Importing products from China—commonly called “the factory of the world” due to its enormous manufacturing infrastructure, skilled population, and wealth of industry experience—can boost your store’s profitability by increasing your margins and making customized products more accessible.This guide gives all of the information you need to get started importing from China—finding products, choosing and negotiating with suppliers, purchasing, and figuring out the best way to ship your items. We also discuss common shipping terms you need to know and give an overview on import costs from China—duties, taxes, and other fees.To get started:
Here’s everything you need to know about importing products from China in six steps.Step 1: Select Products to ImportSourcing Chinese goods for your retail business gives you access to a wider range of products at significantly lower costs. But it is imperative to select your offerings wisely. If you’re developing a new concept or aren’t sure what to sell, read our guide to the best products to import from China.From a profitability standpoint, the products you choose to import should have:◆Consistent and sufficient demand◆Profit margins of at least 30%–50%◆Reliability (creating a low possibility for warranty cases)◆Low maintenance requirements in transit, warehousing, and/or storage (i.e., no need for climate control or special handling needs)◆No laws prohibiting them for sale in your state or country◆Aside from those basic attributes, consider the following factors when selecting goods to import:Product RestrictionsThere are laws and regulations implemented by the U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that prohibit or restrict some product categories to safeguard consumer health. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, delays, confiscated merchandise, and even legal penalties.It’s important to know if these stipulations apply to any of the goods you plan to import before partnering with suppliers and making your first purchase.Some examples of import regulations include:◆Commercial equipment: Products such as air conditioners, water heaters, and furnaces must have energy efficiency labels.◆Fruits, vegetables, and nuts: Many varieties must meet size, quantity, and maturity requirements. An inspection certificate must be issued by the FDA.◆Meat, poultry, and egg products: All varieties must include government-issued inspection certificates from the origin country, and are reinspected by the USDA upon entry.◆Seeds: Shipments containing seeds are detained pending the drawing and testing of samples upon entry.◆Wood packing materials: Pallets, crates, boxes, and dunnage must be heat-treated or fumigated and marked to certify treatment.◆Toys: Children’s articles must comply with safety regulations under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and be inspected to define hazardous sharp edges and points.For a full list of commodity regulations and restrictions, refer to the CBP’s Importing Guide. Try searching the document for keywords that relate to your selected product(s).If you have questions, contact your local port of entry.Permits and LicensingThe US is one of the most import-friendly countries in the world, and in most cases, individuals and businesses do not need a license to import.That being said, importing certain commodities require a special permit or license issued by one of the government agencies that works with the CBP. These categories include:Agricultural commodities, such as plants and plant productsArms and ammunitionCertain foods, such as cheese, milk, and dairy productsLivestock, animals, and insectsTobacco and alcoholMedical equipment and supplementsFor a full list of license and permit requirements, refer to the CBP’s Importing Guide.If you have questions or need help with permits and licensing, the CBP recommends hiring a customs broker. The basic role of customs brokers is to assist importers in meeting federal requirements—but we’ll cover their services in-depth down below.Use the CBP’s free tool to find a customs broker near your local port of entry.Import TaxesNearly every product imported from China are subject to import taxes (often called tariffs or duty) that are charged in addition to federal and local sales and use taxes. If you plan on importing a more valuable shipment, tariffs should be a consideration when sourcing your products. The average US duty on imports from China is currently 19.3%, but certain products are taxed at different rates. We talk more about import taxes in the sections below.Step 2: Find Chinese Wholesale SuppliersOnce you know which products you’re sourcing (or have an idea of the qualifications they need to meet), you’ll need to find a trade partner to supply them.The majority of Chinese suppliers you’ll encounter are either trading companies or factories.Trading Companies: Business model: Trading companies are suppliers that stock a variety of products. They do not mainly produce goods, but source a variety of products (from one or more factories).Best for: Sourcing a variety of productsMinimum Order Quantity (MOQ): Lower MOQ requirements; many don’t even have an MOQCustomer service and sales support: Robust
