How to Sell Baby Formula Online?

tik tok on 20/10/2017 - 10:36
Last edited 22/10/2017 - 15:52 by 1 other user

Hopefully, its the right forum.

Was on ACA again yesterday - people buying baby formula in groups and selling it online. I know this has been going on for a while, including sales of vitamins.

My question is, if I have to sell baby formula online, how exactly does this work ?
Buy formula from Coles (4, of course), list it on ebay, and pray for a sale ?

Where/how are these guys selling baby formula. I would have thought one sale a day would be good for starters and on TV I see individuals buying at least 20 of them a day. That's quite a sale figure for a specific online business tbh. At a net profit of $2 a formula - sell 20 of them and make 40 bucks a day. Around $800 a month. Thats a few bills taken care of.

Cheers,

Food & Grocery

Comments

  • djones145 on 20/10/2017 - 10:42
    +47

    Nah
    Need contacts in China
    U send to them, they list it locally

      • inittobinit on 21/10/2017 - 20:14
        +15

        If it was that easy everyone would be doing it well before you.

        • Lucky13 on 21/10/2017 - 22:14

          @AussieB: You could sell it on Ebay and just make sure you're selling it internationally, so people in China can see it. Direct it at your market and make it obvious what you're doing. So eg your seller name could be 'Safe Australian Baby Milk Formula for China' or 'Australian Baby Milk Formula', etc and see how it goes. If you start getting sales you could then open a website of the same name and link your Ebay account to the website and try to build it that way. Just a few ideas, hope it helps.

        • tik tok on 21/10/2017 - 23:24
          -1

          @Lucky13: Thanks mate

        • Lucky13 on 22/10/2017 - 00:49

          @AussieB: No problems. Hope you post an update on what you do in the end, looking forward to finding out how it goes. Good luck!

        • Baghern on 23/10/2017 - 09:43

          hahah yep.. we're all whinging to ACA because we don't/can't do it

          ACA makes the margins out to be huge, its huge from one end to the other. But there are several hands in between who take a cut.

          What I believe many do now is buy it locally here and then take it to a Chinese post office/delivery store that then forwards it on

        • djones145 on 23/10/2017 - 15:02
          +3

          @AussieB:

          Won't work, people in China only want to buy from people they know are getting stock overseas, too many fakes in china
          That why when they sent it over, they have to include the receipt and also a local newspaper from that day

        • smartazz104 on 23/10/2017 - 16:49
          -1

          @AussieB: Look at the people doing it and see if you can find common theme…

        • Froot Loops on 23/10/2017 - 21:50
          +2

          @Lucky13: You seem to have forgotten that your average Chinese person, doesn't use eBay. A person needs a government permit to use the platform (except HK). There is many other sites out there that people sell, but I wouldn't go out of my way to help people, that would stoop so low

      • myusername on 22/10/2017 - 17:36
        +3

        i have a friend that does it.

        not sure how you will go on ebay, but you really need to know someone over in China, there's alot of people over there doing it now, most of them sell on Weibo.

        my mrs is chinese and i been trying to get her to do it on the side, she reckons it's hard to get started as there's already so many people over there doing it.

        best of luck though

    • anastasiastarz on 23/10/2017 - 03:06

      Surely shipping would kill it?

    • Lets Make Sandwiches on 23/10/2017 - 21:00
      +4

      The OP surely must be trolling. To admit that they watch ACA and then ask how to make money from a scheme that is so controversial, particularly on a site like ozbargain, leads me to no other logical conclusion.

    • lostn on 24/10/2017 - 14:44

      Don't know about online. But there are places in asian suburbs who will buy the formula off you and sell it themselves. You only make a small profit though.

      During the height of their value a tin was worth $250 odd listed online. It's deflated since then though.

    • Chthonic on 24/10/2017 - 17:16

      It’s obviously a troll post…

  • Nugs on 20/10/2017 - 10:46
    +96

    that's unAustralian AussieB

      • inittobinit on 21/10/2017 - 21:42
        +189

        U WANNA TAKE AUSSIE FORMULA AWAY FROM BLOODY 'STRAYLIAN BABIES TO MAKE A FEW BLOODY DOLLARYDOOS .

        DATS AUSTRALIA'S FUTURE'S WELLBEING U BE MESSIN WITH M8 AND THATS FARKIN UNAUSTRALIAN NAHWAHDAMOINE?

        • Baebs on 21/10/2017 - 22:02
          +4

          Obligatory +1

        • Lucky13 on 21/10/2017 - 22:23
          -8

          AussieB would actually be helping Australian businesses by improving their sales and brand recognition overseas. Can't be a bad thing.

