Wholesale & eBay Forum » Scams, Ripoffs, Fraud & Complaints » Avoid these suppliers at all costs!
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Avoid these suppliers at all costs!
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by: piano1990
SaleHoo Junior Member
24 posts
Avoid these suppliers at all costs!
Posted 28 Sep 08 7:54 am.
Hello Fellow Salehoo members,
It has come to my attention that there are a few 5 star rated suppliers that are not reliable at all..... and practically they're NOT even suppliers.
If you've searched around in salehoo directory for awhile, you'd notice that at least 5-10 websites look the same with same products, same layout and same DESCRIPTIONS.
Their description is always:
- We are located at Dallas TX
- FREE resellers program tools
- No Dropshipping fee
- and they always have a tiny corner saying enterprise program- join now
Why do they look the same? BECAUSE THEY ARE THE SAME! A source company starts an enterprise program and allows normal people to join it and relist their items with marked up price. All purchases through them at the marked up price will be processed by the *source company* and the 'fake wholesaler' gets the marked up profit. Moreover, some of them are NOT even from Texas.
This doesn't mean they won't ship anything to you but it only means that they are not wholesalers but 'MIDDLE-MEN' with NO stock or WAREHOUSE. NOTHING!! Just a domain. AND YOU'LL BE PAYING MORE! Once you buy from them the orders get processed from the source company and gets shipped FROM the source company.
If you've been dealing with them. You'd probably spent up to 20% more than the original wholesale price from the source company. Why buy from them when you can buy from the direct source? I've checked link hidden and they have the exact identical items yet it's 20% cheaper.
Here's 2 unethical unreliable examples for you to view... I'd consider this as a scam.
link hidden
link hidden
link hidden
THEY LOOK THE SAME. OMG!!!
link hidden
Price List for optimum discount
link hidden
Price list for stockmylist.... different and more expensive pricing than CKB.
link hidden
CKB products.... 10 % CHEAPER..... at this point anyone who dealt with the previous 2 would feel punked.
link hidden
the first 2 imageshack links were images but couldn't fit so i put them as links. The others were also bigger but I guess it'll do. Click on the links to view the full screenshot
If you've checked it.... did you realize they look 90% the same (10% goes to colours and ads)?
There are plenty more out there in the directory... continously fooling people with their 5 star ratings which came from blur lack of research members.
They should be removed from the directory. Let's hunt them down one by one. I've spotted 2. But there must be more.
Cheers. Save yourself from this scam. -
by: fudjj
SaleHoo Staff
2969 posts
Re: Avoid these suppliers at all costs!
Posted 28 Sep 08 9:16 am.
Part rebel, part detective......dangerous combination you got going there Piano...lol
You really have been doing your homework by the sounds of that, and while what you have found is interesting, unfortunately it's a part of too many drop shipping set-ups. It's a big reason why most people can't make any margin, all these other people have positioned themselves in the cue ahead of you.
You're spot on, it certainly does pay to do your research with drop shipping, just as it does to source from any other avenue.Marc Ransom
Community Manager
SaleHoo.com
About the Community Manager -
by: jg42122
SaleHoo Master Member
157 posts
Re: Avoid these suppliers at all costs!
Posted 1 Oct 08 5:36 am.
I agree that they are middle men but I dont know if I would say they are scammers? I personally have not used any of these sites and never will how did they get a 5 star rating ?Who rates these people ? is it verified by anyone?I thought the listings were 'verified' That is what it says on the homepage.Could the sites be members sites? I consider a scammer someone who cheats me out of my money and as long as they provide the service I dont think they are a scammer I would definately say they are middlemen but that does not mean they are bad people how do we know for sure cbk is the main supplier maybe some one else sales it for cheaper.I dont really know where to point blame on this one folks Salehoo has let these people in and I trust they know what is going on around here I kind of have mixed feelings on this one I am glad this has been pointed out I wander how many more sites are on here like this one? I always assumed the sites listed here were 'verified' and surely someone could not have messed up this bad so it was either purposely done or added by a member but they should have been checked. -
by: piano1990
SaleHoo Junior Member
24 posts
Re: Avoid these suppliers at all costs!