Factories:Business model: Factories primarily manufactures goods from raw materials.Best for: Sourcing custom productsMinimum Order Quantity (MOQ): High MOQ requirements, usually starts at 250 to 500, depending on productCustomer service and sales support: Average to poorThe process of importing items from your Chinese supplier will be very similar, regardless of their business model. So if the offer is right, don’t get too hung up on whether the supplier is a factory or trading company.Where to Source Chinese SuppliersHere’s a list of helpful resources to source wholesale suppliers in China.Supplier Directories & Wholesale MarketplacesSupplier directories are platforms that host information on thousands of factories, trading companies, and other vendors. You can search by product, category, location, price, or apply filters to see a range of possible trade partners. Once you shortlist your possible partners, you can reach out to them through the directory’s messaging service or listed vendors’ contact info.Wholesale marketplaces, on the other hand, serve as B2B ecommerce sites that mainly specialize in import and export trade. They can be used to buy merchandise from suppliers in bulk.Here are some of the top supplier directories and marketplaces for importing goods from China.Alibaba & AliExpressAlibaba and AliExpress are the most notable supplier and product directories for importers and dropshippers alike. These web sites are the easiest places to get started with access to suppliers around the world, and they offer amenities to simplify the process for beginners.However, the platforms receive a fair amount of fraud reports because of the lack of vetting process for vendors, and many of the vendors are unnecessary intermediaries. Perform due diligence when doing research for possible suppliers.Global SourcesGlobal Sources is a large trade show exhibition based in Hong Kong and has expanded to provide a vast online supplier directory that’s available year-round. Global Sources is known as the go-to resource for electronics and fashion apparel, but its sellers usually have higher MOQs than other directories.The platform operates similarly to Alibaba but is geared toward the more advanced buyer. It is strictly a B2B wholesale directory and employs a much more involved vetting process for its suppliers.Made-In-China.comThe platform operates similarly to Alibaba but is geared toward the sourcing manufacturer in industry product and equipment. It is strictly a B2B wholesale directory and employs a much more involved vetting process for its suppliers.DHgateDHgate is similar to AliExpress in that it serves as a wholesale marketplace more so than a supplier directory. This means it’s product-centric, making it a good choice for beginners and casual importers.The platform is known for hosting competitively priced merchandise, but buyers frequently report disappointing quality. Generally, products on DHgate are available at considerably low MOQs.One major advantage of DHgate is its payment handling system, which secures funds until the buyer confirms receipt of the goods.Trade ShowsThe best way to get connected with high-quality trade partners is to visit trade shows. Chinese trade shows are mostly free to attend and generally seasonal—usually early May and November). If you can’t attend in-person, many virtual options are available.With the easing of zero-COVID restrictions, China-based trade shows are expected to raise considerable international interest. Pre-pandemic, these exhibitions draw large, international crowds where English is commonly spoken, but translator can be hired for about $15 per day.Here are the biggest trade shows to source Chinese products and suppliers.Canton Fair:CHIS Fair: hand tools,power tools,air tools equipment and hardware productsAutomechanick Shanghai: car parts&tools&equipmentYiwu Wholesale Marketplace:Cosmetics&Electronics&Toys & Children’s Products&Medical Devices
