Finding a genuine seller of commodities is not an entirely easy feat. The market is riddled with sellers who are selling a fake product, not reliable or do not actually have the products. However, with the right information, genuine sellers can easily be identified.
Here are some characteristics buyers should look out for when searching for genuine sellers of commodities.
The seller has a track record of dealing with bigger businesses
It takes a lot of expertise, persistence, and credibility to sell to big businesses. Hence, sellers that have a track record of selling to such businesses are usually more reliable and credible. These sellers are usually the real owners of their products, not fake brokers that run around with the client’s money without having the commodities they claim to have.
They are also very good at building lasting relationships with customers. Big businesses often look to form long relationships with their sellers – not just to make spot buys. They want sellers that are conversant with their products and can be called on at any time should they run into a problem. Patronizing such sellers is always a good idea.
They are registered on a marketplace that verifies local farmers and sellers
Marketplaces verify sellers on their platform as a form of protection for both sellers and buyers. It makes it difficult for fraudsters to pose as sellers on these marketplaces and defrauding buyers in the process.
To get verified on a marketplace, sellers are required to submit personal information like email address, house and business addresses, unexpired ID card, and passport. Official company details, financial information, and tax numbers are also often requested for. All these requirements serve to ensure that the seller is genuine so buyers can be assured that they are in good hands.
Recognized by the country’s export council
Export councils register sellers who are genuinely interested in exporting their commodities out of the country. They are regulatory bodies that promote and regulate export trade as well as implement export polices.
They also provide professional assistance to exporters. Such areas include export procedures, documentation, financing, quality control, export packaging, costing, pricing, and so on. When a seller is registered under the country’s export council, their goods are subject to proper inspection by specific agencies.
These goods will not be shipped unless they meet the required standard of quality, have complete documentation and meet the buyers’ expectation. Hence, the buyer is protected from counterfeit commodities or other fraudulent activities.
Has an export license
Export licenses are documents issued by the appropriate licensing agency which grants sellers permission to export their commodities out of a country without any hassle. The license is only issued after a careful review of the export transaction and all prerequisites have been met. Commodities shipped without an export license are seized at the customs which serves as a loss to the buyer.
Registered under a trade body in their country
Trade bodies are non-profit organizations formed by businesses in the same industry. They are formed to protect the interest of their members, promote trade laws, and be the voice of the industry against unfair legislation.
Trade bodies prescribe the code of ethics for their industry in order to discourage unethical behaviour. They also an avenue for like-minded individuals to network, share ideas and make connections that would be impossible without the association. An important thing they offer is certifications and licenses. These provide a sense of reliability in the minds of customers. It assures them that they are dealing with a genuine seller.
Communicates clearly and is consistent
A seller that lacks proper communication skills is not one that any buyer will want to do business with. Effective communication builds trust and emotional connection between the seller and the buyer. The buyer can comfortably discuss their needs with the seller and the seller can effectively alleviate their concerns and make them feel valued. Consistency is also a very important characteristic. A consistent seller is one that continuously delivers genuine commodities, knows what’s going on in the market and is always looking for ways to improve. A buyer is sure can rely on such seller.
Understands the product
Genuine sellers understand their products. They know everything there is to know about them. They know the features, functions, several applications, advantages and disadvantages, lifecycle, among others.
The seller is thus able to present the benefits of the commodity accurately to the buyer in terms that make sense. Sellers that have a proper understanding of their products. And it shows how invested they are in the products and how passionate they are about it.