Have you ever paid for a forklift from an overseas supplier but not received it? Last year, Forkliftaction.com News heard about one such incident from a US-based member. Six months after paying a European supplier, the buyer has received many excuses, but still no forklift!

We asked two companies which import and export forklifts for some advice.

K Uchiyama, president of Yokohama-based F Uchiyama and Co Ltd, says he has not experienced equipment fraud in his company's history, but has advice for companies wishing to import equipment.

To avoid becoming a victim, Uchiyama says one "should not make a deal with unknown or unidentified persons or organisations".

He adds that forklift buyers should contact and confirm the identity of a potential business partner with business friends in the same industry before signing contracts.

Uchiyama cautions against buying "at unrealistic prices" as this may signal risks to the buyer.

F Uchiyama exports used Japanese-branded forklift and construction machinery.

Dave Braun of Ohio, US-based Russell Equipment says his company imported several hundred units of equipment, some from the US and Mexico in 2012, with "few problems".

"A mistake many companies make is going with the lowest-priced solution. When dealing with international trading, the 'big dog' can be expensive, but the assurance of keeping your transaction smooth and getting what you ordered is (worth it)," Braun advises.

"The other less obvious solution is a face-to-face meeting with the prospective supplier. This is less obvious today because of a trust in the media as opposed to what an individual can perceive from looking another human in the eye," he continues.

"The psychology of intuition is disregarded by many today, but for those who are still willing to practise [it], the average of successful transaction is increased and failure is [usually] a low percentage as a result."

Braun adds that Russell Equipment supplies many international clients and that the majority have travelled to his US premises to view the equipment.

"As a supplier, we welcome the sometimes-unexpected visit with hours of notice. First impressions still mean something and we find that the serious traders of equipment make the trip so they can be comfortable with who it is that is receiving their money and how it is that orders are processed."