Posted 3 Oct 08 12:59 am.
I agree that they are middle men but I dont know if I would say they are scammers? I personally have not used any of these sites and never will how did they get a 5 star rating ?Who rates these people ? is it verified by anyone?I thought the listings were 'verified' That is what it says on the homepage.Could the sites be members sites? I consider a scammer someone who cheats me out of my money and as long as they provide the service I dont think they are a scammer I would definately say they are middlemen but that does not mean they are bad people how do we know for sure cbk is the main supplier maybe some one else sales it for cheaper.I dont really know where to point blame on this one folks Salehoo has let these people in and I trust they know what is going on around here I kind of have mixed feelings on this one I am glad this has been pointed out I wander how many more sites are on here like this one? I always assumed the sites listed here were 'verified' and surely someone could not have messed up this bad so it was either purposely done or added by a member but they should have been checked.
Yea, I guess I might have stepped over the line by saying scammer.
Yea, Definitely they are middlemen.
They are also verified.This is because the source company makes people pay 99.95 USD to join their program and the company will supply them with a website and all the templates, security, verification and products will be given by the source company. So all the middleman has to do is pay 99.95 and 8.95 for domain then he/she has a whole new website which would look just like the others. You can even choose to mark up the price by percentage anyhow you like and they will automatically change all the price according to your mark up.
This enterprise program means ANYONE can join, inexperienced or experienced.
And yes, I myself aren't sure CKB products is the cheapest. But so far it is cheaper than those 2.
Simple Distributors is cheaper than CKB products but they don't dropship internationally... so I didn't compare with Simple Distributors. The 2 middlemen dropship internationally too.
CKB is definitely not the source because the middlemen sells HDMI electronics and MP3/MP4 players too while CKB does not. Neither does Simple Distributors. I'm on the hunt for the source company for business but so far I just kept running into other websites belonging to middlemen. -
by: thepro888
SaleHoo Junior Member
30 posts
Re: Avoid these suppliers at all costs!
Posted 3 Oct 08 12:07 pm.
I found that a supplier on salehoo that sells golf supplies is an actual store versus being a supplier. Look @ golfjoy.com vs a well known online/offline retail store like golfsmith.com. Take a look at for example the taylormade burner driver. They're the exact same price.
Not necessarily a scam but more like a false advertisement. There are real sources for suppliers(not necessarily for golf) in salehoo but its like finding a needle in a haystack. All these non-supplier companies make the salehoo dir. less of a credible resource when I see things like the above. I wish there was a better system in place to check into these 'supplier' companies before adding them into the salehoo directory.
If i wanted to buy golf clubs at a discount rate(for personal use) - its only a 'google' away. But if I want to source them(for re-sale), that's a whole different story - think ipods, designer items, electronics - same deal with golf supplies. It's not exactly a click away. -
by: piano1990
SaleHoo Junior Member
24 posts
Re: Avoid these suppliers at all costs!
Posted 3 Oct 08 2:47 pm.
I'm quite frustrated right now.
I left negative feedback for both suppliers in the salehoo directory but hasn't appeared yet.... presumably rejected by moderator. Therefore, it STILL has 5 star rating. We need more people to try and give 1 star continuosly.
I gave it 1 star rating with negative feedback... why hasn't it appeared???? It's been almost a week and the feedback hasn't appeared on the directory. Did they or did they not reject it? The 2 suppliers really don't deserve an 'ill-researched' 5 star rating. I don't get it!!! EXPLAIN!!!! The ratings could have even come from salehoo members who joined the enterprise program and rate themselves in the directory. *panting*. I'm trying to help members of salehoo and my feedback is presumably rejected. Thanks a bunch.
Anyhooo, Cheers!! -
by: thepro888
SaleHoo Junior Member
30 posts
Re: Avoid these suppliers at all costs!
Posted 3 Oct 08 3:39 pm.
i did the same thing only to find my rating didn't appear as well. there should be some type of self-moderation where users can approve/disapprove of comments that may prove to be blatantly attacking the company out of spite or genuinely stated to be more of a caveat emptor. Salehoo still has a few kinks which hopefully will get fixed soon. -
by: fudjj
SaleHoo Staff
2969 posts
Re: Avoid these suppliers at all costs!
