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IV / Volume 10 - September 2011

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IV / Volume 10 - September 2011 Sourcing Bali News

Dear Friends,

We are very proud to once again bring you the latest news and updates from Sourcing Bali and our supplier partners.

In this issue, we share news of recent projects for Bespoke (our interior design division), some very serious updates concerning fumigation amendments for Australia, as well as details of our most recent uploads of products and new orders from different parts of the world.

September is shaping up to be a busy month with many new buyers and repeat customers coming to place their orders in time for Christmas deliveries.  If you haven't already put your orders in, please do so soon.

On behalf of the entire crew at Sourcing Bali / Rim Cargo / Hospitality Essentials / Bespoke - we thank you for your very important and much appreciated support.

Warmest regards,

Desmond & Crew

New Products / Recently uploaded

Our website features a special area for newly loaded products.  You are encouraged to visit this page often, as these items change frequently and remain on this page for only 30 days before being absorbed as part of our regular range.

We are very selective of the types of products that we feature.  We aim to include only unqiue and original designs - all with the highest quality of materials and workmanship. 

Whilst we do have over 3000 products loaded onto our site - it is impossible for us to load everything that we source - if you don't find what you're looking for within our pages, please email us with the details and we'll do our best to source it / produce it for you.

Here are some of the items that have been recently sourced by us and recently loaded to the site.   For further information, please email desmond@sourcing-bali.com


beds021

beds022

beds024

sofa091

sofa092

sofa090


tadi059

stoo020

tadi058


cabi057

cabi055

cabi059

New AQIS Regulations - affecting Fumigation to Australia

We have recently been advised of newly imposed regulations for exporting to AUSTRALIA - particularly in respect to finished goods. 

This law is not new, but it's rigid implementation is, and this gives cause for concern.  The new regualtion requires that any 'finished items' not certified to have been treated prior to finishing must undergo expensive and very time consuming ETO fumigation in Bali.  The problem with this regualtion is that there is only ONE certified supplier of this service in Bali, and the facility is limited in capacity to anything over 1.5m in diameter - which means that any items larger than this cannot be treated. 

The Association of Freight Forwarders (we are members) have asked for further clarification on this regulation since the implications could have a serious impact on exports and costs of exports from Bali to Australia. 

We are yet to receive a conclusive response to our inquiries and we will keep you informed.

Tips for having a successful buying trip

If you're considering a buying trip, either for business or for personal use, it is important to ensure that your time is not wasted.   Here are some useful tips to help make your buying trip the success that you need it to be.

a) be sure to research before you leave home - understand what Bali is capable of doing and what materials are readily available.  Study multiple websites for inspiration and ideas.  Know what you are looking for in advance, build lists to help you to stay focused.  Have multiple copies of pictures to give to your agent or suppliers, or save them to a flash disc for easy copying.

b) wherever possible, bring floor plans (if building) and pictures, as well as colour references for timbers / paint to match etc.  The more informed you are, the better quality of information you can share with your suppliers. (and agent)

c) be sure to use a reliable agent ( preferably us ! ) - one who has a proven reputation for quality and intergrity.  Follow up and communication will be vital for your peace of mind when you leave.   An impartial agent will be invaluable to you when checking orders, monitoring production, communicating your needs and assisting with translations and negotiations. if you are sourcing from more than 1 supplier, then an agent is VITAL.

d) book your accommodation close to your agent - you will be spending alot of time in the car visiting suppliers and meeting with your agent.  Driving time can be significantly reduced if you are near to your agent / and suppliers

e) dont waste time with suppliers that dont meet your needs - there are thousands of suppliers in Bali, so if you already immediately don't see what you like, move on.  Time is precious. 

f) wear comfortable clothes and shoes and leave the jewelry at home. You will be on the road for 8-10 hours a day, it's important that you stay comfortable.  Excessive jewelry can send the wrong message to suppliers.  

g) stay hydrated - it's hot here..but remember, clean, western style toilets are not always available!

h) select your freight forwarder carefully - inspect their facilities and meet the crew, inspect the warehouse and their packing standards.  You will very soon see the difference between a professional freight forwarder and a cowboy. Don't be persuaded to go only with the cheapest.  Cheap isn't good when you are entrusting them to take care of your purchases. (Rim Cargo)

i) take notes and business cards.  these will be helpful to you in remembering what you have seen.  You could be visiting up to 15 different suppliers in a day and the volume of information can often be overwhelming.  Using a reliable, professional agent will relieve you of this problem as they will take notes, collect samples and prepare detailed summaries of suppliers and selected products. 

j) debrief - it is vitally important to have a debrief with your agent.  This will re-affirm any notes for follow up, help to delete any redundant items, and re-confirm any details discussed.  Be sure to take copies of follow up notes.

