FTP - A Distribution & Ordering Hub linking Manufacturers and Australian Local Independe

BUSINESS MODEL

The business model of Fill-the-Pallet was established on the fact that we found a key position in the market.

For independent retailers, the giant MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) is a mountain to climb when importing. At the same time, Asian manufactures are actively creating their own brands and keen to get them on the shelves of overseas markets.

Based on the needs of both sides, with new IT technologies, Fill-the-Pallet creatively designed a solution that allows retailers to order small quantities while introducing manufacturers’ brands to overseas markets at the same time.

To explain in specific, Fill-the-Pallet built a warehouse in both Asia and Australia where qualified suppliers can ship their branded products into. All products entering the FTP warehouses must pass a strict audit to ensure that they meet the specifications and requirements of the target market. An online order system was developed which allows Australian independent retailers to select from a wide range of products. For most products we have in stock, small volume orders from retailers are accepted. Fill-the-Pallet only charges a corresponding service fee on top of the product price set by factories. Through this business model, Australian independent stores and Asian manufactures are perfectly linked.

Currently, we work with more than 500 overseas manufacturers and there are over 15,000 SKUs stored in our warehouse. With more than 500 independent retailers worldwide purchasing from us, we ship out over 1,000 containers each year.

PRODUCTS

16 categories of products with more than 12000 SKUs are stocked in the FTP warehouse. The product range covers almost all categories in a general hardware store. Therefore, FTP can provide one-stop supply service for our valued clients.

We implement strict quality control standards for our products. On the one hand, we cooperate with well-reputed manufacturers only, which essentially guarantees the stable quality of our products. On the other hand, before the products are brought into our warehouses, strict quality inspections are carried out on them to ensure that every product sent from our warehouse has no quality-related issues and gets certifications of related industries.

We understand that proper packaging is very important for independent retailers. Therefore all products supplied by FTP are with standard packaging and are suitable for retail resale. Most products have barcodes printed on the package for easier management for retailers.

FTP values the diversity of our product series important. Not only popular products are offered, products with relatively unpopular functions are also supplied. We believe that as long as the market need exists, that product should be made available in the market.

MANUFACTURERS

After providing OEM services for international brands for a long time, Asian manufacturers are mature with their manufacturing capabilities, product knowledge, and marketing experiences. They are not willing to be hidden behind the scenes and are looking to build and promote their own brands.

FTP is familiar with the international market and can assist factories to create and optimise their brands to fully meet global market requirements. Correspondingly, these professional factories put their branded products into the FTP warehouses for consignment. These manufacturers are all experts in their product lines. They also fabricate products for many well-known brands.

A few cases are listed below for you to view:

With more than 30 years of industry experience, CIC is a factory specialising in the field of paintbrush. They make 30 million paintbrushes every year. CIC provides OEM products for many famous brands, such as HARRIS, WORKCRAFT, CRISTINA, Their own brand was established and named CIC. There are more than 50 SKUs of the paintbrush of CIC on the FTP platform.

With more than 23 years of industry experience, BOLOSSOM is a factory specialising in the field of padlock. They make more than 15 million padlocks every year. BOLOSSOM provides OEM products for many famous brands, such as PHILLIPS, GLOBAL, NATIONAL HARDWRAE, etc. On the FTP platform, you can find 34 varieties of BOLOSSOM products which are factory self-branded.

With more than 15 years of industry experience, UNITED POWER is a factory specialising in the field of portable gasoline generator. They make more than 2 million generators every year. UNITED POWER OEM for GM, B&D etc. From FTP, you can buy 15 varieties of UNITED POWER products.

Similar cases go on. The product prices you get from FTP are directly set by those factories. We believe that FTP’s business model ensures our retailer partners get a competitive price.

TESTIMONIALS

Since 2012, FTP has been cooperating with hundreds of retailer customers, let us listen to what our customers say about FTP.

Mr. Lewis Boulton

Purchase Manager/BLUEBIRD LUMBER & HARDWARE - SAMOA

A comprehensive range of products at competitive pricing, knowledgeable support staffs, ensure timely processing of orders and exploring/expanding ranges is made easier.