Posted 3 Oct 08 8:23 pm.
I think there are some very valid points being raised in this thread, and while these suppliers may be genuine, they should not be listed under directories such as wholesale when they are nothing more than discount retailers, or even worse....full retail!
Members are joining here to not only find genuine suppliers selling genuine articles , but also expect the suppliers to be what they are listed as. At the moment it seems that everyone is being let down all round.
You shouldn't have retail prices in a wholesale category, you shouldn't have suppliers selling fakes listed under any of these categories. Sure there is a market for people wanting to buy fakes, but why on earth aren't these suppliers in their own category, or are at least flagged to let members know what they are dealing with.
Seems that someone is asleep in the wheel house when this type of situation is happening. I believe that it is incumbent on Salehoo to ensure a better checking process to ensure the suppliers listed under the set categories fit specific trading criteria to offer members complete clarity.
One other thing I have to say is that I hate the way most of the marketing seems to focus around finding suppliers for ebay, when the truth is that is like finding a needle in a hay stack on here, perhaps possible, but no easier than researching the net yourself in my opinion. I know it's all about marketing, but come on guys......I think the time might be right to start cleaning up some areas including the suppliers directories to give members clarity to make an informed decision on purchasing.
Members are paying for information, factual information, not cheap gimicks like that useless Product Researching Tool, I call it the 75% tool. Seriously, that type of thing is something anyone can offer, but it doesn't provide members with value. Providing real factual supplier information is what will deliver value, and is what members have a right to expect.
Big chance here to make the Salehoo community a guiding light on the net, please don't waste that opportunity and let it become just another money making excerise that doesn't deliver what it promises.
It's fine for members to take a personal interest and defend Salehoo when they feel that it is under attack for misguided reasons, but Salehoo itself has to step up to the plate and make sure we as members have something to defend!
Ok, maybe I got out of the wrong side of bed this morning, but seriously........everyone knows there are areas that need some serious work here, the question is, is Salehoo ready to do that work to provide its community with something truly valuable for their membership fees?Marc Ransom
Community Manager
SaleHoo.com
About the Community Manager -
by: ezbargins
SaleHoo Senior Member
65 posts
Re: Avoid these suppliers at all costs!
Posted 4 Oct 08 12:56 am.
It would be nice even to list suppliers that are with BBB. Or even add new suppliers once or twice a year or six months. Just my thoughts. -
by: jg42122
SaleHoo Master Member
157 posts
Re: Avoid these suppliers at all costs!
Posted 4 Oct 08 4:04 am.
It would be nice even to list suppliers that are with BBB. Or even add new suppliers once or twice a year or six months. Just my thoughts.
I AGREE I havent seen an update since I have been a member and doesnt the homepage say it is updated daily ha -
by: piano1990
SaleHoo Junior Member
24 posts
Re: Avoid these suppliers at all costs!
Posted 4 Oct 08 5:07 am.
HAHA yea!! I think almost 90% of salehoo members depend too much on 5 star ratings that they did not check out other non-rated ones yet. Everyone is getting from the same companies that got the 5 stars and the other non-rated yet just get left out in the final pages while they have the potential of being a good supplier.It would be nice even to list suppliers that are with BBB. Or even add new suppliers once or twice a year or six months. Just my thoughts.
I AGREE I havent seen an update since I have been a member and doesnt the homepage say it is updated daily ha
I think it's time we should not trust the rating (which 70% rated with lack of research and first look rating) but conduct our own research on different suppliers. That way we can add more REALL genuine 5 star suppliers on the directory. Almost everyone deal with those listed as 5 star on the directory only. If this continues we'd have a few hundred people listing the same thing on their auction sites in the near future when more people join salehoo.
This may sound offensive but somehow I have a feeling that some featured suppliers are featured not because they are reliable, cheap and good in quality but because they paid to be featured. I wouldn't say it's wrong, but just that it has to be the best to be featured. -
by: thepro888
SaleHoo Junior Member
30 posts
Re: Avoid these suppliers at all costs!
