BestB Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 Keep reading how Thai exports are in decline, and business struggle and so on, here is some reality checks for you what it is to do business in Thailand , Thai style Little background A number of my buddies own successful import companies in Sydney, Some are biggest suppliers of seafood and cooking oils,others do other products All have been long running, some over 40 years, family businesses. I am based in Thailand, do my own business, but as i am getting older, decided it was time to expand into other things and perhaps make little more money for the old days, so had a chat with all the boys and became their agent in Thailand, buying agent or middle man, whatever you like to call it So first try Herbal Viagra, found the factory, try to call, no answer for 3 days, finally get through. Retail price in pharmacy 300 baht, i get quoted 280 for 10 000 boxes. And no, they will not send to Australia and no they will not deliver and no they will not change the packaging and no they will not translate the ingredients. As it turns out selling to local pharmacy few boxes is better business than selling 10 000 at a time Second try. Seafood, prawns, imitation crab, lobster, fish etc, average 3-4 containers on monthly basis, roughly $350000-$500000 per month, USD I have now spent months on trying to find a supplier, contacted at least 30 companies with no luck at all. Emails not answered, phone calls advise they will send email, but never do, ones that have answered, were given the order, have disappeared. This is now been going on months and months and no luck at all. They cry about decline in exports but totally disinterested in 12 000 000 baht monthly business. Third try Cooking oil, 20 lt tanks, 1000 tanks per month Range of answers i am getting -will not give price because many call and after they give price they never order - do not export to australia, no problem i will collect and ship. ok can but will not attach labels in english - we do only 18 lt square form tanks and will not change to 20 lt round tanks. In perspective, its 500 000 baht worth of business every month and yet no one seems interested at all I do not know what more i can say, besides insane and totally illogical In my quests, i have come across a few people who were/are in similar kind of business and all have left Thailand, buying from Vietnam and Malaysia, not because cheaper but because this kind of attitude and treatment from Thai exporters Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaRoadrunner Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 In my time here I have done business with Indians, (after shaking hands, count to see if you still have all your fingers), Taiwanese and Japanese. When I have tried to do anything with the Thais it has been a monumental f'up. I never figured out what is wrong with these people? I also watch the Chinese do business here and never figured out how they do it? This country can destroy you, mentally, physically and financially. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BestB Posted September 11, 2019 Author Share Posted September 11, 2019 1 minute ago, DaRoadrunner said: In my time here I have done business with Indians, (after shaking hands, count to see if you still have all your fingers), Taiwanese and Japanese. When I have tried to do anything with the Thais it has been a monumental f'up. I never figured out what is wrong with these people? I also watch the Chinese do business here and never figured out how they do it? This country can destroy you, mentally, physically and financially. Well look at my try number 3, company will not give me a price for half a million baht deal on monthly basis, BECAUSE before had many contact and ask for price but never placed an order, so new policy is not to give price. How exactly they plan to sell without telling the price? and did they consider that may be the reason why no one placed an order was because their prices were too high? or perhaps crappy attitude? Or the number 1. wholesale price is only 20 baht cheaper than the retail, so sending 10-20 boxes to local pharmacies is better business model than selling 10 000 boxes every month or so? Completely idiotic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
worgeordie Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 Trading with Chinese on the mainland,Taiwan and Hong Kong is the complete opposite to what you report for Thai companies,nothing is a bother,quotes done very quickly,changes to packing,no bother,maybe that's why they do so well. Seafood try Vietnam,and Malaysia will be cheaper than Thailand,for the oil. and better currency rates in both countries for the $. regards worgeordie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Grumpy Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 25 minutes ago, DaRoadrunner said: I never figured out what is wrong with these people? I also watch the Chinese do business here and never figured out how they do it? Simple. The Thais respect the Chinese. They couldn't give a somtam about you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Man Who Sold the World Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 understand your frustration. In my experience there is such an inherent distrust of foreigners that the Thais will only deal with other Thais. And, only then the status stuff enters so the family elders deal with other family elders. Yes, it makes absolutely no business sense whatsoever, yet, this is the way their country runs. Why you always need a "Thai" partner to get things done. When I had partnered with a Thai company, they, did all the interacting with other companies "Thai" agents. Never tried to understand it - just accepted it. Whatever will be will be, but, yes, mindboggling. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BestB Posted September 11, 2019 Author Share Posted September 11, 2019 1 minute ago, worgeordie said: Trading with Chinese on the mainland,Taiwan and Hong Kong is the complete opposite to what you report for Thai companies,nothing is a bother,quotes done very quickly,changes to packing,no bother,maybe that's why they do so well. Seafood try Vietnam,and Malaysia will be cheaper than Thailand,for the oil. and better currency rates in both countries for the $. regards worgeordie Problem is i do not live in any of those countries and know very little about any of them or doing business there. It also means i would have to either relocate or make regular trips which i am not prepared to do at the moment. May be Vietnam has changed, but 20 years ago i did some business with Vietnamese and it was more like if close one eye, they will cut off your arm. With Chinese, no personal experience but hearing from others when you are not there to check and control, you are shown one product but you receive substandard So again, i would have to be there to make sure all orders are correct and at the moment its not an option Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassosa Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 We tried to have a company quote us for 18 Daikin inverter AC units. Half a million baht+ order. Guy told us he'd do it in the cool season when prices are lower. That's months away and we need them now!! Never got the quote.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BestB Posted September 11, 2019 Author Share Posted September 11, 2019 1 minute ago, The Man Who Sold the World said: understand your frustration. In my experience there is such an inherent distrust of foreigners that the Thais will only deal with other Thais. And, only then the status stuff enters so the family elders deal with other family elders. Yes, it makes absolutely no business sense whatsoever, yet, this is the way their country runs. Why you always need a "Thai" partner to get things done. When I had partnered with a Thai company, they, did all the interacting with other companies "Thai" agents. Never tried to understand it - just accepted it. Whatever will be will be, but, yes, mindboggling. Good luck. Tried, same result. Got my Thai staff to do all the talking, some did not know i existed , same result Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Grumpy Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 21 minutes ago, BestB said: Or the number 1. wholesale price is only 20 baht cheaper than the retail, so sending 10-20 boxes to local pharmacies is better business model than selling 10 000 boxes every month or so? If they're selling 10-20 boxes, what makes you think they have a supply of 10,000? Why would they discount, they'll be sold at their normal price over time, what was the predicted retail price for the product in Australia? Sounds like a troll or someone that hasn't a clue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BestB Posted September 11, 2019 Author Share Posted September 11, 2019 2 minutes ago, Happy Grumpy said: If they're selling 10-20 boxes, what makes you think they have a supply of 10,000? Why would they discount, they'll be sold at their normal price over time, what was the predicted retail price for the product in Australia? Sounds like a troll or someone that hasn't a clue. I can see you are full of having clues, so let me break it down for you. Its a factory, they manufacture it, so why they would have 10 000? because this is what they do, produce it. As for the rest of your post, not worth my time as clearly absolutely clueless but lots of spare time to troll Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaksimMislavsky Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 Contacting them in Thai will probably make a difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poohy Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 I came from the Middle East to Thailand dealing with businesses was infinitely easier there that was 20 years ago its not got any easier I wanted about 5 miles of red colored red pipe same as blue water pipe for a trail order for Sweden a few years ago Would they think about changing the colour ....... NO!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FritsSikkink Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 31 minutes ago, BestB said: Well look at my try number 3, company will not give me a price for half a million baht deal on monthly basis, BECAUSE before had many contact and ask for price but never placed an order, so new policy is not to give price. How exactly they plan to sell without telling the price? and did they consider that may be the reason why no one placed an order was because their prices were too high? or perhaps crappy attitude? Or the number 1. wholesale price is only 20 baht cheaper than the retail, so sending 10-20 boxes to local pharmacies is better business model than selling 10 000 boxes every month or so? Completely idiotic. Send me a PM, I can sort your seafood demands, but change your attitude. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieH Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 Bickering removed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BestB Posted September 11, 2019 Author Share Posted September 11, 2019 5 minutes ago, poohy said: I came from the Middle East to Thailand dealing with businesses was infinitely easier there that was 20 years ago its not got any easier I wanted about 5 miles of red colored red pipe same as blue water pipe for a trail order for Sweden a few years ago Would they think about changing the colour ....... NO!!!! I can totally understand not wanting to change production or make something new for a small or one of order, but when we are talking into millions and monthly supply, you would think it would be smart practice to talk or may be even try to lock you into a contract or charge production changing costs. but instead its just a no and full stop Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BestB Posted September 11, 2019 Author Share Posted September 11, 2019 2 minutes ago, FritsSikkink said: Send me a PM, I can sort your seafood demands, but change your attitude. do tell what is wrong with my attitude? