At a glance
- ❌ The Trap: Focusing 100% on the lowest price often leads to buying products that don't meet Irish Building Regulations (e.g., U-values).
- 🚛 Logistics Fail: Ordering a 16-meter articulated truck for a site located on a narrow residential lane.
- 🗣️ Lost in Translation: Assuming "Standard Spec" in Poland is the same as in Ireland.
- 📅 Timing: Forgetting about Polish public holidays (May 1st, Corpus Christi) which can delay shipments by a week.
The Cost of "Learning by Doing"
We have seen it happen too often. An Irish developer finds a direct supplier in Poland, places an order to save 30%, and then... the windows arrive with the wrong opening direction, or the truck gets stuck outside the site because it is too big to turn.
Importing is profitable, but it requires precision. Here are the 5 most common mistakes we see—and how Actitrade helps you avoid them.
1. Buying on Price, Ignoring the Spec
The Mistake: You choose the cheapest quote for windows without checking the thermal parameters. The Reality: Poland has different climate zones. A "standard" window for the Polish domestic market might not meet the nZEB (Near Zero Energy Building) requirements in Ireland. The Fix: Always specify the required U-value (e.g., 0.8 W/m²K) and certification (CE / DoP) before asking for a price.
2. The "Artic vs. Rigid" Logistics Nightmare
The Mistake: You order a Full Truck Load (FTL) to save money. A huge 16.5m articulated lorry arrives at your site in a tight Dublin suburb... and can't get in. The Reality: Polish transport companies assume standard industrial access unless told otherwise. The Fix: Assess your site access first. If it's tight, we must book a "Rigid" truck or arrange a transshipment (cross-docking) to a smaller vehicle locally.
3. "Standard" isn't Universal
The Mistake: Ordering "Standard Internal Doors". The Reality:
- Irish standard height: often 2032mm (80 inches) or 1981mm.
- Polish standard height: usually 2000mm (European DIN standard).
- Result: The doors don't fit your openings. The Fix: Never use the word "Standard". Always communicate in millimeters and provide technical drawings.
4. Underestimating Communication Barriers
The Mistake: Relying on Google Translate or emails that are too brief. The Reality: Technical terms (e.g., "rebated vs. non-rebated", "reveal depth") are easily misinterpreted. A small misunderstanding in the email chain can lead to 500 units being made incorrectly. The Fix: Use diagrams and photos rather than just text. Or use an agent (like Actitrade) who speaks the technical language of the factory.
5. Skipping the Financial Check
The Mistake: Paying a 50% deposit to a company you only found on Google. The Reality: While most suppliers are honest, scams exist. Or simply, a factory might be on the verge of bankruptcy. The Fix: Always check the VAT number (VIES) and request a registration document (KRS). Never pay into a personal bank account.
Summary: Preparation is Key
Importing from Poland is not "risky" if you follow the process. It only becomes risky when you cut corners on verification and specification.
Don't want to make these mistakes? Actitrade manages the specs, the logistics, and the checks for you. Let us handle your next order.