Posted 4 Oct 08 4:43 pm.
I think there are some very valid points being raised in this thread, and while these suppliers may be genuine, they should not be listed under directories such as wholesale when they are nothing more than discount retailers, or even worse....full retail!
Very well put fudjj. It's also disheartening to see so many members here on salehoo and the level of inactivity in the forums. I've seen a lot smaller forums with a greater number of people participating.
Members are joining here to not only find genuine suppliers selling genuine articles , but also expect the suppliers to be what they are listed as. At the moment it seems that everyone is being let down all round.
You shouldn't have retail prices in a wholesale category, you shouldn't have suppliers selling fakes listed under any of these categories. Sure there is a market for people wanting to buy fakes, but why on earth aren't these suppliers in their own category, or are at least flagged to let members know what they are dealing with.
Seems that someone is asleep in the wheel house when this type of situation is happening. I believe that it is incumbent on Salehoo to ensure a better checking process to ensure the suppliers listed under the set categories fit specific trading criteria to offer members complete clarity.
One other thing I have to say is that I hate the way most of the marketing seems to focus around finding suppliers for ebay, when the truth is that is like finding a needle in a hay stack on here, perhaps possible, but no easier than researching the net yourself in my opinion. I know it's all about marketing, but come on guys......I think the time might be right to start cleaning up some areas including the suppliers directories to give members clarity to make an informed decision on purchasing.
Members are paying for information, factual information, not cheap gimicks like that useless Product Researching Tool, I call it the 75% tool. Seriously, that type of thing is something anyone can offer, but it doesn't provide members with value. Providing real factual supplier information is what will deliver value, and is what members have a right to expect.
Big chance here to make the Salehoo community a guiding light on the net, please don't waste that opportunity and let it become just another money making excerise that doesn't deliver what it promises.
It's fine for members to take a personal interest and defend Salehoo when they feel that it is under attack for misguided reasons, but Salehoo itself has to step up to the plate and make sure we as members have something to defend!
Ok, maybe I got out of the wrong side of bed this morning, but seriously........everyone knows there are areas that need some serious work here, the question is, is Salehoo ready to do that work to provide its community with something truly valuable for their membership fees?
I'm not sure if the owner(s) of salehoo would be down for an overhaul of the site. I mean I've found information around this site, in the blogs and forums that could easily be re-packed into an ebook and resold for the price of membership. If they weeded out the 'illegitimate' suppliers there might only be a few dozen left in their directory. -
by: fudjj
SaleHoo Staff
2969 posts
Re: Avoid these suppliers at all costs!
Posted 4 Oct 08 9:52 pm.
Good point about the inactivity of some members in the forum, I must admit I have always found that a little unusual, but am no longer surprised by it. I remember when we launched the first Salehoo investors group. We used Skype to network with each other and keep our fingers on the pulse, and out of about 30 odd investors, there was only about 15 people who even bothered to be a part of it, we never did hear from the others.
Remembering of course that those people even had cash invested and they wouldn't participate.....lol
In think the main reason is that forums are platforms for people with a shared interest, so everyone usually likes to get in amongst it. Here, while we have a shared interest, most seem to be just wanting information, and if they can find that information without having to post in the forum then they are happy to do that and stay on the side lines.
As for dwindling numbers in the supplier directories should there ever be a shake up My own opinion would be that I would rather pay a membership fee for quality, not quantity, however I have been involved in marketing for long enough to know that wouldn't play out really well amongst most.
Unfortunately most put too much value in quantity believing that the bigger the database, the more chances they have of finding a supplier for themselves.
I would love to see the actual numbers of members using suppliers, my best guess would be that most members do their research well, and if so, would all end up using a core group of suppliers only anyway.
Of course I'm not really advocating dropping any suppliers really, more just getting them sorted into categories that offer members clarity. The one thing that always amazes me is when member have to ask in the forum if a supplier they have found in the directory is either legit, or are their products authentic.
