Importing Question

[cutthroughstatic]

Hey all,

I'm trying to navigate the confusing waters of importing goods from china for resale. I have everything lined up with the supplier, but the importation process is more involved than I anticipated. Does anyone have any insight?

Hire a customs broker? Who to hire off shipping?

It's about 2.25cbm of goods, $5,000 worth of goods.

 

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[Michał Kóska]

@Walter Hay he is the mastermind

 

[Walter Hay]

Hey all,

I'm trying to navigate the confusing waters of importing goods from china for resale. I have everything lined up with the supplier, but the importation process is more involved than I anticipated. Does anyone have any insight?

Hire a customs broker? Who to hire off shipping?

It's about 2.25cbm of goods, $5,000 worth of goods.

Without a lot more detail I can only generalize, but regardless of country of destination, the rules and processes are almost identical.

Assuming you have been quoted an FOB price (stating port of loading), you should find a local freight forwarder. By local, I mean as near as possible to where you are. Almost every freight forwarder will have a Customs Broker on staff. Get the forwarder to quote you a price for delivery to your door, including customs clearance. Get the quote in writing. (Those who have my book know why I emphasize that point.)

Ask the forwarder to quote you for sea freight as well as air freight. Even for 2.25cbm, air freight may cost no more than sea freight if you have a good forwarder. The forwarder will need to know package dimensions, weight, nature of the product, as well obviously, as the loading and delivery address.They will contact the supplier and arrange for shipment.

If you have not yet confirmed the order, may I suggest that an order of that value is very high for a first order and that can be risky if you have not dealt with that supplier before. Also, if you have found the supplier through Alibaba, chances are you are dealing with a trader and not a manufacturer, even though they might tell you that they are a manufacturer. The price difference can be huge - as much as 50% cheaper if you buy direct from the manufacturer.

Let me know if you need more help.

Regards,
Walter