Shenzhen Prime eBuy Co.,Ltd

Buyer’s Nationality:
Bahamas

Seller:
Shenzhen Prime eBuy Co.,Ltd

Seller Website:
http://prime-ebuy.com/

Seller Address:
Room 2208, Block D, Overseas Decoration Building, No. 122 Zhenxing Rd, Futian District, No. 122, China

Initial contact with the supplier:
Online Supplier Directory

Type of product(s) being purchased:
Cellular Phones, Tablets

Value of the Purchase Order when the incident occurred:
Under 1,000 USD

Destination market of order in question:
US or Canada

Type of Complaint(s):
missed lead times, scams & other unethical activities

Stage of relationship with the supplier at the time of the incident:
Initial Order

User Experience:
On the 25 of May, 2015 I placed an inquiry on an online directory for mobile mono-pods, I selected the option to have my business card available for the sellers. I was contacted by arthur@prime-ebuy.com who first attempted to sell me a wholesale bulk order, but after several emails on June 16, 2015, I went ahead and sent the MTCN for the mobile phones that I decided to purchase from Prime-ebuy as a sample order. I was told that I should receive my goods in 3-7 days. After I did not receive a tracking number I tried on several occasions to contact the seller, who responded on June 23, 2015, that due to the Dragon Boat Festival the shipment was delayed. Now June 24, the seller is requesting $298 to be sent via Western Union to Debin Liu to pay Customs for brand tax for items that only value $355. I have imported from other suppliers in China and never have I heard about a brand tax. When asked for the name of the shipping company used on June 24, the seller responded it is a Chinese Shipping Company and stated that a tracking number will not be generated until the items pass through customs. I am being told that I will incur demurrage charges if the funds are not received in 3 days!

User Recommendations:
I will not purchase goods from China unless funds can be held in escrow and payment made through PayPal. I will not leave my business card open for other suppliers to contact me. Although my business card was left on Alibaba it was made available to third parties so I am not covered by their buyer protection.

Note from the editor:
Always do a thorough supplier evaluation when sourcing in China! Being listed on Alibaba is no guarantee that the supplier is legit and/or honest!