It's not the members fault, it's the fact that it is at the point where we have so much garbage in amongst good solid suppliers that no one seems to have a clue anymore, and has to relay on the forum for assistance from other members who have used them.
I've always believed that the Forum was where the real value lay here in Salehoo because you could get real assistance with your questions, but seriously, the site is marketed on the suppliers in the database, not the forum where we are relying on each other, and that database should be brought up to spec for everyone.
At the end of the day we didn't join Salehoo to just be a part of a forum, so come one guys, put your heads down and do the right for us all, and clean up the database!
I don't think Salehoo has much of a choice in this situation, it has to evolve or it will outlive it's usefulness and struggle for traction in the market place. I'm just wondering what would happen if all of a sudden those members that do their bit and assist others were all too busy to chip in, my bet is a lot more requests for refunds!
Salehoo as a whole has to stand alone as value, and not just rely on others participating in the forum to ad value to its service, because that road is made out of broken bricks, and could collapse at any time should peoples circumstances change.
Of course the owners of Salehoo may have a very different opinion of how things are with the site, but for me....if the site was mine I would be making some serious changes to ensure the sites relevance for the future.Marc Ransom
Community Manager
SaleHoo.com
About the Community Manager -
by: thepro888
SaleHoo Junior Member
30 posts
Re: Avoid these suppliers at all costs!
Posted 4 Oct 08 11:07 pm.
Haha. You have talent with prose. I think we've hijacked this post and turned it into something else. But I agree - I, too, like many others on here fell into the gimmick (not to be connoted as a bad thing) of buying into a LIFETIME membership program. I mean it's nice to know you'll have that resource forever - well for as long as the site exists anyways.
I paid some higher fees for a site similar to this but it has a few things done right *cough* wwbrands. For one, their CS is very good. They also have a research tool and e-book course thingamajig which is closely mimicked here on salehoo. I've put my time in and researched a few niches but a lot of the suppliers I found had a legitimate product but it was way too niche specific. I mean a golf ball retriever/stand and I have to buy 500$ worth of them?
It's great there's a ton of suppliers(you'd think at first) but after a while you're gonna have to dig through a mountain of suppliers to find a few gems. Even then, some people don't know how to spot those gems if they ever to find them. It's trial and error that some people don't have the money or will to do so.
I am by no means an expert in this realm and finding that ideal supplier has been a difficult journey, hopefully I found a good one here on salehoo -we'll see. But the thing is I've found some of the articles that jimmy's written have cut through a lot of the BS that I've read and gave REAL examples of scenarios he deals with. The education on this site - which I believe could be organized a bit better- is worth the subscription fee, I feel anyways. While it does have its shortcomings, I have found a few gems in the information on this site I haven't found anywhere else. I guess the organization of the site may be a test to weed out those who are determined to succeed the right way versus the quick way... lol. Now, if Salehoo added a dozen REAL DEAL wholesale suppliers (none of this second guessing BS) that would just be the cherry on top- a huge one at that.
Aside from the suppliers, if jimmy dropped a few more articles(like the liquidation merchandising post he had) every now and then that picked his brain, I would gladly pay 2-3x the original fee for that information alone. There are too many gurus out there that sell systems and not enough real 'mentors' that genuinely want to help people succeed. That's where the real value is. -
by: fudjj
SaleHoo Staff
2969 posts
Re: Avoid these suppliers at all costs!
Posted 4 Oct 08 11:36 pm.
Yep, agree 100%.
Of course jimmy's input is invaluable, as you correctly point out that it cuts through most of the BS that is floating around out there and gives people real direction.
What we all have to remember with jimmy's situation is that he has his own enterprise that takes up a mountain of his time and effort, and that's his future, so that's where he should be concentrating.
No doubt with a little cleaning up in here, and some forward thinking, the site could offer it's members ongoing sensational value now and into the future, with or without a forum.
And yes, sorry about hijacking the thread...lol, maybe it's time we made a separate thread listing some members ideas on how we feel Salehoo could be made better!Marc Ransom
Community Manager
SaleHoo.com
About the Community Manager -
by: judgepatrick
New SaleHoo Member
2 posts
Re: Avoid these suppliers at all costs!
