Too good to believe? Shopping for an Asado grill

[BBQPhil]

I've wanted to get an asado grill, something similar to a Santa Maria grill, but what I found was either too expensive or too cheaply made. I found several great models from Tagwood and other companies, but costing around $6000 and up.

About 3 months ago I decided to see what I could find in China. Having worked over there for several companies, I know there are different kinds of companies - those that both design and manufacture for another company using their own designs and those that manufacturer and assemble a product designed by their customers. I went on Alibaba and searched for a company designing their own products so they have the rights to sell them.

I struck gold when I found the company that both designs and build products for a US company as well as sells to restaurants. I began to email back and forth and developed a high level of confidence on the company's products. I selected a model that reatils in the US for over $6000 with accessories. My cost was $1000 plus $600 to ship it. Attached is the picture of the grill leaving the factory about 40 days ago. I was able to track the container ship using Google from China to Long Beach,CA. It arrived about a week ago and I got a call that the grill will be delivered later today. Seems too good to believe.

I'll update this once it arrives.

[Ahumadora]

Looks like a nice parrilla. No way I could make something like that for the same price. Glad I am getting out of the smoker business as it is getting crowded now.

[Troutman]

Hey my friend, how are things down under? Getting out of the business, that's a surprise!

[Ahumadora]

Troutman Yep, 12 years of it and I am done. No real money in it and sales are very slow. I am setting up a roadside BBQ joint and due to open this coming weekend. Will post some pics in the coming days.

[jfmorris]

I guess the market for smokers in NZ isn't what it was in the Americas?

[Troutman]

Nice looking rig. I'd evoke the "buy America" clause but that thing appears to be built like a tank. Good score.

[BBQPhil]

While you may question buying from China, consider that this product probably netted the manufacture a few hundred dollars, while the U.S. retailer selling it for $6500 likely made $5000! Which economy does it help more?

[Spinaker]

That is awesome. Sounds like you got a great deal too. Looking forward to seeing the pictures of this baby in action.

[BBQPhil]

The deals are there for anyone. While caution is needed to vet the company, they are in business to sell their products. By going to the source there is no middle man that in my case takes about a 75% margin.

[STEbbq]

What kind of questions/conversations did you have to obtain the level of confidence to drop $1600?

[BBQPhil]

Exchenged emails with the company official to learn the name of the company retailing the same grill in the US. Was very responsive to a number of questions, so found their communications was excellent. Gave me a list of restaurants in Southern CA using his grills in their kitchens. And looked at his product offerings and getting info such as weight, guage of steel, etc. I've worked so long with many factories in China, you can quickly tell whether they are the real manufcaturer or a distributor. It was clear early on that this was the real deal. My biggest worry was shipping damage. They were also willing to provide some accessories and to negotiate a little. And being listed on Alibaba and working through them provides a guarantee, although one I've never had to test. But they do have a conclict resolution function should you need it.
Also watched a very good video (see link below in another comment)

[BBQPhil]

D Here are some pictures of its arrival. Dropped off in a plywood box on a pallet. Weighed more than 100 pounds. Removed the sides and the grill wheels were locked in place. All the stones were intact and 2 extra were provided. Removed all of the loose parts to be able maneuver the grill to my back yard. Now will be assembling it.

[Uncle Bob]

Alibaba is fascinating to me. For those with your experience, or higher risk tolerance than norm, there're some good value items available. The time element and damage risk are probably too much for many. That unit looks pretty nice, looking forward to your first hand eval.

Just to put in perspective how well you did, here's a similar (though SM type) product that is available in your neighborhood. They have shipping buried in the $2300 price, which they say they'll discount for local pickup, so maybe 2-300 less, which puts it a few hundred higher than where you ended up. Stainless Steel #304 & #430, Outdoor Charcoal BBQ Parrilla Santa Maria / Argentine Grill, Spit (ecrater.com)

[BBQPhil]

Good find. I actually visited that place twice. They have a huge assortment of merchandise from pizza ovens to small tractors to some of these type of grills. The grills were not good quality - they very lightwight and would have cost about 30% more than what I ordered.

[jfmorris]

Wow! Looks like you stumbled on a good supplier, and I look forward to seeing this grill fully assembled and in action!

[Mosca]

That is fantastic!

[BBQPhil]

Assembly took about 45 minutes. Hardest part was removing the vinyl covering from the lower shelf. This is built like a tank. Very heavy with good fittings (see latch, closure, grills, etc. Also came with a bunch of tools. The company's alibaba website is here with a very good video.

https://yinge-group.en.alibaba.com/?spm=a2756.trade-list-buyer.0.0.180776e9sMfgxq&tracelog=from_orderlist_company

[Donw]

Was the shipping to the Port of San Diego only or did the price include a freight forwarder?

[BBQPhil]

Shipping was via Port of Long Beach with truck delivery to my driveway. All included.

[Smoked Transistors]

That new toy is awesome! I just happen to live in Long Beach where all those ships unload goodies straight from China. May have to look into to one myself. Thanks for the company info.

[Ahumadora]

I contacted Peachwood last night and chatted with the owner in China for about an hour. I showed him what I had been doing and we conversed about the market. He is not selling many grills and finding it a very tough market (hence the reason I am no longer manufacturing). His grills are made of 2mm stainless and could make them out of 3mm, but no one wants to pay the price.

[BBQPhil]

The last step is to go to Alibaba and to confirm receipt and condition. They then sent this email:

We acknowledge that you are satisfied with the shipping information for the Trade Assurance Order 18187981050xxxxx (as you neither confirm the shipment nor request a refund within the given time period).


Now we suppose the goods shipment has been completed, and the supplier’s Assurance Amount for this order has been unfrozen.


View order details: <http://biz.alibaba.com/ta/detail.htm?orderIdxxxxetc>


Wishing you the very best of business.

[CaptainMike]

Man, that is one sweet looking cooker. I wish I were in a position to acquire one, I'd be all over it!