Import RecordsYou can also check which supplier your competition is working with by checking public import records.When imported shipments enter the US, the government retains a copy of the bill of lading—which includes the importer’s name, the supplier’s name, and shipment details—and makes it available for public access. This information is limited to shipments that have arrived via boat, but that still accounts for roughly 10 million records per year.Obtaining these import records is perfectly legal but it’s that easy. To get it from the customs bureau, you have to request the information, pay a fee, and wait multiple weeks for processing.As an alternative, you can use these third-party tools to eliminate the waiting period and simplify the process:Port Examiner is a free tool that allows you to search through archived import records instantly. It is functional on a small scale but lacks the features needed to aggregate raw data and export it as a CSV or Excel file.ImportGenius is a global trade database that allows users to download aggregate import data in spreadsheet format. You can sign up for a one-month free trial, and continue as a paid user—its starter plan costs $149/month.Panjiva is a more robust but expensive tool. Its platform includes advanced search functions to find relevant import data by HS number, item category, location, and more. It also expands many import records into full company profiles and provides contact information. Membership costs aren’t disclosed, but a one-month trial is available for $400.Once you have names of potential suppliers to pursue, search the internet for contact info and try getting in touch. We feature tips on initiating contact below.Supplier NetworkIf you already work with a reliable Chinese vendor but seek another product they don’t supply, try using them as a resource. It’s standard for suppliers to have tight networks and happily refer clients (they often make a 5%–10% finder’s fee).Tip: As you curate a shortlist of Chinese trade partners, look for suppliers that:◆Have long term experience with the product or category◆Have a well-established and professional operation◆Agree to a price that gives you a sufficient profit margin◆Provide after-sales support and/or warranty services◆Have all applicable certificates needed in your country◆Already export to your country and can provide references◆Give you reasonable payments termsBefore working with a new supplier, try searching SupplierBlacklist.com to see if other importers have filed any reports.How to Begin Working With a New Chinese SupplierInitiate ContactOnce you’ve identified potential suppliers, the next step is to initiate contact.If using an online resource, begin a dialogue with many prospective suppliers at a time, then refine your search as you go. Try sending an initial email or message that introduces yourself and requests any basic info that wasn’t covered in the product listing. To get started, reference our template below. Hi, (supplier name). My name is _____, and I’m a buyer for _____, a store in (your country) that sells (product offering). We are interested in carrying many of the products that you have to offer. Specifically, I would like to get pricing and availability for the following items: (Item name, include listing photo) (Item name, include listing photo) (Item name, include listing photo) If you could send more info, as well as your product catalogs, and MOQ requirements, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you,_____ MOQs are often strict and vary greatly from supplier to supplier, so this is an important detail to iron out early on. Startups and small stores may be limited by the MOQs they can manage.If you receive a response that seems promising, proceed to establish key info, such as:◆Product sample options◆Lead times◆Payment terms◆Packaging◆Material specifications◆Quality standards◆Shipping terms Some Chinese suppliers are not fluent in English, so remember to write in short sentences without using complex words. Keeping your message brief and using bullet points will make your email easier to digest. Many suppliers also prefer to communicate on WeChat. Once you’ve established a relationship you may receive replies faster on WeChat than email.Request Samples or Place a Trial OrderIf the supplier’s prices and terms are sufficient, you can “test” their goods by requesting a sample. This is a great way to preview a few products, but keep in mind that the samples you receive are likely hand-chosen and may not be representative of the supplier’s stock as a whole.To get a more accurate picture of the vendor’s regular output, try placing a trial order. Many suppliers allow new buyers to make one purchase under the normal MOQ. By ordering a small but sufficient trial order, you can test the true quality of the supplier’s product.Negotiate Pricing & TermsOnce you’re satisfied with your new supplier, you can attempt to negotiate before making a full purchase. Of course, high-volume businesses have more bargaining power, but even small operations may be able to negotiate price, freight terms, deposit terms, and packaging details.Step 3: Purchase ProductsWith the legwork of sourcing out of the way, you’re ready to place an order with your Chinese supplier(s). When placing your first order with a new supplier, it’s typically best to start with a low initial quantity before you know how a new item will perform.Transaction details are laid out within purchase orders and invoices. In addition to a purchase order, it’s important to agree with the supplier on a product specification document to ensure you’re getting what you pay for.
