Alternative Supply Chain Fell Through Dropping STOJO from our Product Line

(19 Jan 2019)

There were too many issues that occurred along the course of ordering Stojo cups from the UK distributor that we decided not to order from them eventually.


  • The UK distributor does not have cups in the collapsed packaging that we sell in Singapore. The cups are in standing packaging in which occupies a lot of space.


  • Even if we collapsed the cups and put in the luggage, we do not have any additional collapsed packaging to pack the cups and sell to customers. Hence, for delivery option, this might pose an issue as we have to spend time look for a suitable box to wrap the cup.


  • Nevertheless, we go ahead to order the cups since the cost price is significantly lower. We ordered 6 of each colours (Black, Grey, Blue, Light Blue) and were assured that delivery can be arranged on Monday as Chien Huey's mum is only available on that day.


  • Our order was passed to another person to handle and she sent an invoice and revised price list, stating that the black Stojo is not available and delivery cannot be made on Monday.


  • Looking at the invoice, there was an additional 20% VAT tax that applies to all sales transaction of goods and services in UK which we did not expect, leading to the cost price to increase to $13.35.


  • As we were not informed that the black Stojo was not available, we have to amend our order again and delivery can only be made on Tuesday if we make the payment immediately. (As it was Friday and they will need 1 working day before they can arrange for delivery)


  • As we were about to make the payment via bank transfer, we realized that the UK distributor will only receive the payment on Monday or Tuesday as it requires 1 working day to process. Delivery will be delayed to Wednesday or Thursday depending on when they receive the payment, which is impossible for the goods to reach Chien Huey's mum in time.


  • They suggested to pay over the phone via credit card however as we are unable to reach them through the phone number that they provide. We were urgently trying to make payment so that delivery can be made on Tuesday, however the UK distributor was not contactable via email for awhile.


As such, in consideration of all these unforeseen circumstances, we decided to forgo this opportunity of ordering from the UK distributor. In addition, if we bring the goods back to Singapore, we will have to pay taxes at the custom. Hence, ordering from UK distributor may not be a viable cost-effective solution.