It seems easy but have been told that most of the people there are just agents and not the actual factories.
Just worried that I wouldnt be getting what I want. It is a whole container that I am looking at so no room for error.
I thought that using some sort of agent would be a good option?
Yes, you are quite right in thinking of using an agent. You may well need several to meet your various needs. As this is a large commercial importation you will need an agent to prepare import documents - and that is just at the end of the transaction!
The traditional way of making sure that your goods were sent before you paid was to use the services of such as a bank, and one of the many procedures that exist to meet the needs of commerce, such as 'cash against documents'. I have seen cases reported where these arrangements have fallen down, but do not think that will be the norm. I think in your position I would look for a reliable Shipping and Forwarding company, and take advice from them.
However before that you will need to identify a supplier. One possibility is to use the services of a procurement agency. Many of these were set up in colonial times (the UK Crown Agents was one such - but that is not a recommendation) to seek out suppliers for colonial governments. Many claim expertise, but of course expertise costs money, and you need to be aware that as ever there are sharks in the game. You could do with a trusted friend in the business who can sort the wheat from the chaff.
In the field of your interest there are many possible considerations and risks. For example there seems to be a present shift away from plastic items. If you were supplying McDonalds and importing plastic items you could be left with unsaleable stock. Then hygiene in manufacture needs to be looked at. You might want to avoid sweat shop operations to avoid possible negative publicity.
I am not sure why you settled on China as a source, although I suspect that it might be a perception that China is a low cost economy. That is less true today than it was. It could be prudent to expand your search to other countries. The effort you put in will to some extent be governed by the extent of possible future importations.
Some suppliers will transact on a delivered basis, and stand any import costs as part of the deal. Most, I expect, will not.
Make sure of the licensing requirements before you commit yourself. I would think the DTI might help there. You will need to work out the effect of duties and taxes to be paid. You are entering into a field where you will find many hands out looking for a cut!
If you are registered for VAT the import VAT will be deductible, but then you will have to add on the VAT when you sell on at the current rate on your selling price.
Good luck!