These documents should clearly define all details of the transaction without leaving any room for misinterpretation. This includes basics (like item specifications, unit quantities, pricing, and packaging) but should also cover shipping terms (also called Incoterms) and payment terms.Shipping Terms (or Incoterms)Incoterms (International Commerce Terms) are 11 standardized freight terms that must be agreed in writing between the supplier and buyer, or no air or ocean carrier will accept the shipment.According to the International Trade Administration, the Incoterms® 2020 rules have been updated and grouped into two categories reflecting modes of transport—seven for any transport method and four for sea or land or inland waterway transport.When importing from China to the USA, these Incoterms are commonly used:◆EXW (Ex Works ): You take full responsibility and liability upon factory pickup of your order—from arranging, paying, to following up if there are any problems. Remember to add a clause to your purchase agreement that the supplier must help load the truck.◆FCA (Free To Carrier): You take responsibility and liability once the shipment is handed over to the carrier, typically near the port.◆FOB (Free On Board): You take responsibility and liability once the shipment crosses the ship’s rail. You will have to pay for the local charges between delivery to the carrier and loading on the vessel.Although the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) recommends using Incoterms® 2020 beginning January 1, 2020, vendors and buyers can agree to use any version of Incoterms after 2020, they just need to clearly specify the chosen version of Incoterms being used (such as Incoterms® 2010, Incoterms® 2020, or any earlier version).Payment Terms & MethodsChinese suppliers typically require a 30% deposit prior to shipping, with the remaining 70% is paid once the goods are received. This helps to mitigate the risk of theft on both sides. You don’t need to worry about currency conversion, as U.S dollars (USD) is the primary global currency, and majority of Chinese suppliers accept it.You can send payments through the following methods:1. Telegraphic Transfer (TT)Telegraphic transfer (TT) payments are a standard electronic transfer of funds between banks, incur a smaller fee than other options, and are accepted by all Chinese suppliers. TT payments lack protection against theft but is still most recommended by import professionals, saying security can be better assured by doing your homework and personally vetting new suppliers.2. Letter of Credit (LC or LOC)A Letter of Credit (LC or LOC) is fund transfer that includes a level of insurance. You pay your bank, which then issues an assurance to the supplier. After your bank confirms that the exact quantity of items in your order has arrived at the correct destination, the vendor is paid.The added security is helpful but might not be worth it because of the sizable fees. It’s very unlikely that a vetted supplier will take your money and run—the bigger risks that importers face are problems with item quality and shipping delays. An LC provides no protection against either of these possibilities, so it’s commonly used for very large transactions only.3. Alibaba Trade AssuranceAlibaba offers a payment processing option that works similarly to getting an LC from your bank. You submit the payment to a designated Alibaba account (with the Singapore City Bank), then it’s released to the supplier once shipping is confirmed.Unlike LC payments, Alibaba Trade Assurance will refund your money if the shipment is delayed beyond a specified date or if the quality of the goods is not compliant with the agreed product specifications.This method requires both parties to have an Alibaba account, but it is free to use. The only fee that incurs is the cost of processing your initial payment to the Alibaba account.4. PayPalThis option is secure and straightforward—but not commonly used by importers. PayPal charges very high transaction fees, and many suppliers don’t have PayPal accounts to accept the payment.When it is used, PayPal is usually reserved for small, introductory purchases—such as samples and trial orders.Product SpecificationsUnlike domestic US dealings, having a hard-and-fast purchase contract isn’t particularly helpful when importing from China. As mentioned earlier, contracts don’t carry the same weight that they do in the US.It does, however, help to include clearly defined product specifications that your supplier signs and agrees to. This document isn’t legally binding, but it greatly decreases your chances of winding up with a batch of low-quality, misrepresented products.Along with your purchase order and invoice, submit a checklist or spreadsheet stating the product’s specs—such as weight, dimensions, color, material type, fabric thickness, component manufacturer, and labeling requirements. It also helps to create visual references when applicable (the more clear and straightforward you can be, the better). Here’s