APPA promotes ethical and mutually beneficial commercial relationships across the supply chain for the benefit of the industry and brands. APPA has a strict Code of Conduct which sets the standards for relationships between members and best practice within the supply chain, including compliance. Acceptance of, and adherence to the Code is a non-negotiable pre-requisite of membership.
While internationally-based promotional product sellers have the lure of low-cost items, purchasing from these suppliers is not always the best option.
Make sure you are dealing with an APPA member by searching for a supplier, distributor or decorator listed in the APPA Member Directory.
Many overseas countries have a well-earned reputation for producing substandard and often dangerous products that do not adhere to Australian and New Zealand safety standards (be specifically wary of items like toys and electronics).
When purchasing from an Australian or New Zealand based distributor, all of your consumer rights apply. Although those rights may also apply when you buy from an overseas online business, you might find recourse rather difficult if the items are inferior or not fit for purpose as the business is not based in Australasia.
Cheaper goods are typically made with materials of lesser quality. Since the quality is poor, you may run the risk that the products may not function correctly or last for the expected length of time. Can you risk your brands reputation with inferior products that don't properly reflect your image?
There may be unexpected charges to watch out for. While many of the sites/factories you can buy from offer their own protection policies, they are not legally enforceable. Even if you can return an order, the cost of postage may make doing so prohibitively expensive.
https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/consumer-rights-guarantees
https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/370348/Online_Shopping_Survey_Report_May_2017.pdf