        • dazweeja on 22/10/2017 - 10:10
          +23

          @Lucky13:

          It can be a bad thing if supply in Australia can't keep up and people can't buy formula for their babies. Which has been happening, hence the current limits on sales in supermarkets.

        • Lucky13 on 22/10/2017 - 17:40
          -2

          @dazweeja: Oh wow didn't realise there was such a problem. Just went onto the Coles website to look at baby formula and the notice on their website read -

          Infant formula
          Due to supply issues, some infant formula lines may not be available in all stores. To ensure our customers have access to this product the maximum order quantity is 4 units of formula per customer. When this limit is reached, you will be unable to add anymore infant formula to your trolley.

          https://shop.coles.com.au/a/a-national/everything/browse/bab…

          Hopefully they will increase production to match demand, but I guess we'll see :/

        • berry580 on 22/10/2017 - 17:56

          That's Bogan Australian.

        • cloudie9 on 23/10/2017 - 23:32

          Maybe you can try breast feeding? Less worries and more bonding with mummy…

        • tommy-darko on 24/10/2017 - 17:46

          "That's a bloody outrage, that is! I wanna take this all the way to the Prime Minister.."

      • cameldownunder on 23/10/2017 - 10:05
        +4

        Now it's not only the Australian governments who is selling out Australia, common people too. What has this place come to ?
        That is why GAS has become so expensive, because foreigners but it up from Australia. First the producer pretend there is enough, then they sell it to overseas, and then < surprise surprise > the production is not enough to cover Australian needs.

        • [Deactivated] on 24/10/2017 - 01:44
          +1

          Not in Western Australia - We have a gas reservation policy

    • tessel on 21/10/2017 - 15:22

      He/She is just trying to "have a go". I can think of one politician who'd be proud for an Aussie having a go.

    • AustriaBargain on 22/10/2017 - 13:08
      +3

      If there's such high demand for it then why don't the dairys just up production and then flood the Chinese market with quality Australian baby formula. Or is baby formula made with actual breast milk?

      • Lucky13 on 23/10/2017 - 03:28
        +4

        Omg imagine that, ads in the job classifieds - "Wanted: Lactating women, good hourly wages paid" egh lol

      • Baghern on 23/10/2017 - 09:45

        They have, but they sell to the Chinese market at inflated prices as well.

        Which is why they haven't increased supply to the local market

      • xordis on 23/10/2017 - 22:30
        +1

        The issue is Chinese people know companies in China make fake products (it's pretty much what they do there), so the locally sold formula is a risk. It could be cut with anything and resealed.
        Companies there make and/or buy fake tins for known brands, fill them with whatever and reseal them as sell them as genuine.
        Chinese parents only trust stuff sent direct from Australian shelves or from people they trust in China.

        So if the local companies tried to ship in bulk to China they probably wouldn't sell any, because they don't trust companies.

  • Cheapo Moose on 20/10/2017 - 10:49
    +168

    Don't be a scumbag.

    I remember when our kids needed formula and sometimes it was a pain in the ar$e to actually find some because some lowlife buys up big to make a few bucks.

    • whooah1979 on 20/10/2017 - 15:09
      +32

      a pain in the ar$e to actually find some because some lowlife buys up big to make a few bucks.

      That's what the ACA/media wants you to believe. most of the formula that is exported is done by big/ medium businesses. It's just easier to point the finger at the Asian buyers at the cashier and blame them for the any shortages. These individuals trade a fraction of the formula compared to the containers shipped by the real businesses.

      Source: clients in pharma, packaging and exporting.

      • Deridas on 21/10/2017 - 12:09
        +11

        All I know is, everyone I needed to get formula for my bub at my local Coles there is a reasonable chance there is none of it left on the shelf. Though it's probably that they don't restock the shelves fast enough.

      • raging on 21/10/2017 - 21:09
        +25

        Calling bs I on this. I have trouble all the time at the largest chemist chain. I'm guessing it's down to my ethnicity, only after telling them it's actually for my baby and showing them a picture of me with my baby do they go around the back to grab me a tin.

      • CharityCase on 22/10/2017 - 01:01
        +8

        I second this, most of these baby formulas are exported by big companies…Tons and tons are shipped to China on a weekly basis.

        Source: worked in two Chinese airlines, got access to air freight bills

      • dazweeja on 22/10/2017 - 10:35
        +13

        I think it's strange that someone says it's their experience that formula is hard to find and you tell them they are mistaken.

