7 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
7 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

For buyers of Chinese items, how do you figure shipping cost?

by timpears
5 replies
  • ECOMMERCE
    • |
The subject line pretty much says it. I am trying to figure out what the cost to import stuff from China is going to be? I think the single items i want to drop ship will be over the maximum I can import without duties, so that will bring up a problem to begin with.

Plus I tried to find out from FedEx how much shipping wold cost, but no such luck. Their forms were a nightmare and the email went unanswered. So I am lost as to how to go about figuring my selling price.

A quick search on Google Shopping gives me prices in the mid $3K range, and my cost is $650+/-. So I have room to move so to speak. They are heavy items though, 250# to 300# or more I would guess. And that is a guess. Manufacturer didn't give weights.

Can you tell, I have never done this before. but I got inspired by a fellow Warrior, now I am bitten.:p
#buyers #cineses #cost #figure #items #shipping
  • Profile picture of the author timpears
    Wow, no one buying in China these days??
    Signature

    Tim Pears

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7851777].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    You wouldn't be using FedEx from China. Here's the shipping blurb from Chinavasion:

    Shipping direct from China to major destinations (Europe, US, Australia, etc.) typically only takes two to six days. Goods are sent out from our warehouse typically within one day of your order payment. We cooperate with internationally trusted logistic service providers such as DHL, EMS, UPS, Hong Kong Post Mail, and bulk freight forwarders. Shipping paperwork and customs clearance are taken care of by the courier companies, greatly simplifying the process for importers.

    Our delivery speed is suitable for an eBay type of selling drop shipped direct from China.
    I tried Aliexpress, which includes shipping in their price. One order took forever to get here and the second order never arrived, so I'm using Chinavasion now. There's also ChinaBuye.

    To determine the shipping price on products from the China sites that charge for shipping, you have to add it to your cart to see what the charge is.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7852470].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Silas Hart
      Federal Express is actually pretty popular in China when it comes to shipping items internationally.



      First is, you can ask how many items can fit into a box the size of L x W x H, and reduce the box size based on how many items you are looking to purchase. Then contact a shipping company local to the city where you plan to purchase these items from, and tell them the size of the package and ask for shipping quotes. Always get at least 3. If you are brand new, go with the 2nd lowest quote. You CAN get them to try to compete against each other. The shipping company should be able to contact the manufacturer to prepare shipment, and then you will receive an updated cost of shipping.

      Secondly, you can reverse it and get quotes from shipping agents for specific sized parcels within a certain weight range. For example, I spend $490 USD to ship a 1 CBM squared palletized box of misc goods (which is about half of what most agencies will ship for.) from my hub in Shanghai to an airport in Western IL- about 30 minutes from my hub in the U.S. You can ask the manufacturer/distributor how many will fit in there, and use this to determine the cost of shipping.

      These two things are easy ways to get started, but don't cover other fee's.



      Also, when you first starting doing business with a shipping company you have no face. You can't Really negotiate prices. After you start doing business and have brought in enough money then you can start squeezing for discounts with the understanding that if they don't negotiate lower you can take your business elsewhere.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7853961].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ryan David
    I ship products from China, but I buy them by the container. For door to door (customs, freight, cross-country, etc) it's usually around $5K. If you're shipping something that has relatively large items, that's the route I would go. But you're probably going to be out quite a bit of money that you'd have to float. When we import a container, we're looking at $30-$35K per shipment.

    I'd probably prove out your business before investing in something from China. Find someone domestically that's selling your product and then use them as your supplier. When it comes time to pull the trigger, you'll know you can get rid of the product if need be.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7854763].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author artshark1104
    Try to find some professional supplier, they will give you all the information.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7857520].message }}

Trending Topics