New to importing? Discover the rookie errors most people make—and how to avoid them with Jonify’s smart sourcing tools.
Importing goods from overseas, especially from platforms like 1688 or Alibaba, can be an incredible way to grow your business. But for first-time importers, the process can be overwhelming—and costly if you make the wrong move.
At Jonify Imports, we’ve worked with countless businesses and seen the same mistakes repeated by beginners. In this post, we break down the top 5 most common mistakes new importers make, and how to avoid them using Jonify’s smart sourcing tools and expert support.
❌ 1. Not Verifying the Supplier
The Mistake: Many new importers trust any seller who responds quickly or offers cheap prices without doing proper background checks.
The Risk: You could end up with:
- Fake products
- Lost payments
- Delayed or no shipments
Smart Fix:
Use Jonify’s Seller Verification Service to confirm the legitimacy of any 1688 or Alibaba supplier before making payment. We check business licenses, history, and online reputation so you don’t get scammed.
đź“Ź 2. Failing to Understand Product Specifications
The Mistake: Importers often order items without fully understanding size, material, color, packaging, or even voltage differences.
The Risk: You receive goods that are completely unusable or don’t match your market expectations.
Smart Fix:
Let Jonify help you translate and clarify product specs before payment. We ensure you’re getting exactly what you expect—no surprises.
đź’¸ 3. Ignoring Hidden Costs
The Mistake: Many beginners calculate only product cost and forget about shipping, customs duty, inspection fees, agent fees, and local delivery.
The Risk: You blow your budget or end up with goods stuck at the port.
Smart Fix:
With Jonify Imports, you get a clear cost breakdown before placing your order. Our quotes include product cost, China-side logistics, and estimated clearing costs in Nigeria.
📦 4. Ordering in Bulk Without Testing
The Mistake: In a rush to save, many importers order large quantities from an untested supplier.
The Risk: You could get hundreds of defective or unsellable items.
Smart Fix:
Start small. Use Jonify to place a sample or low MOQ (minimum order quantity) order, evaluate the quality, and then scale. We’ll inspect your goods before shipment so you know what you’re getting.
⏳ 5. Underestimating Lead Time
The Mistake: Many importers expect Amazon-like speed and don’t plan for production time, quality control, and shipping delays.
The Risk: Missed sales deadlines, disappointed customers, or stockouts.
Smart Fix:
Jonify helps you track every stage of your order—from sourcing to delivery—so you can plan accurately. We’ll give you realistic timelines and regular updates.
🧠Bonus Tip: Doing It All Alone
Importing is not a DIY project—especially in the beginning. Language barriers, time zone differences, payment risks, and cultural misunderstandings can derail your success.
With Jonify Imports, you don’t need to figure it all out by yourself. We’ve built a complete sourcing system designed to:
- Verify suppliers
- Translate and negotiate
- Handle payments securely
- Ship and track your goods
- Offer support until delivery
âś… Ready to Start Importing the Smart Way?
Avoid rookie mistakes and grow your business with confidence.
👉 Submit a product link for verification
👉 Request a quote from Jonify
With Jonify Imports, you’re not just importing goods—you’re importing peace of mind.