u/ExtraInvestigator381

I’m placing a small first order (~100 units) with a supplier on Alibaba and initially asked for DDP to the UK.

The supplier is pushing back quite hard and saying I shouldn’t do DDP. They mentioned some of their European customers had issues with goods being held at customs without a “tax clearance form” and are now asking me for my VAT and EORI number.

My understanding was that with proper DDP, the supplier should act as importer of record and handle duties, VAT, and clearance, so I shouldn’t need to provide those details.

They’re now steering me toward FOB instead, which I’m reluctant to do for such a small test order since I don’t have a freight forwarder set up yet.

A few questions:

1. Is it normal for suppliers to push back on DDP like this?

2. Are they right about potential customs issues in Europe/UK without VAT/EORI?

3. Is this a red flag or just them trying to avoid risk?

4. Would DAP be a better middle ground here?

5. For those importing into the UK, what did you do for your first small batch?

For context, I’ve ordered samples from other suppliers using “DDP” to the UK with no issues, so this caught me off guard. I’ve also ordered a sample from this supplier previously under FOB (essentially just paid fedex the tax and they sent it to me)

Would appreciate any advice from people who’ve been through this.

Thanks

I’m currently a mid-level VP at a PE fund in London and honestly feeling pretty unmotivated by both the work and the people.

Background is fairly typical: started in IB, then moved across to PE and have been at two different funds over ~8 years total. Outside in things are going fine, but I’m increasingly questioning whether I actually want to keep doing this long term (or can put up with it. To be clear hours at my current shop are ok).

I feel like I’m at a bit of a crossroads. I’m not sure how transferable my skillset really is outside of finance, and I’m also unclear what realistic exit options look like at this level in London. At the same time, I’m weighing whether it’s worth taking the risk of leaving versus just sticking it out.

I’m not tied down (not married, long-term girlfriend but no kids), and I don’t have any major carry at stake, so that’s not really a factor in the decision. If there’s ever a time to pivot, it’s probably now.

Would be really interested to hear from people who’ve moved out of PE in London, especially at VP-ish level, what you moved into (corp dev, start-ups, operating roles, or something totally different), whether you’re happier, and anything you wish you’d known before making the jump.

Appreciate any perspectives, especially from people who felt similarly burnt out or disengaged before leaving.