SWIFORT arranged the end-to-end supply of a professional sublimation printer from China to Krasnodar, including model selection, warehouse inspection, replacement of an incorrect configuration, packaging, and logistics. The client saved approximately RUB 430,000 compared with buying comparable equipment in Russia.
By agreement with the client, we are not disclosing the equipment’s brand or exact model for confidentiality reasons.
The situation
Against a backdrop of sanctions restrictions, the client needed a professional sublimation printer to expand production. Similar equipment in Russia cost approximately RUB 800,000. We found the required model directly from a Chinese manufacturer. The supply price, including delivery to Krasnodar, was RUB 370,000.
Savings: RUB 800,000 minus RUB 370,000, or approximately RUB 430,000.
The client’s requirements
The client needed a particular printer configuration with a suitable printhead. The priorities were to:
- Find the exact model at a factory in China.
- Check the configuration and all included components.
- Confirm that the machine was in working order.
- Pack the equipment securely.
- Deliver it to Russia without damage.
- Meet the agreed budget and deadlines.
What the first inspection revealed
After manufacturing the printer, the factory sent it to our warehouse in China. We received the equipment and inspected it with the client joining by video call.
The inspection revealed that the factory had shipped a different configuration from the one agreed in the order. Without this inspection, the client would have received an unsuitable machine in Russia. Returning it to China would have meant additional costs, disruption to the production launch, and lengthy negotiations with the supplier.
How we resolved the problem
- We stopped the shipment and contacted the factory immediately.
- The factory acknowledged its mistake and replaced the equipment with the required configuration. The wait was approximately five days.
- We inspected the replacement again, checking compliance with the order, the printhead type, included components, appearance, absence of damage, operation of the main assemblies, packaging, and readiness for transport.
- We released the equipment for international shipment only after receiving the client’s confirmation.
Packaging and delivery
The printer was packed for international transport, with protection for its body, printhead, and sensitive assemblies. The journey to Moscow took approximately 20 days, and the equipment arrived intact. We then arranged domestic delivery within Russia to Krasnodar.
The client received exactly the configuration required for production.
The result
- A professional sublimation printer in the required configuration.
- An inspection at SWIFORT’s warehouse in China.
- Replacement of the incorrect model before international shipment.
- Secure packaging and delivery to Krasnodar.
- Savings of approximately RUB 430,000.
- Oversight and communication at every stage.
Despite the factory’s mistake, we met the agreed deadlines. The issue was resolved while the equipment was still in China, without additional costs for the client.
Why inspection in China is essential
Even when ordering directly from a manufacturer, there is a risk of receiving a different configuration, an unsuitable printhead, missing components, damaged equipment, or specifications that do not match the technical requirements.
Inspection before shipping allows these issues to be resolved before paying for international transport. In this project, the warehouse inspection prevented the wrong printer from being imported into Russia and avoided an expensive return shipment to China.
The client’s plans
The client was satisfied with the price, timing, and speed of our response. They are now preparing another order and considering expanding to three printers. One of the machines is intended for subsequent resale in Russia at a markup on the client’s own cost.
Conclusion
Sourcing equipment from China can offer savings when the model is selected correctly, the included components are checked, and the equipment is inspected before dispatch. We found a sublimation printer at a lower price than the Russian offer, received it in China, identified the factory’s mistake, secured a replacement, inspected it again, and arranged packaging and delivery to the client in Krasnodar.
SWIFORT provides end-to-end support for finding, inspecting, and delivering machinery and equipment from China, from agreeing on specifications to receiving the goods in Russia.
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