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poohy Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 20 minutes ago, BestB said: I can totally understand not wanting to change production or make something new for a small or one of order, but when we are talking into millions and monthly supply, you would think it would be smart practice to talk or may be even try to lock you into a contract or charge production changing costs. but instead its just a no and full stop yes it was to be an ongoing high $ program.. and yes just NO and yes it went to Vietnam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard_smith237 Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 27 minutes ago, FritsSikkink said: Send me a PM, I can sort your seafood demands, but change your attitude. Why would you post this in public? If you want to be in private contact why not send BestB a PM yourself? instead you wish to 'demonize' him? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaRoadrunner Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 49 minutes ago, The Man Who Sold the World said: understand your frustration. In my experience there is such an inherent distrust of foreigners that the Thais will only deal with other Thais. So how does a Thai company ever export anything? In my experience they are total chaos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dimitriv Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 As a result of the US - China trade-war companies are moving production to other countries. I once saw the list. First thing I noticed is that new opportunities go to Cambodia, to Vietnam, to Malaysia. To all countries. Except for Thailand. And this was before the TM30 failure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieH Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 Posts removed. Do not make public the content of s PM. 7) You will respect fellow members and post in a civil manner. No personal attacks, hateful or insulting towards other members, (flaming) Stalking of members on either the forum or via PM will not be allowed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BestB Posted September 11, 2019 Author Share Posted September 11, 2019 17 minutes ago, dimitriv said: As a result of the US - China trade-war companies are moving production to other countries. I once saw the list. First thing I noticed is that new opportunities go to Cambodia, to Vietnam, to Malaysia. To all countries. Except for Thailand. And this was before the TM30 failure. Little different , here talking about buying and exporting existing products, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FritsSikkink Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 1 hour ago, The Man Who Sold the World said: understand your frustration. In my experience there is such an inherent distrust of foreigners that the Thais will only deal with other Thais. And, only then the status stuff enters so the family elders deal with other family elders. Yes, it makes absolutely no business sense whatsoever, yet, this is the way their country runs. Why you always need a "Thai" partner to get things done. When I had partnered with a Thai company, they, did all the interacting with other companies "Thai" agents. Never tried to understand it - just accepted it. Whatever will be will be, but, yes, mindboggling. Good luck. Absolute nonsense, do loads of business with big Thai companies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThePioneer Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 3 hours ago, BestB said: A number of my buddies own successful import companies in Sydney, Some are biggest suppliers of seafood and cooking oils,others do other products All have been long running, some over 40 years, family businesses. 12 Million Baht per month revenue, and after 40 years being the biggest they haven't found a Thai supplier yet, but decide on that when the exchange rate AUS > THB probably is the worst in 40 years? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnyboy2018 Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 1 hour ago, BestB said: do tell what is wrong with my attitude? There you go again! 555 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BestB Posted September 11, 2019 Author Share Posted September 11, 2019 9 minutes ago, ThePioneer said: 12 Million Baht per month revenue, and after 40 years being the biggest they haven't found a Thai supplier yet, but decide on that when the exchange rate AUS > THB probably is the worst in 40 years? Suppliers always change , product quality changes , its a never ending game of chasing products at the right prices. And yes AUD is at its lowest to THB but all deals are in USD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BestB Posted September 11, 2019 Author Share Posted September 11, 2019 Just now, sunnyboy2018 said: There you go again! 555 I did not go anywhere, still on the sofa and can not wait to hear your expert opinion from extensive experience Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnyboy2018 Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 57 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said: Why would you post this in public? If you want to be in private contact why not send BestB a PM yourself? instead you wish to 'demonize' him? Yes he has enough on his plate....or not as the case may be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skallywag Posted September 11, 2019 Share Posted September 11, 2019 You don't come to thailand for work or business, you come for women and retirement - get a clue dude Chok dee kaap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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