an example.Product Specification ChecklistItem: Women’s chino pants, size mediumFabric: Organic cotton, 200 gsmFabric Color: Pantone 443Design: As specified in product_listing_image.png attachmentDimensions: As specified in product_measurements.png attachmentCare label: As specified in label_design.png attachmentZipper: YKKCalifornia Prop 65 Compliant: YesCPSIA (US) Compliant: YesDimensions AttachmentShowing dimensions of jeans.Images, illustrations, and visual representations of product specs help to avoid any miscommunicated expectations. (Source: Medium)Label AttachmentStep 4: Arrange Cargo TransportDepending on the shipping terms of your order, you may need to facilitate inland transport, including export customs clearance and loading. But more often than not, orders placed with new suppliers will be on FOB (as explained above)—in which case these steps will be handled by the supplier. It is recommended to use a freight forwarder, such as Flexport, to handle import shipping.Freight forwarders specialize in the logistics of cargo shipments—such as facilitate scheduling, tracking, insurance, and more. They can save you money by consolidating LCL (Less than Container Load) cargo with other deliveries. They also have access to volume discounts through partnered shipping companies—so they’re able to offer highly competitive rates.When it comes to transport rates, sea freight is quoted by volume, whereas air shipments are quoted by weight. Using an air courier is the most expensive method, while booking air freight costs about half as much and choosing sea freight costs about 10% as much.Air courier shipping is typically a door-to-door service, meaning your goods are shipped straight to their final destination. DHL, FedEx, and UPS are commonly-used air courier services. If your goods are valued at $800 or more, these carriers will provide customs brokerage services to get your shipment cleared for entry—although it usually incurs an additional surcharge.Air and sea freight methods are booked from the port of origin to an airport or seaport near you. From there, you’ll need to arrange shipping to your final destination. This can be done by your freight forwarder or scheduled yourself using a freight broker. We recommend NTG (formerly FreightPros) as the best freight broker for small businesses.Step 5: Clear Your Shipment Through CustomsCustoms clearance is a critical part of importing from China. If you don’t provide the correct documentation and follow the right procedures, you run the risk of having your goods detained and/or examined—both of which result in delays and hefty fees. In the worst-case scenario, your merchandise is seized by CBP and destroyed or sold at auction.To obtain clearance from the CBP, you must take the necessary entry, examination, valuation, classification, and clearance measures. The customs process, costs, and requirements vary depending on the value of your shipment, as shown below.
Here’s a breakdown of each of these factors.Customs Duty (Import Tax)Duties—also called tariffs—are paid at the time of import by the importer of record—which can be you, the exporter, or another party that you designate (like a customs broker). Import duties are to be paid to the port of entry, prior to release of your cargo. Accepted forms of payment include US currency, personal checks, government checks, money orders, and travelers’ checks. Some ports also accept Visa and Mastercard.Imported cargo valued at $800 or more (as according to the order’s commercial invoice) is subject to duties and other taxes.Shipments below the United States’ de minimis value of $800 are duty-free.To calculate your import taxes, identify your products’ Harmonized Tariff System (or HTS) classification. Once you find their corresponding HS codes, you will know the tariff rate associated with that product. The code will then be listed on the commercial invoice.Refer to the government’s Harmonized Tariff Schedule to estimate duties for your shipment. For the most accurate information on what tariffs to expect, contact your local port of entry or hire a customs broker (which is an option we’ll explore below).What is the Harmonized Tariff System?Duty rates are organized in the Harmonized Tariff System (or HTS), which classifies imports by category and assigns a taxation percentage. The U.S. International Trade Commission hosts an interactive database that can help you find the HS (Harmonized System) code and estimate the duty rate for any product you’re considering.What is an HS Code?An HTS/HS code indicates whether or not the U.S. has a trade relationship with any country for specific product imports. The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) classified tariff rates into three categories:General (Normal Trade Relations or Most Favored Nation)Special (Free Trade Agreement)No Trade RelationshipChina falls under the “General” category, meaning the countries do not have a trade agreement in place. As such, no special treatment is given on imports of goods from