Trade Articles

Samples play a vital role in overseas trading. It is a single product sent to a buyer from a seller representing the size, look, quality and other product related details in order to receive a large order from the customers end.

Before placing order to any particular supplier, the buyers request for samples from many suppliers so that they can compare and contrast the supplier offerings. The debate which surrounds is about the provision, payment and delivery of samples.

As per Buyer
Samples are a very basic level and the importers believe that the cost of the samples be borne by supplier himself. The cost of the samples should be included in the marketing cost of the suppliers. This is because the importers need to check the form and quality of a product before making an order.

As per Seller
Many suppliers feel that the cost of the sample be borne by the buyers because it is very tough for them to identify whether they are sending the sample to a genuine buyer or only to a price-checker.

Some Considerations
The exporter can ask the importer for payment of samples. Once the order is placed, the paid amount for the sample is refunded to the importer in the form of discounts or is adjusted in the total billing amount.

Cost to a certain value of the sample can be borne by the supplier because it is in the interest of the seller to provide the sample for scrutiny. Delivery charges should be paid by the importer because at his end the interest is to check the quality and specifications of the goods.

Note :- Samples should be labeled as "SAMPLE OF NO COMMERCIAL VALUE" as in certain countries it can be treated as taxable goods without such label.