        Supermarkets, chemists, etc, are retail environments. If people start treating them as wholesalers - buying large quantities to resell, or even lots of people buying smaller quantities for this purpose - it will create issues. Do you think supermarkets have unlimited storage space that they can store pallets and pallets of baby formula?

        If people want to resell, they should buy from a wholesaler/distributor whose supply management is designed to cater for this market.

        • jacross on 23/10/2017 - 12:03
          -1

          Do I think supermarkets are not competent enough to shift their resources properly in order to maximise profit?

          checks current investments

          …oh you're right.

        • dazweeja on 23/10/2017 - 12:51

          @jacross:

          They could become defacto wholesalers, allocating more and more of their limited shelf and storage space to baby formula, cutting other products in the process, until demand is met but I really don't think they have the desire to. Given this, I would hope that those clearing out the shelves purely for their personal profit would consider the impact this is having on other customers struggling to feed their babies.

        • jacross on 23/10/2017 - 14:30

          @dazweeja:

          They're already acting as wholesalers behind the scenes. They could improve their inventory systems for their locations but that's a known and systemic issue amongst the models of the major chains.

          As for parents, meh. I never had a problem sourcing formula. I'm a very competent and capable individual though and I do think society should in many respects make space for the 'unwashed masses'. In this scenario though I don't think there's really a market because the whole issue is a fugazi.

        • cameldownunder on 24/10/2017 - 11:05
          +1

          @dazweeja:

          I would hope that those clearing out the shelves purely for their personal profit would consider the impact this is having on other customers struggling to feed their babies.

          You do believe in Santa Claus and the Easter bunny do you?
          Selfishness has surpassed everything. It has become eat or be eaten. And I'm not blaming anyone in particular, only a certain philosophy of life: The one that teaches kids to succeed at all costs.

        • dazweeja on 24/10/2017 - 11:37

          @cameldownunder:

          Sadly, I think you're right. That's what happens when societies worship capitalism for centuries. It's still a better system than communism for large groups IMO but it has to be tempered by a social consciousness, and it's the job of government and other leaders to instil this. Unfortunately, most of them only care about themselves too. I doubt that guys like Jeremy Corbyn will succeed in the end - just like Bernie Sanders was beaten - but at least it's a sign that large groups of people recognise there's a problem.

        • cameldownunder on 24/10/2017 - 12:18

          @dazweeja: I really wonder when people are starting to steal from beggars on the road. I think we are not too far off.

        • t25 on 26/10/2017 - 12:36

          Certain companies out there make it difficult to buy from a wholesaler/distributor. Hence buying from the retail market.

          Some companies even have the cheek to tell you to buy from main customers (ie. your competitor) to resell.

      • athk on 23/10/2017 - 19:15
        -1

        That may be true, but my work colleague is Chinese, no children and bought 8 tins in the past week.. He said he's shipping it to China..

        Why? Because he's a scum bag trying to make a few bucks on the side.

        [Edit] he uses OzBargin a lot, if you're reading this, up yours (profanity), and stop grunting all the (profanity) time you bellend, it's annoying.

        • cameldownunder on 24/10/2017 - 11:07

          Maybe he is shipping it to relatives or friends that have babies. Benefit of the doubt ? Or has he proudly told you he is making money ?

        • athk on 24/10/2017 - 11:08

          @cameldownunder:

          Proudly told us why he purchased it, for pure profit..

        • cameldownunder on 24/10/2017 - 11:11

          @athk: Disgusting. hope you told him in his face what you thought about him.

        • bobbified on 24/10/2017 - 11:51
          -3

          Because he's a scum bag
          he uses OzBargin a lot, if you're reading this, up yours

          You're saying it here like you're such a big man, but bet you're too chicken to say it to his face! ahaha

        • cameldownunder on 24/10/2017 - 12:19
          +4

          @bobbified: I suspect you are the Chinese Colleague.

        • athk on 24/10/2017 - 13:29
          +2

          @bobbified:

          Lol yeah I am, I value my job. Idiot.

        • bobbified on 24/10/2017 - 13:52

          @athk:

          Lol yeah I am, I value my job. Idiot.

          Do you feel much better after venting on a forum that you're hoping he'll read?

        • bobbified on 24/10/2017 - 13:52

          @cameldownunder:
          I admit.. it was me. Except I had 18 cans, not 8. haha

    • helloeatty on 21/10/2017 - 19:16
      +1

      Heaps baby formula on the selves , only particular brand are after by Chinese families.

