I have an import/export business and deal with companies all over the world, excluding Russia , until now anyway. I have just been approached by an English guy who tells me he is working for a Russian company and what is making me slightly suspicious is that he is asking for factory details of some of my key suppliers . These contacts have in some instances taken years to develop and are not the sort of thing I would want to hand over to a total stranger. He is also asking me to provide a letter addressed "To whom it may concern " giving him my permission to sell my branded goods all over the Russian Federation. There are one or two other , smaller things concerning me as well, all of which is making me reluctant to proceed. Is any one on here doing business in Russia and if so are these requests normal ?
Don't touch it with a bargepole, mine , yours or anybody else's. He is almost certainly being paid a commission (promises promises) for each contact he supplies. Worked in Russia on the Sochi stadium and it was a terrible place. The company I was ultimately working for was a UK company and I believe they insisted for payment up front on everything (and they got it) or it just wasn't going to happen.
He appears to be happy to pay in advance but it is one of those instances where everything feels wrong .
Trust your gut, you've been in business successfully for long enough to know Tell him bluntly you need to be convinced; can he offer you references from bona fide UK companies that have benefited from his services, for example
Don't give the cheeky bastard anything. They are your contacts that have taken time, effort and money to cultivate. Not unless he pays you handsomely for the privilege of "representing" you in Russia. I'd give him 10/10 for his cheek though.
Demand to meet in person at Costa and then get a large hot chocolate which is like £4 and a panini. Make him pay for it.
I think he is wanting to circum navigate you by getting hold of your suppliers so he can go direct, why else would he need that information? Just tell him it is confidential information and you cannot release this information. He doesn't need it clearly? I know a Ukrainian Chick who had her own law firm in the Ukraine of Copenhagen on Russian Affairs (regarding the Oil industry I think). She can advise probably advise on all things Russian but sounds like she will be no help unless you are going direct yourself. Has he told you who the Russian customer is?
It is a new start up company so no references or history. They are happy to pay proforma so no issue with getting caught in that respect but while I was reluctant to give any supplier info away I thought it worth asking on here in case that is the norm in Russia. Based on the replies so far I`ll politely decline to give him any details and be quite happy if nothing comes of it.
He is willing to do one deal but requests that you divulge your suppliers/supply chain so he effectively can move past you in future trades. My opinion is just that not based on any business acumen.
I had dealings with Russians. A mate told me firmly that I'd get half now and nothing later. He was totally wrong. Did loads of work. Didn't listen to my gut instincts. Got lots of promises and got nothing now and absolutely nothing later. It wasn't a small project either. I hate to say it but they seem to do everything with suspicion whereas we build trusting business relationships. As for giving away your contacts.... Why would you? For a promise?
It seems you have traded successfully so far without Russia.At the moment it would seem sensible to keep it that .way
Thanks for the advice all, I`ll follow my instincts and your advice and give out no information and deal with them on a proforma only basis. Cheers
Just reading your post my instinct is already saying a big fat DO NOT GIVE OUT ANY INFORMATION UNLESS YOu CAN VERIFY WHO OR WHAT IS REQUIRING IT
