Importing from China/India

[CactusWren]

Looking to import some goods. Got some quotes that look decent, however have never done this before. I am going to be spending some time looking over Alibaba to see what I need to be looking out for.

Any other places recommended to find out how it's done?

 

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[PAshortie]

Amazon. Read a few books on the import/export process. I think you may need a license depending on what you'll be importing.

You may be able to get buy leads from the websites below. I'm not affiliated with any of them but used to search them awhile back.

Go4indiabusiness.com
Go4chinabusiness.com
Go4qatarbusiness.com

 

[CoMp1eX]

I highly recommend flying out to a tradeshow where they have sourcing available in your industry.

Then you'll be able to meet with actual representatives, ect.

 

[Z5 FILMS]

It's easy, hardest part is making sure you don't get ripped off. Find someone in China, pay your money, hire an agent to do the paperwork, sit and wait.

Being you live in Arizona, you're going to have an extra step. You're going to have to hire a trucking company to truck your load from Long Beach to Arizona unless you're going to go pick it up.

One thing I would look out for is the Tariffs. The fees can vary depending on what you're importing. The agent can tell you what the fees would be.

Contact these people. They can answer all your questions.

EXPRESS LINE CORP

 

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[WestCoast]

it's convoluted, but hire a broker and it happens without much drama.

cans are always late. Customs always delays your shipment.
Duty is always more than you think it should be, couple tenths of a percent more than you researched, or more fees.

Port will hit you with fees, broker will hit you with fees.


Balance that all out, and hire a broker to do it all. Ask lots of questions, and you should be ok.

If you are doing full cans, you will often work with different people than LCL (what I usually do).


Bringing in a full 40'er is always a hoot though, you feel good when they land.

 

[CactusWren]

What is LCL?

Do you use a rule of thumb for pricing? (ie double the price to cover broker, customs, port, etc)

thanks.

 

[CactusWren]

Ok I'm learning still have to read Import/Export for Dummies, but at least I now have it.

LCL = less than container load
FCL = full contianer load

Definitely starting with LCL. Exciting!

Please help me with broker recommendations. Thanks.

 

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[CardinalsFan]

bump...?

 

[WestCoast]

I just landed some big airfreight shipments, and am working on some containers for the year.

there was another thread about this stuff somewhere.


Anyway. Brokers Reccomendations: You have to call them and fire away.
The freight world is just weird, and some people fit in and some people don't.

Does the broker get back to you RIGHT away. Or do they take 3 days?
Are they happy to share information, or do they keep it secret?
Are they upfront about everything?! Make SURE of it.


Once you land one, you'll be set for a long time.
All my airfreight and sea freight is routed through one lady.
She takes care of it all, lands it at my warehouse or we arrange a truck to pick it up at the airport, and then I get a bill.

No MID codes, no duty stuff, she does it all in one fell swoop.