    • MessyG on 21/10/2017 - 22:37
      +20

      This. My daughter had a milk allergy and could only tolerate Allerpro before we would have had to resort to the $50 a tin stuff and buying it was a nightmare because of exporting. Every time we needed a new tin we would have to ring around at least 5 places and ask them to hold a couple of tins for us when they did have them, and of course we couldn't buy more than two at once because of the supply issues. It was horrible sometimes when we'd have no luck and wondering if we were going to be able to feed her.

      Please don't do it. May I suggest importing golf clubs and selling those instead?

        • MessyG on 22/10/2017 - 10:09
          +13

          Fortunately it doesn't affect me anymore, I moved her off formula as soon as possible so we wouldn't have the problem anymore. But I still feel for the other families trying to feed their kids in this environment.

        • wozz on 23/10/2017 - 07:47
          +8

          Scummy way to look at things.

        • jfiles on 23/10/2017 - 19:33
          +1

          …..

        • OneMoreTune on 24/10/2017 - 19:28
          +1

          Clearly got no friends. Acts like a fwit on here to deal with it. Mate.

        • ericb on 25/10/2017 - 05:13

          @MissG: how did you move her ‘off’ formula?

        • MessyG on 25/10/2017 - 09:39

          @ericb: Ericb - she turned one and could have a normal diet after that. It was a bit tough without milk and yoghurt etc but we managed.

      • Harold Halfprice on 22/10/2017 - 01:03
        +24

        your logic is:
        austrlian babies and chinese babies both need formula.
        solution? lets take away the formula from australian babies, and give it to the chinese - because they also need it.

        • GooseHoward on 22/10/2017 - 18:00
          -3

          in which part of my post did i propose that as a solution? my post was more an observation; i don't think anyone is more deserving than anyone else based on nationality - perhaps you do?

        • hahaboy on 23/10/2017 - 20:43
          -2

          maybe it's my capitalist side and lack of baby ownership…

          …but i call that a free economy. If Chinese buyers can pay more for a product, then why shouldn't market supply and demand factors dictate the course of where the baby power goes. I understand there needs to be some control and still adequate supply locally (as some of the current laws control), but i think it's only economically sound for companies and individuals to act in their own self-interest.

        • Ughhh on 23/10/2017 - 22:00
          +1

          @hahaboy:

          Woolies, Coles and any company possible of having monopoly would love you.

        • lostn on 24/10/2017 - 14:48

          The biggest problem is supply. The baby formula companies aren't raising their prices to reflect the demand. In a perfectly free market, you would be paying the same prices as the chinese. If you want the formula, be prepared to pay what they are paying. They're getting ripped off, so it's not like they're getting their formula over you without paying a price.

          If you were willing to pay what they're paying, you'll have some.

          What Karikare should be doing is setting up a business in China and selling direct.

        • Harold Halfprice on 24/10/2017 - 16:56

          @lostn:

          Not really, because the product is being taken out of our market and being advertised and sold specifically to overseas markets. It's not the price that most people have a problem with, it's the fact that they literally are unable to purchase it.

          Just like it's going to be difficult for someone from China to buy the product from Woolies or Coles, it's difficult for your average parent over here to buy the formula that's being shipped off overseas.

          But yeah, I agree with you - the biggest problem is supply and Chinese companies not getting their shit together. But it's not like this stuff is made out of gold. It's not a rare or scarce resource. The supply issue can easily be fixed. The demand is clearly there, and Chinese are willing to pay the money.

          So why cant China fix their issues with their companies? If their local products are unsafe, then why isn't something being done? End of the day, there are close to 1.4 BILLION chinese. Most of them aren't feeding their babies with Aussie product, but rather still have to feed their babies with their local product. If the companies over there aren't willing to make their product safe, why isn't their government jumping in to regulate it? All that's happening is they're handballing their issue onto us.

      • cameldownunder on 24/10/2017 - 11:10
        +2

        You do something about it, in China! And not the cowardly act of taking it from families who live in a country that is running ok.
        Don't make China's problem our problem. Clean up your Sh*** in your own garden.

    • Sxio on 22/10/2017 - 09:58
      +9

      It's not the lowlife's fault, it's the distributor. Don't blame people for buying a product, blame the store for not stocking enough to meet demand.

      • outlander on 22/10/2017 - 14:04
        +14

        Blame everybody. Believe me, there's enough hate to go around. Its the world's greatest, most renewable resource!

        • Sxio on 23/10/2017 - 11:28
          +2

          I hate you for saying that.

        • outlander on 23/10/2017 - 14:40
          +1

          @Sxio:

          Well as most people only mildy dislike me, I'll take that as an improvement.