Posted 4 Oct 08 11:58 pm.
Hello its Patrick from Dublin, only joined Salehoo yesterday.
Been reading this post.
Best thing I see here is this.
I have two sites where I can find wholesalers, one requires 20 sterling per month to ge the good info, other is similar .
It takes a lot of digging, a lot of companies want a minimum order, most dont show prices and you need to email for them.
Most of the sites had no forum like salehoo where by can meet people who have done all the hard work and found good companies and can share their information, thats well worth the membership alone plus the fact that you can be informed about bad companies and save yourself some heartache.
One little trick I always do is this.
Example, there was a company I wrote to and they had minimum order -50 products.
I write back and say thanks for your information, I am looking at your company and several other companies in your country, at the moment I am looking at a company that has no minimum order but really like the quality of your products.
Can I order samples.
They would write back.
And then I would ask how much to ship to Ireland.
The company with the minimum order of 50 wrote back and gave sample prices and postage,
I would write back and say thanks.Thats good, and I would say I sell products on ebay and sometimes need to order in small amounts of certain products or sometimes one product so I can see the quality, sell it and see how the feedback is with the customer.
The company ended up offering me a minimum order of 10 products which wasnt bad as the products were from $5 each.
The fact that I let them know I am looking at several companies usually snaps them out of their minimum order buzz !!
And when I say I am an ebay seller they understand.
Minimum orders is stupid in anyway, business is business.
Well thats how I get around some of them, no harm in asking
anyway, its great to have a little community where things can be discussed
you couldnt put a price on that now could you
talk soon
best wishes
Patrick -
by: piano1990
SaleHoo Junior Member
24 posts
Re: Avoid these suppliers at all costs!
Posted 5 Oct 08 4:43 am.
I dunno....
I thought all the posts here kinda relates directly to the main topic... which is:Salehoo is losing credibility. Haha.
Still I'm happy I got it.
But seriously, reviews on suppliers in salehoo means nothing right now unless more than 3 people rated it with great detail. Anyone can write review without any evidence or research. Some even rate 5 star with no comments at all. Seriously, they should only allow senior or master members to rate. All the newbies would just browse a few sec and say 'yeaaaaaa.... this site looks COOL. Im gonna leave it a 5 star for fun.' Then *!!poof!!* a fraud site ends up on one of the first companies listed on the directory whenever a search is made.
Cheers. -
by: jg42122
SaleHoo Master Member
157 posts
Re: Avoid these suppliers at all costs!
Posted 5 Oct 08 8:38 pm.
To be honest I believe this site has been set on cruise control for quite some time now If you ever look at the new member sign up page it is always chnging with a new soul coming in asking the same questions and a hand full of us answering them add that with a few outdated adds and listings and welcome to salehoo -
by: fouadaljundi905
New SaleHoo Member
1 posts
Re: Avoid these suppliers at all costs!
Posted 6 Oct 08 3:13 am.
Hi,
I am a new member, and what i read about Salehoo holdme back and start suspecting my search even i was told that i will be in a land of dream having a dozen of trusted supplier and no worry for any middelman or scammers. This is my first week using Salehoo, please can you help me more with the best process not to be a victim of any deciving supplier. -
by: fudjj
SaleHoo Staff
2969 posts
Re: Avoid these suppliers at all costs!
Posted 6 Oct 08 4:26 am.
Hi,
Salehoo might not be the perfect platform, but that doesn't exist anywhere at the moment, and in my opinion this is still the best value for money available. What you need to do is just post some details about the products you are looking for, and the markets you are looking at selling through, along with any companies you want info on, and the members here will do their best to inform you.
I am a new member, and what i read about Salehoo holdme back and start suspecting my search even i was told that i will be in a land of dream having a dozen of trusted supplier and no worry for any middelman or scammers. This is my first week using Salehoo, please can you help me more with the best process not to be a victim of any deciving supplier.
Take a look through some old posts, you will find lots of useful information to also help you in your search throughout the forum.
CheersMarc Ransom
Community Manager
SaleHoo.com
About the Community Manager