China to the U.S.A.Entry Requirements & DocumentationAs your merchandise reaches the United States, it will need to be filed for either informal or formal entry.Informal EntryShipments valued at less than $2500 don’t require formal entry—they are processed through informal entry, which can be done on the spot.The shipping company can clear them through customs on your behalf—although it often incurs a charge. Alternatively, you can process the entry at the port yourself or authorize another party to do so for you. For more info on these options, contact your carrier company, or refer to the CBP’s website.Formal EntryCargo with a value of $2,500 or more must be filed as a formal entry. This requires a hefty amount of documentation as well as a Surety bond (which we’ll explain below).◇ You can expect roughly $200–$300 in customs fees for formal entries and $100–200 in brokerage fees.◇If you used air or sea freight to transport your shipment, you’ll be notified five days from the cargo’s expected arrival.◇If you shipped via air courier (such as DHL), it’s standard for the carrier to take care of customs clearance for you, then bill you for the service (along with any incurred fees).Once notified, it’s your responsibility to file an entry with the port director at the port of entry (or to hire a broker to do so on your behalf).You’ll need to have the following documents prepared:◆A receipt or a bill of lading that states the importer of record (i.e., you or your hired broker) and the items to be imported.◆An official invoice that lists◇US port of entry◇Contact information of Purchaser, Vendor, and Shipper◇Detailed description of merchandise (including country of manufacture)◇Piece count of each product (quantities and measures)◇Cost per item and currency◇All charges relating to the shipment including packaging, shipping charges◆Date of purchaseThe invoice must be in English or accompanied by an accurate English translationAn arrival notice, issued by the shipping carrier and authorized by a U.S. Customs Agent.
To speed up the customs process and ensure things go smoothly, work with your supplier on the following tips:Be sure that all information on the provided invoice is legible, clear, organized, and well-translated.Submit a packing list along with other documentation.Mark or number the outside of each package in your shipment with corresponding designations on your invoice or packing list. This will help customs officials identify particular items in your shipment.Assure compliance with government regulations in your country before export.Customs BondsIf your shipment is a formal entry, you’ll also need a customs bond.◆A customs bond is a legal contract between you (the principal), a surety company, and CBP. Its purpose is to guarantee that the importer complies with customs regulations and that CBP is paid for applicable import duties, taxes, fines, and penalties.◆If the principal doesn’t pay up, the CBP will collect from the surety company that issued the bond. From there, the surety company can use legal means to collect what is owed to them. When a bond is required, Customs will not release the goods until the bond is posted and regulatory requirements are met.To obtain a customs bond, you must go through a surety licensed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury—which includes many customs brokers. To get more information and a full list of sureties, visit the CBP’s webpage on customs bonds.Customs BrokersUsing a customs broker is not legally required during import shipments. It is, however, strongly recommended by both CBP and industry pros when importing formal entries.◆Customs brokers assist importers in meeting Federal requirements for entry. These import/export professionals are licensed by the CBP but are not government employees—they usually work for freight forwarders, independent businesses, shipping lines, or dedicated customs brokerage firms.◆Customs brokers work as liaisons between you and relevant agencies, preparing and submitting necessary documents, properly classifying goods, and providing personalized consulting. Plus, many customs brokers sell bonds and are also agents for sureties.Overall, customs brokers are extremely savvy in import and export laws and are actively regulated by the government agencies they work with. This makes them a vital resource to have while navigating your first formal entry.The cost of customs brokerage varies depending on the agent and shipment, but expect to spend somewhere around $100–$200 for their services. Alternatively, many brokers are available for consulting on an hourly basis.Use the CBP’s free tool to find a customs broker near your local port of entry. You can also contact the CBP Broker Management Branch by emailing brokermanagement@cbp.dhs.gov.Holds and ExaminationsIn an effort to improve the security of the supply chain, CBP can select certain shipments to examine during customs. This results in delays, and the responsible party is charged an examination fee.Highly confidential