[Lang]

There was a fellow in Allora (Tony is this your mate?) who brought in a nice looking batch of 9.00-16 NDT tyres a couple of years ago. Only problem was although the size on the tyre said 9.00-16 they were actually 7.50-16!

I believe the Asian supplier replaced with the correct size (and probably fired the guy who puts the writing in the moulds)

I don't think people need to get too xenophobic - please explain (Aussie joke)- about Asian suppliers. Nearly everything you wear, every bit of high tech stuff, your entire household equipment and probably your car is made somewhere in Asia.

I have had little problem with Asian suppliers regarding quality or delivery. My biggest rip-offs have been from USA (false description, wrong item or short count, non delivery and claims of non-payment despite Paypal records, over many years)

These Asian companies are multi-million dollar corporations and produce whatever is asked for by distributors and onsellers - cheap and nasty or Rolls Royce standard. Unlike western manufacturers many do not have their own branded dealers in many countries and sell through relatively tin-pot companies in each area or mini-entrepreneurs like us wanting just one container. Some will put your personal brand on tyres for runs as small as a couple of hundred.

99% chance any problems are not with the quality of the tyres or manufacturer's dispatch but all the various wholesalers, distributors and dealers. This is made worse by the expectations of amateur importers who do not understand the risks, costs and red tape involved in bringing one-off shipments of goods into western countries.

In my experience you have probably a better chance of a smooth ride dealing with Asian companies than you will with western countries. Your import shipping/customs agent is the make or break and some are incompetent - ask around.

Lang