Exporting from china to uk and spain

[AndyRG&&]

Hi

i have decided to start a new venture which involves importing goods from china, i have selected verified gold members from alibaba.com im a hope that their products and delivery will be reliable.

the good are shipped FOB and they charge 231 usd shipping.

after speaking to afriend with some experience of importing from china, he advised me of the possible problems i could have once the delivery arrives in england and suggested a freight forwarding company,

is this the correct way to go.

i have been on the BIFA website and selects several freight forwarding companies.

if i understand correctly the freight forwarding company will ensure my goods are delivered from the factory in china to the port put on a boat and handle the customs and excise details at the uk port, then forward to my warehouse (sorry garage)

would be gratefully if you could confirm i an going about this the right way and will the change the FOB shipping price of 231 USD i have been quoted by the chinese manufacturers

Regard and thanks in advance
Andy

 

[jesunmould]

Hi Andy,
What kind of product you import?

 

[InspectionPartner]

Hi Andrew,

That sounds right looks like you got yourself organised. I think you should do a pre-shipment check because if your products are damaged before shipment your freight forwarding company will deliver regardless. It just cuts out some of the risk.

All the best!

 

[GraemeL]

would be gratefully if you could confirm i an going about this the right way and will the change the FOB shipping price of 231 USD i have been quoted by the chinese manufacturers

Hello Andy.

Yes, definitely use a UK based freight forwarder. They will do as much or as little as you want them too. If you want them to arrange for the items to be delivered to your door, they will include this in the price. However, offloading the delivery will be your cost and concern. Remember that you will have to pay 20% VAT and any applicable duties before your products can be released from the port.

FOB means that you pay the freight and insurance costs. So you can forget the $231.

However, $231 is not very much money to ship from China, so would I be right in assuming the items are relatively small? If so, you might find that using someone like DHL is cheaper and easier. You can probably get a freight cost from their website.

QC is very important before the products leave China, but what is the value of your order? It is is less than $500 its probably not worth worrying.

G

 

[AndyRG&&]

Hi, thanks for advise, have found someone in china that should be able to do this for me, will have a word and check, I am nearly at the point of hitting the go button and placing my first order - bit scarry.

have asked for afew sample to make sure product is ok, but had not thought of receiving a ton of damaged good!

thanks again will let you knoew how i get on

cheers
A

 

[GraemeL]

someone in china that should be able to do this for me,

Hello Andy,

It is unlikely that someone in China will arrange the UK VAT/duty/freight for you.

G

 

[AndyRG&&]

They have a warehouse in the uk and an export business in china, so hopefully the shuld be able to help me

 

[GraemeL]

Thats interesting Andy, I might have a need for a service that has a UK warehouse. Can you tell me or PM me who they are please?

Thanks

G