You’re here!
This means you’re looking to purchase shea butter(nkuto) in bulk And you want to do it right.
If you’re in the Market for bulk quantities of shea butter, you may be considering purchasing from international suppliers. While this can be a great way to access a wider range of products and potentially take advantage of favorable exchange rates, it’s important to do your due diligence to ensure that you’re working with reputable and reliable sources.
Here are a few tips to help you find the right supplier:
1. Research The Company
Look for information about the company online, including their website, social media profiles, and any press or reviews. This can give you an idea of their reputation and history
2. Look for certifications
Look for certifications Such as organic e.g from EcoCert, fair trade, or sustainable sourcing. These certifications can help ensure that the company is using ethical and sustainable practices.
Also look for locally registered business certificates and product testing certifications such as seen in the photograph below
3. Ask for references
Ask the company for references or contact information for other businesses they have worked with. This can give you an idea of their reliability and customer service.
4. Get quotes from multiple suppliers
It’s a g0od idea to get quotes from multiple suppliers to compare prices and terms. This can help you find the best deal and the most reliable supplier..
5. Consider the payment terms
Be cautious of any supplier that asks fOr payment upfront without delivering the goods. It’s generally safer to pay by letter of credit or through a secure online payment system.
However there are other meaNs of payment as explained below.
- Letter of credit (LC): are special legal agreements (documents) setup between the buyer’s bank and the seller’s bank that guarantee that payment will be made when the conditions of the agreement are met (usually when shipped, upon the shipper confirming the Bill of Lading)
- Documents against Acceptance (DA): a buyer is required to “accept” a seller’s time draft, thus acknowledging obligation to pay at a specific future date. The time of payment occurs at maturity of an accepted time draft, 30, 60 or 90 days after the date of acceptance or date of bill of lading
- Documents against Payment (DP): a buyer is required to pay a seller’s sight draft in order to obtain shipping documents. Payment is made on presentation of the sight draft by a bank to the buyer, usually one or two weeks after shipment. Under D/P terms, the seller, through a bank acting as an agent, is able to retain control of the goods until the buyer pays. Under certain circumstances, such as to meet legal requirements of the importing country or to obtain a government permit for foreign exchange, the buyer will require possession of the documents before payment. The seller should inquire as to the practice in specific countries. Air shipments are often made under documentary bill collections. The buyer, as direct consignee of the non-negotiable air waybill, will be able to take possession of the goods before meeting his/her payment obligations
TT (Telegraphic Transfer or telex transfer or wire transfer): the transfer of funds from one bank account to another by electronic means. A wire transfer or telegraphic transfer is made when buyer is ready to pay for goods or services received. The transfer is usually irrevocable such as the receiver is protected against a return payment. Once a transfer is received it is OK to ship goods, deliver services or sign closing documents at the time of sale. Telegraphic transfers are usually fairly expensive due to the fast nature of the transaction.
6. Use a third-party intermediary
If you’re nOt comfortable dealing directly with an international supplier, consider using a third-party intermediary such as a trading company or an import/export agent. These companies can help you find reliable suppliers and handle the logistics of the transaction.
By following these tips, you can be confident that you are working wIth a reliable and ethical international shea butter supplier.