourcing process, and not being a newbie.

Most Chinese exporters have a standard system for processing inquiries, and I consider it inadvisable to try to short circuit that system by attempting direct contact with senior executives. They are busy running the company. Just make sure your first contact shows that you are a serious and experienced buyer, but don't try to give the impression that you are the answer to their prayers.

Walter

 

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[RahKnee]

Sorry for being away from this thread for so long. Just in case anyone was wondering what happened here, I finally established contact with the manufacturer in question. It took a little more searching and networking to find the proper contact information.

Despite offering to pay in USD, which is a great deal for them right now, they decided that they are not interested in exporting at this time... Go figure.