Domestic or Overseas…where should you buy?

Everyone, everywhere, is looking to save money.  But before you’re seduced by some amazingly low price offers on promotional products by overseas factories, you should be aware of a few things.  I’m not talking politics here, as that’s a choice and a decision each individual buyer must weigh – cost savings vs one’s personal views on global purchasing instead of USA decorated goods.  I’m referring more to the advantages and disadvantages logistically of an overseas purchase vs a US purchase.

Advantages of domestic

-  more control over turnaround time

-  faster turnaround time

-  ability to make changes if needed, during the production process

-  able to communicate during regular business hours with a direct contact

-  lower minimums

Advantages of overseas

-  price, price price

Disadvantages of domestic

-  price if comparing to overseas, but if your quantity is large enough, you should qualify for some very good pricing if you ask

Disadvantages of overseas

-  time frame is substantially longer

-  no control over time frame – product could get hung up in customs and we wouldn’t be able to do anything about it

-  Chinese New Year in February could add another 2-3 weeks to your delivery time, which is a prime time for many companies to order for the upcoming trade show season

-  usually prepay

-  can’t make changes once the initial order is placed

-  difficult to communicate with contact person during regular business hours

-  high minimums

I always advise my clients of the advantages and disadvantages before offering an overseas quote.  If they are able to work around the timetable and other issues I’ve raised, they may choose this route to save money on a particularly large order.  But for the most part, I find my customers need more flexibility.  For most of my customers, getting it now or as soon as possible generally trumps price.

Cheryl

www.silverscreendesign.com