5 tips for importing from China that will make your business better
For many businesses, importing products from China is a great way to get the best price on goods. But what if you’re not sure of the steps that need to take to import from China?
In this post, we’ll discuss five tips for importing from China. These will make your business better and help save you time!
5 Expert tips for importing from China
Here are some crucial pointers you must consider. They help make your process less hectic and more genuine.
1. Work with reputable Chinese suppliers
There are so many suppliers of various products in China. Finding the right supplier is like finding the needle in a haystack. But, if you don’t know much about China, there is a way out.
Your only option is to work with suppliers recommended by other importers. Or some online sites such as Alibaba.
Otherwise, you need to invest lots of time and effort to find a reliable one. A reputable supplier will be the most important person you will need. They have a higher chance of meeting your quality requirements and deadlines.
Look for experienced suppliers. A supplier with more than six years in business can be reliable. Trust them to get what you want on time without any delays or mistakes.
Work with an experienced company that has been able to grow, survive and thrive over many years. They make the importation process easier.
Reliable suppliers work with you hand in hand. They ensure that you receive every order and is well-fulfilled. Even before this, you can be sure to trust them with your big-ticket items.
In addition, genuine suppliers provide the best value for your dollars. An ideal supplier negotiates with many manufacturers and wholesalers to give you the best price. They have a solid reputation before coming to you.
So, they can offer lower prices than what others will provide. Moreover, they can do this without sacrificing quality because of their years in business and expertise in buying goods.
2. Choose the right means of international transport
You might not know how to move your products from China in bulk, but this is what sourcing agents do every day! Some companies will pack and ship your goods for you. Or they can arrange an international freight forwarding service to get the job done.
Find a supplier who has product knowledge. They have been doing business with manufacturers all over Asia and the rest of the world. There are two ways of shipping from international stores.
These are by the sea or air. Shipping by water is cheaper, but it can take a long time. Shipping by air is faster. But not as cheap and maybe the best option for perishable products like fruits or vegetables.
Don’t forget to use your local connection! Besides, to ship delicate items, there is another option. You can consider using the services of your local freight broker.
It can be a third-party company that will take care of all aspects of shipping for you. For example, they can provide door-to-door delivery service from China with no hassle at all!
Shipping by air is faster and more convenient. In some cases, the costs are even less than shipping by water. That’s because it’s easier to estimate weight and volume when working with large items.
The cons of using an air freight service include higher prices for smaller shipments. Also, there can be an increased risk for damages during the flight due to pressure changes.
But, if you feel like you can manage the cost or need your goods faster, consider it.
The pros of shipping by water include that it’s cheaper. In addition, there is less risk for damages during the journey.
There are more options to choose from depending on your destination. The cons are that you have a lot farther to travel than if you shipped by air. In addition, cargo can be stolen mid-journey.
So, always make sure your goods are well-packed and labeled. Also, ensure you are dealing with a reputable shipping company.
You could also ship by land. But it’s the most expensive option. And there is no count how long your goods will take to arrive once they dispatch from China. Also, there is no assurance that anything can happen during shipment via land route, either. So, you’ll want to make sure everything is well-packed before starting the journey.
3. Request instant freight quotes
You need to know how much it will cost you to ship your goods. Luckily you can get a lower cost here if you buy so many goods. As a result, it helps you find the best shipping rates.
Remember, you don’t want the cost of shipping your goods to be higher than their actual price.
So, the best thing that will help your business is to use a freight forwarder. It ensures you don’t have any issues with customs when importing from China. It also helps in resolving problems before they arise. Another tip: estimate all the extra fees for import taxes, broker’s charges, etc.
4. Accurately declare shipment value
It is crucial to declare the value of your shipment. It is necessary to avoid any disputes. Once you’ve declared the value, you cannot alter it.
By this, there won’t be any mistakes in customs that can cause a delay or loss of your shipment. This process ensures your goods reach on time. And without hassle from local authorities.
That’s because you will be liable for customs duties, especially on anything that exceeds the declared value. Plus, a penalty (usually 100% of the excess amount).
Don’t try to evade declaring an item’s full retail price. In most cases, this could subject you to fines or even criminal penalties such as imprisonment. You want to indulge in honest business to avoid any legal penalties.
5. Get in touch with a reliable sourcing agent!
A reliable china sourcing agent will make things a lot easier for you. They will take care of everything. What’s more, they find the best suppliers and check on your products. They also organize shipping products over to you.
Instead of spending hours sifting through Alibaba listings, which wastes time, tell your agent what kind of product you’re looking for and wait while they find it for you.
Besides sourcing for legit suppliers, they also ensure you get good quality products at a fair price. Moreover, once they check the quality and quantity of your goods, they help organize for shipping.
Plus, companies like, leelinesourcing, often get discounts from suppliers. So, they can give you more favorable prices than what you’ll find elsewhere. The best part? They take care of everything! So, it gives you a great opportunity to focus on other tasks besides your sourcing needs.
Final thoughts!
It is not easy to import from China. And it can be intimidating at times. But there are ways to make the process easier and save you money in the long run – and that’s what we’re all about!
The above five tips are worth a read. If you want to know more about how importing from China can help your business grow, follow them.