Mr. Charlie Huang

International Buyer / LEON HARDWARE – PNG

When our company transformed from a department store into a hardware & building material store, to be honest, we lacked relevant product information. Fortunately, we met FTP. They have sound industry knowledge. They helped us planning the store and carrying out the pre-distribution, and gave us strong support and confidence. Now, with 12 branches, we are the largest hardware and building materials store in the local. We have been cooperating with FTP and we believe this cooperation will continue because we are very satisfied with each other.

Mr. Shane Rybaov

Store Manager / Mega Tools Shop – POLAND

"As a small tool store, we have been purchasing from local suppliers until one day, a representative of FTP walked into my store and asked me if I would be interested in directly importing products from China. This is how our cooperation began. I want to say that everything is satisfactory, without FTP, I don’t think I would take this step at all."

Mr. Tim Sonnatag

Owner / BUILDEX SOLUTION – SOUTH AFRICA

Since 2008, I have planned to purchase directly from China to reduce procurement costs, but when I went to the China Fair to negotiate with Chinese manufacturers, they all told me that I needed to order an entire container, and each product had MOQ, otherwise, the factory could not produce it, which made me very frustrated. FTP creatively came up with a way to pack more than 300 SKUs of products in one container, so that we can enrich our store with less money. What's even more incredible is that the price provided by FTP is very reasonable, and their service is also top-notch.

Mr. William Wang

Managing Director / ABC QLD TRADE SUPPLIES – AUSTRALIA

“FTP gave me huge support when I just started my own business 5 years ago. The team is also very helpful and they truly understand hardware & building retailer business. I think I look on them not just business partner, but friends as well. I trust this company and its team. They are good guys”

Mr. Helios Cook

Purchasing Maneger / NTB BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION – USA

“As independent store, we can not afford to order 2000pcs each SKU one time. FTP offer us one carton MOQ for every SKU. This makes it possible for us import from China directly. We saved a lot money since we start to import from China. It’s amazing experience for us”

Mr. Leighton Shearer

Branch Manager / SANTO HARDWARE – VANUATU

“Partnering with FTP has been a fantastic decision for our business. A comprehensive range, reasonable MOQs, good quality products and fantastic pricing. All of this with an easy to use online ordering system has made this partnership a win-win for us all. Our partnership and their great service has set us up well for a successful future”.

FAQS

1Q: What's the FTP (Fill-The-Pallet) ordering process?

A: First, customers apply for an account online. Some basic information will need to be filled. FTP will carefully review each application form and set up accounts for customers. After it’s done, customers can start to order online.
2Q: How does FTP offer competitive prices?

A: The prices on the platform are set directly by overseas factories. Less indirect cost and a more efficient business model result in more competitive prices.
3Q: What is the payment term of FTP?

A: FTP offers a payment term of 30 days EOM for all retailer customers who have applied for a FTP Credit Account. Customers can find the application form online once logged in.
4Q: How does FTP guarantee the quality of products and what standard do the products implement?

A: First of all, FTP only cooperates with well-reputed and professional manufacturers. Secondly, before the products are put into our warehouse, we will carry out strict quality inspections on it, and we ensure that all products meet the regulatory and certification requirements of the local market. We promise a one-year guarantee period for quality.
5Q: What if you don't want to order online?

A: Our ordering system is a user-friendly tool and we are very confident in it. Relative guides are also provided to help you with the process. With online ordering preferred, traditional quotation form ordering option is still available upon request via email.
6Q: Are retailers welcomed to visit FTP warehouse?

A: We welcome all retail customers to come to our Melbourne warehouse and visit our showroom.
7Q: Will FTP develop products based on customer's needs?

A: Customers' suggestions and feedback on products are most welcomed. We will carefully listen to the needs of every customer and take consideration of them into our new product development. FTP develops many new products every year.
8Q: Does FTP accept smaller quantity orders, with quantity less than MOQ listed on the website?

A: We do not accept order quantities less than the listed MOQ. However, we can accept a sample order at the beginning of our cooperation.
9Q: How long is the order lead time?

A: Orders can normally be prepared and delivered within one week after the confirmation of order, however other factors such as courier or inventory could cause a delay.
10Q: If I have no experience in importing products from China, can I cooperate with FTP?

A: Under FTP business model for Australia market, it does not require any experience of overseas importing. FTP has door-to-door supply chain management capability. We will transport the order directly to your backyard after we receive your online order.