Singapore Inquiry

[MartinPens]

Ok, so I have had an "authorised retailer for fine writing instruments in Singapore." email me saying " We would like to express our interest to carry some of your unique pens here."

It looks legitimate and has personal contacts and phone numbers.
I don't even know where to begin. Has anyone else had such an inquiry?
I'm just looking to see if anyone has traveled this road recently and has some advice.
My untrusting side tells me that they will just copy what I send them and then mass produce it. Another side says - this could be a business opportunity.

I am most interested in PM's from others who have had such inquiries and may have some experiencial advice.

Thanks

 

[Holz Mechaniker]

Do a search via your favorite search engine and see if this company even exists.

IF it does then see if Singapore has the equivalent of a BBB.

bottom line cover your bases

 

[woodwizzard]

I've spent 50 yrs in the area. Nothing beats face to face evaluation, especially around here. Loma Linda is 2-3 hrs from LA, then 16 hrs more or less to Singapore. You arrive in Singapore the day after you depart, and back in LA the same day you depart Singapore. Round trip might cost $1500 plus a day or two in Singapore, which is not enormously expensive (if you stay in the right places). Ask the inquiring party to pay half the cost. The visit may be a door opener, or it may save a big headache later on by keeping you out of an entanglement.

 

[woodwizzard]

PS: A chain book store in Manila sells name brand pens at $400 -500, dont know how many. Hong Kong would have even higher selling prices and more outlets. A lot of money floating around Hong Kong looking for a place to show off.

 

[Scott]

If they want to copy your pen, they likely would have done so already. This may be a legitimate high-end pen dealer. Treat them with respect until you find that you shouldn't have, and don't part with the merchandise until the money is in the bank. I think that one picture in Pen World may be getting some attention! Good luck!

Scott.

 

[MartinPens]

Thanks for the replies and the PM's

I have done the research and it seems to be a high end reputable company that has four to five high end stores for pen collectors and watch collectors.
Next will come the decisions about negotiating price and figuring out customs.

With this and my new eCommerce site coming online soon, I feel like I have been hooked up to a fire hose and I'm trying to learn as much as I can as it comes my way. A bit overwhelming at times. Thanks for the suggestions and pointers.

Martin

Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner

 

[Glenn McCullough]

There are colllectors in Singapore. I ahve sold 2 pens to two individuals each for $400.00 plus but these were individual purchases. I ahd no problems with pay pal or customs. I got half down before starting them and the balance before sending. Hope it all works out for you.

 

[pens by david]

pens around the world

I have sold pens to several diff parts of the world and have never had any issue to date, always get money up front until you feel comfortable with your buyer.
Two of my largest buyers are in South America.

Good Luck
David

 

[Buzzzz4]

I have dealt with a buyer in Singapore as well. He was and is great to work with. I also learned the hard way about shipping and tracking internationally. Make sure you do it correctly and not just cheaply.