Foreign business transactions in China

I found some manufacturers for parts in China that I need, from
Alibaba and made-in-china.com. The prices quoted by them are around
20-30 times cheaper than I would get from manufacturers on the
Continent or across the pond.

They all invariably want 100% of payment via telegraphic transfer up
front, citing the size of the order (up to 5000USD). They also say
that they can only ship by DHL to me due to the size of the order. For
one set of parts in particular, the variance in quotes for the same
part is by a factor of ten.

Does anyone have any experience with dealing with Chinese businessmen?
Are they generally honest due to the country's draconian punishments
(like the death penalty for tax evasion!)?

What kind of protection can I take on my end to safeguard myself
against scams where I pay the money and they disappear? I do not think
the sums involved justify a face to face meeting with the companies in
China to get the handle on the people I'm dealing with. Are there any
insurance schemes for businesses against such fraud?

What recourse do I have in the event that I meet a dodgy businessman?
Does China have any trading standards body or equivalent that I can
take grievances to and check up on the reputation of merchants?

Thanks,
Boffin.
[ Auf dieses Posting antworten ]