We hope that these few points help you to maximise the efficiency of your buying trip and leave you with more time to enjoy BALI !!

 

 

New projects for Bespoke

We have recently been awarded a number of new residential projects - including a luxury home in Hawaii, a new renovation for a family home in Melbourne and a stunning new apartment in UK, just outside of London. 

Our project in Cat Cay in the Bahamas is already done and the containers of customised orders are already on their way - we look forward to bringing news of these and many more of our interior design projects over the coming months.

www.bespoke-bali.com includes details of our projects - both commercial and residential - and features individually rendered peices.  The website continues to grow as we expand our portfolio of products - all available through Sourcing Bali.

Our design fees are very affordable - so please, if you're planning on re-doing your home, apartment or business - please email us for a quote - you'll be very pleasantly surprised.   desmond@bespoke-bali.com

*Bespoke-bali is a registered brand of PT Sourcing Bali

Customer Comments

Our customers live far and wide, and we send over 20 shipments per month to all corners of the Globe.  Often we become close friends with them, and often they send us pictures of their new finished homes / businesses - complete with the items that they have purchased from Sourcing Bali.

We understand the worry and stress that can be experienced by purchasing from overseas - particularly entrusting someone to follow up on your orders and ensure that everything exactly right.  That's why our dedicated and professional team are always onhand to respond to any questions, feed back important and up to date information on customer orders and ensure complete peace of mind.

We're proud to share some recently received comments from some of our customers...

 

" I want to send you all my greetings and a big thank you for another perfectly packed container.

It has arrived here 2 weeks ago and today I am unpacking the last 6 boxes. All the products have arrived in a immaculate state, and except one piece, all was mould free.

I like to send my special thanks to Paulina and Pipin who supported us finding the right products and introduced us to the right suppliers for our production.  

They showed a lot of patience and tried to find solutions even for the most difficult wishes of our clients :0)

A big thanks also to Leo who has brought us safe true the crazy traffic all over the island.

And off course not to forget all the administration, accounting and Made the “office angel” that is pampering everyone with coffee or tea and her gorgeous smiles.

Thank you also for your hospitality at the Sourcing Bali office which became a place where friends are and not only the place I go to work."


Francesca Corsitto - Switzerland

 

" Believe it or not our house is finally completed!  James and I thought you and the Sourcing Bali team might like to view our website, www.villaazura.com 

We have had many compliments on the furniture and decor, and I am sure you will recognise most things. 

Thank you all for your help and hard work, and best of luck for years to come. "


James and Amanda Neal - UK

Reclining in Dubai

One of our customers sent us some amusing pictures of a 2.5metre reclining Buddah that we sourced and sent to them. 
Buddha is now at home, reclining by the pool in Dubai !  

..and the winner is

This has to be the strangest request we've ever been asked to make / source .. a fully carved, floor to ceiling WC.  This unique peice is on it's way to Hawaii.  It makes you (sit and) wonder.... Any more strange requests? please feel free to email us at robert@sourcing-bali.com    This has to take :-)

  

 


Staff Updates

We are pleased to welcome Hengky to the family.  Hengky is working with Slamet at our retail store on Jalan Oberoi - (Laksmana) - Hengky previously worked for Billabong in one of their retail outlets and he brings very valuable retail sales skills.  We wish him every success with Sourcing Bali.


We are also very pleased to welcome back Puteri as Sales Executive for our Hospitality Essentials brand - based in Jakarta.  Puteri was formally based in Bali, but due to family reasons, she had to relocate back to Jakarta.  We are very pleased to have her back with us and we wish her every success in this new role / territory.

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