    • Wiede on 22/10/2017 - 14:13
      +3

      Agree. You don't profit from the stress of parents with young children. "Everyone is doing it" is a lousy justification

    • imurgod on 23/10/2017 - 01:13
      +6

      Truly an issue. Our kids needed a particular brand because of allergies and those a-holes used to go back and forth to circumvent the rules until there was no more left.

      Made life hell for my wife and I having to go all over the place to find some.

      I hope karma hits those selfish people right where it hurts.

      • wozz on 23/10/2017 - 07:50
        +8

        Agreed. People who don't have kids don't realise how hard it can be. There is enough mental anxiety/lack of sleep etc as it is without having to worry about not being able to buy food because of greedy individuals.

        • imurgod on 23/10/2017 - 08:40
          +5

          Exactly, wozz. I'm glad to be past that phase now but I'll never forget the frustration of doing your shopping in time to for feeding time and then having to drive all over the planet to find somewhere that had some in stock only to come home to 2 children up and crying, and tired and frustrated wife.

          You are dealing with enough without having this to handle as well.

          There's making money and then there's just being a mug. This isn't legitimate either unless you're declaring the income.

          I don't get why, in a country with so much opportunity, so many refuse to just do the hard yards and work to earn money.

          I think somewhere, parents have drastically failed their children when you see people who think money is more important that integrity and moral fibre.

          Anyway, I'll stop ranting now before it gets the better of me.

        • neonlight on 23/10/2017 - 09:06
          +4

          Yup people who don't have kids would not understand. Btw most of them don't give a sh$& anyway because they probably don't plan to have kids here and just take the money back to China. Daigou should go to hell along with all those shady business owners taking formula overseas

        • ericb on 25/10/2017 - 05:17
          -1

          @imurgod: for what it’s worth I recon the time and effort to buy, package and post 4 cans at a time is ‘hard’ work. I have had two kids grow up on formula.

  • mitcheo on 20/10/2017 - 10:52
    +26

    This a troll post?

      • [Deactivated] on 21/10/2017 - 15:31
        +23

        Well you're going you need a high yield Mercedes to transport them with

        • [Deactivated] on 21/10/2017 - 16:27
          +15

          $1200 rugs to stack them on and use as a back drop….. Even if you don't like the rug.

        • MathNerd on 21/10/2017 - 21:25
          +1

          Side income as a Westpac analyst, then invest in a high yield 80k car, that's when a side business is a good idea

        • Moneyneversleeps on 22/10/2017 - 02:31
          +10

          Good one mate. I see what you did there, been an ozbargain observer for the last decade and only made an account now to reply to this!

        • stonkered on 22/10/2017 - 09:40
          +5

          @Moneyneversleeps:

          Gave you a plus one, can't have you getting g down voted on your first comment :D

        • Moneyneversleeps on 22/10/2017 - 15:05
          +4

          legend!

        • SSX3 on 23/10/2017 - 00:56
          +1

          @stonkered: You're an everyday hero

        • stonkered on 23/10/2017 - 07:04
          +1

          @SSX3:

          Wow, this is a big day for me, some recognition at last. Thank you.

      • Buyme on 21/10/2017 - 21:43
        +38

        I don’t rate this at all. I have a new born at home, and we need to keep a 3 month supply at home, because of people like you, trying to make a buck at the expense of new parent trying to feed their babies.

        2 Year’s ago, with baby number 1, I had to drive around at night from supermarket to supermarket for hours trying to find our formula. Horrible horrible time in our lives. Everyone knows babies can add a fair amount of stress to a home at times, but not being able to feed for your baby makes everything worse, and scary.

        Please, I beg you, find a different source of income.

        • Buyme on 21/10/2017 - 21:57
          +21

          @AussieB: you’re going to lose all support here.

          I’m guessing you’re the type to take advantage of your friends for a few bucks like short changing them when putting in your share for dinner.

          And you certainly don’t have kids. I hope your your sake that this formula situation is over by the time you may need it, because although I’m filled with anger at your heartless plan, no child or parent should be going without

        • Sxio on 22/10/2017 - 10:00
          -3

          @Buyme: Oh jesus christ they're just buying a product from a shop, how does that make them someone with a heartless plan? Literally someone going to coles and buying a product for the advertised price.

          There is absolutely nothing wrong with what they are doing.

        • stonkered on 22/10/2017 - 11:21
          +1

          @Buyme:

          Wow, you still want his kids looked after and well fed despite his plan angering you. What a grand gesture.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join