Importing iPhone Screens from China - Feasible?

Lshawnsmaggot on 11/11/2015 - 20:24
Last edited 11/11/2015 - 21:48 by 1 other user

Hi All. Long time lurker, first time poster :D

Not sure if this is the right sub-forum to post this in, but here I go.

I have recently started an IT business, primarily focusing on repairs of smartphones - Apple devices mainly.

For the most part it has been off to a FANTASTIC start, but I keep running into the same issue. Supply issues.

For those not aware, the market for Aftermarket Apple LCD/Digitizer assemblies (aka Screens) has been all over the shop the last few months.

The price for replacement iPhone screens has shot up across the globe, and of course, Australia cops the worst of it.

Due to the significant increase in price and general lack of availability, I am now considering importing small quantities of Screens direct from Chinese manufacturers/Wholesalers.

At this stage, I have only done some very basic research into it, but it is looking like my best bet may be to purchase through a merchant/auction site like Alibaba. My reasoning behind this is that smaller quantities are more easily available, as well as the added security of PayPal. I'm all too aware of dodgy Chinese Electronics manufacturers and Wholesalers and want to take as many precautions as I can to protect myself.

I guess what I'm asking is:

1.Does anyone import; particularly electronics through sites like Alibaba?

  1. Any general tips on importing, ie tax/stamp duty?

  2. How would I deal with warranty issues if I have a non-helpful seller? [This was why I was thinking merchants that accept PayPal would be best]

  3. Am I mad for even considering this??

Thanks in advance!

Mobile iPhone Accessory

Comments

  • blighst on 11/11/2015 - 20:50
    +1

    If you are importing them my understanding is that you are required to provide a year? of warranty under Consumer Law as well as cover defects etc.

    I don't think you're mad, as long as you're undercutting the alternatives and not providing crap it's a benefit to the market as a whole.

    • shawnsmaggot on 11/11/2015 - 21:04

      I was more concerned about what I would do if I came across some DOA/Failure within warranty screens and my my supplier would not warrant them for whatever reason. I have heard from quite a few sources that Chinese electronics suppliers can be notoriously unreliable.

      I am operating as a premium service repairer, so I often exceed the legal requirements for AU warranty. This is also part of the reason why I am so worried about quality. I aim to deliver a premium service, and this requires premium, reliable parts.

      I'm not so concerned with price. I'd be happy to save a few dollars by importing them. Reliability and quality of supply is my main goal.

  • Brick50 on 11/11/2015 - 21:03
    +2

    Quality is usually very very poor from Aliexpress and the likes and they have various qualities for different prices… To stay competitive you need to be able to offer a reasonable quality screen for cheap as often many customers won't see the value in higher quality screens

    • shawnsmaggot on 11/11/2015 - 21:10

      Yeah, I have heard the quality is generally pretty poor on Aliexpress.

      Seems to be pretty hard to sort the good suppliers from the bad without biting the bullet and ordering a few screens for a test run. Makes it hard that most of these Chinese suppliers have very poor, if any English language skills and I have even less Mandorin or Cantonese skills >.<

      re pricing - I am pretty similar to my competitors. I'm in a small town, so not a lot of competition. And the competition I do have is, to put it frankly, semi-competent amateurs at best. I'm currently working from home so have very few overheads, which means I can offer great quality, expert services at competitive rates.

      I'm not looking for the absolute cream of the crop, most expensive screen on the market. Especially since I know most of the time, especially in the current market, these are mostly just the run of the mill A grade screens with the "Genuine" tag slapped on them, and the price to go along with it.

  • redforever on 11/11/2015 - 22:54

    How much are you charging for a 6 plus screen? I enquired a repairer in melbourne. It cost the same as what apple store charge s and will void the warranty. For some reason the repairer actually asked me to get it replaced in an apple store rather than through them.

    • dylanando on 12/11/2015 - 00:34

      How much does apple charge? Went to some local guy and it was $128ish, That seemed ok.

    • shawnsmaggot on 12/11/2015 - 08:26

      6, or 6 plus?

      Your guy has a point. Kind of.

      Repairing out of warranty doesn't void warranty. Apple do say that on paper, but as long as the repairer doesn't go breaking components it will still be valid.

      Not sure why he would not want your business though lol. Maybe the frame/rear housing was damaged? in that case, it is sometimes best if Apple repair it, as they will replace the frame at no cost under warranty.

    • shawnsmaggot on 12/11/2015 - 09:55

      Not too sure tbh. Has been a few weeks since I've done one.

      If memory serves me right last one I did for $220.

  • redforever on 12/11/2015 - 16:30

    Apple store charges 200 and can be done in 45 mins.

  • shawnsmaggot on 12/11/2015 - 16:31

    Lets try keep the discussion on Topic please guys.

  • shawnsmaggot on 18/11/2015 - 10:33
    +1

    Anyone have any general experiences with importing any kind of goods?

  • Marcokwok on 17/12/2015 - 19:25

    Our company sale different smartphone Screen Digitizer Replacement Parts to au,uk and us through ebay,amazon and website for 7 yrs.If u are interested,we can sd u a PRICE LIST for u.Also if you have any inquiry, pls feel free to email us at [email protected]

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