algorithms are used to evaluate the degree of risk for each shipment entering the United States. If your cargo is flagged as potentially risky for any reason, it may be selected for a customs exam.While it’s impossible to know what exactly goes into the CBP’s algorithms, it’s accepted that these factors increase your chances of being selected for an exam:◇Lack of shipment history◇Infrequency of shipments◇Questionable chain of custody◇High-risk products or materials◇Problematic packaging or labeling◇High-risk country of origin◇Incomplete paperwork◇Consolidation with other shipments that have high-risk attributesUltimately, even if your shipment is totally benign and you follow every precaution, your cargo may still be included in the 1%–3% that are randomly chosen for examination.Multiple types of exams may be done. The least invasive is an x-ray that takes two to three days and costs around $300. “Tail Gate Exam,” another possibility, will break the seal of your container or packaging to inspect its contents visually; this takes five to six days and generally incurs a $350 charge.The most dreaded and intrusive exam requires your shipment to be transported to a Customs Examination Station, where it is thoroughly inspected and sometimes laboratory-tested. This process takes anywhere from a week to 30 days or longer and incurs thousands of dollars in fees (including drayage charges).The best way you can avoid being selected for customs holds and examinations is to ensure your paperwork is complete, provide accurate valuations of your goods, and work with well-vetted suppliers.Retrieving Your Imported GoodsOnce your goods have been cleared through customs and all parties have been paid, the cargo needs to either be retrieved or transported to its final destination.◆If you shipped LCL (Less than Container Load), your goods would arrive in a container with a variety of other shipments. Typically, after customs clearance, this container will be transported to a separate location for destuffing. In these cases, you (or your freight forwarder) will be provided with a secondary location near the original port.◆If you shipped FCL (Full Container Load), the port of entry would be the location to use.You’ll also be provided with a Cargo Control Number that serves as a unique identifier for your shipment. These details can then be used to pick up or ship the imported goods.Hiring a freight forwarder is the most common way to handle transport to your final warehouse, office, or retail space. Depending on the distance, this can require delivery by train, air, truck, or a combination of modes. Expect to pay $100 or more for this inland shipping. Alternatively, you can use a broker such as NTG to book inland freight.If you choose to retrieve your goods personally rather than have them delivered, you can bring your vehicle to the port or warehouse. Be sure to carry a small amount of cash ($25–$75) to pay potential parking, loading, and/or dock fees.
Step 6: Process Imported Goods for SaleWhen your imported goods reach the end of their journey at your warehouse, store, or office, the final step is to process them for sale like you would any other merchandise. This usually involves:◆◆Pricing products profitably◆◆Creating product listings with product descriptions and photos that sell◆◆Managing inventory◆◆Fulfilling orders in-house or through a third-party service like ShipBobSelling imported goods requires a few slight differences in your operation. Be sure to consider these final and ongoing tasks when importing goods from China:Manage Product QualityProduct quality is a common pain point importers struggle with when buying from new suppliers, and it’s always best to detect discrepancies early on.When you first receive an imported shipment, check the order against its invoice to verify that the quantity is correct. Then, thoroughly evaluate the goods you received against your agreed-upon specification checklist.If the product you received is not what you expected, start by identifying who is at fault. Did you accidentally overlook a crucial detail in your specifications or design illustrations? Or did the vendor simply deliver a misrepresented product?◆◆If the supplier is at fault, there are a few courses of action you can take.◆◆If you opted for Alibaba’s Trade Assurance option or used PayPal for the transaction, there’s a high chance of getting your money back through those companies.Try contacting the supplier to request some form of resolution—be it a replacement order or a complete (or partial) refund.◆◆If the loss is great enough, you may consider litigation. You would need to carry out any legal action in China because the country’s courts do not enforce judgments from those in foreign countries. Needless to say, this process is resource-intensive—and it comes without any sort of assurance that you’ll come out on top.◆◆When all else fails, you can discourage others from using crooked suppliers through social media, industry forums, and sites like SupplierBlacklist.com.