We know that the Chinese are having the same strategy as the Japanese: better copy it right than to fail on an original. But the Japanese maybe did copy (mainly) electronics some 40 years ago, but now they provide the world’s leading brands. And they did not make exact copies. They embraced the ideas and put some Japanese sauce over it and tried to sell it much cheaper than the equivalents that dominated the market.  China is doing it another way. They are making exact copies of everything you can imagine and sell it to the world. And of course for much lower prices. Internet is of great help for the Chinese.

If you have a look at www.dhgate.com or www.dealextreme.com you will find out that these sites are not aiming at individuals, but that they are looking for small companies to sell (in huge quantities) all kind of products. Those little companies can then sell the goods on their home market below the market price and still making profit. But is it legal?

Let’s take, for example, the Apple iPone: the most wanted gadget in history. It’s hard to find any iPhones without a simlock and if you do you have to travel to Belgium or France and hope that this phone will ‘eat’ your non t-mobile SIM card. If you buy one here fully legal, you have to spend € 99,95 after agreeing on a 2-year subscription of € 29,95 a month. A Simlock free device will cost you approx. € 500. Back to our Chinese handy boys. You can buy iPhones at prices that begin with $ 99 (no euro) if you buy just one and will drop much lower if you buy 50 pieces for example.

Not only iPhones but other electronics as well. Even apparel can be bought in China. And not with the label ‘Made in China’ attached to it, but the original signs of Burberry, Ralph Lauren or Giorgio Armani. Are they original? Or do these products come from the same factory where Giorgio has its ‘original’ products produced? I really don’t know, but what I do know it that you will become very greedy after visiting these sites (and there are many more sites, similar to these). You feel the need to call all of your friends (I would be finished in less than 2 minutes) and to order on line all the gadgets you always wanted to have, but never could afford (or were not allowed ) to buy. We are now waiting for the Chinese to copy the Miss Etam fashion…… <grin>.

Up to now, this looks like a great story and you could ask yourself: why are you writing this Blog Peter? Do not share this valuable information and begin your own ‘PDA-Shop’ today! Of course I cannot do that, being a CPA and I do not want to loose my title. But fortunately the Dutch authorities help me and protect me to admit a crime. All the packages that are received out of China are x-rayed or scanned and if there are cell phones (including of course the iPhone) or this kind of stuff in these packages, they are immediately sent back to the sender. So do you dare to take the risk? Just for yourself? You can, because these sites already know these local regulations and are aware of the actions of the Dutch customs. You cannot order. The order is blocked and ignored, because they know they cannot deliver. So the next problem is……where can I find a friend in a country that can and will receive not far away? But a lot of products will come through and will be delivered to your front door. Just find out!

And btw, don’t buy any babymilk on these sites!

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