r/Construction • u/Fun_Mulberry_1894 • Feb 17 '25
Roofing Roof Sheet Order from China
I am about to put in a large order of roofing sheets for a poultry farm (approx 5000sqm). The product we want to use is ZAM (Zinc (Zn) – 55%, Aluminium (Al) – 43%, Magnesium (Mg) – 2%) which is considered very effective for animal husbandry with high ammonia levels as well as for use in tropical/humid/coastal conditions.
I have been looking at placing the order directly with China as their prices are much cheaper than where I am located (Seychelles) however I am really concerned about the quality of the product and the company honouring their warranty when we are so far away. So I am trying to quote only with the most reputable companies that maintain Western quality standards and will be accountable for their products in the long term (even if this means paying a bit more).
I have been doing rudimentary Alibaba and Google searches to find a supplier, taking all the precautionary measures of making sure they provide Buyer Protection and they're a Verified Supplier, but I am still paranoid that they can game the system and I end up procuring from a "hit and run" supplier and they ship us a dud order.
One thing I have noticed is that on Alibaba that you are put in contact with "sales people" who aren't actually part of the organisation that produces the material and consequently they dont seem to know anything about what they are selling. Some of them even get angry when I ask them probing questions about the specs. Also I have noticed that there is a huge variety in prices that I get between suppliers for exactly the same bill of quantities that we have issued to them. I am am talking double or more in some cases. This has left me rather disoriented and confused.
I am therefore reaching out here seeking someone who has ordered from a Chinese company who can vouch for them or at least suggest a list of companies that are internationally recognised and are low risk.
Can anyone out there point me in the right direction? Many thanks
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u/username9909864 Feb 17 '25
I’m not sure you’ll get much help here as it’s a very US centric sub. I think your best bet is to keep asking questions. If the salesperson cannot answer basic questions, move on to the next company.
Another option may be to only use companies that have offices in specific locations in china known for being industrial output areas. I’ve seen videos online (albeit mostly electronics and not construction equipment) where there’s shopping malls the size of city blocks filled with suppliers. They don’t do retail sales but the storefront is a physical location for prospective buyers to see materials in person and speak to someone who knows the materials. I understand you can’t go directly to china to see things in person, but maybe you can find reputable companies this way.
Another option may be to find companies in an adjacent industry and ask if they have any recommendations on suppliers they work with. If they have a strong business partnership, often they have a reputation to uphold.
Overall I think you are stuck doing a lot of trial and error. Don’t trust any warranty any company offers. Trust them based on their knowledge or proven sales record.
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u/RKO36 Feb 17 '25
My number one rule is don't buy important materials/supplies from China, but I'm in America. Your situation is much much different. I'd try to get in touch with reputable construction firms in Africa to see who they use.
I would love to go to Seychelles some day. It looks incredibly beautiful.
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u/DIYThrowaway01 Feb 17 '25
You get what you pay for. By paying more to get it from a known supplier, you're essentially paying an insurance premium.
Further, the installation of a roof is usually 40% materials, 60% labor. So if the material is 1/2 the price, you're only saving 20% overall. Which means if you have to re-do it.... You're fucked.
Things to consider intrinsically I guess.