Samples Ordered from Alibaba

[evorg88]

Good morning,

First time posting on here after scouring the internet for a simple answer to my question...

I've been in touch with a supplier on Alibaba to source a sample of a small product. The sample quote I received back was:

Product Price: $3.60
Shipping Fee (Method 'Express'): $18.00
Total Order Amount: $21.60
VAT: $4.32
Total: $25.92

I've read further through the quote and noticed at the bottom it says Trade Terms:
DAP: When the goods arrive at the destination place, you need to unload the goods and do the import customs clearance, and pay the import duty as well as any other destination port fees.

As it's my first time importing a sample from China, I just wanted to check what the required next steps are, if any.

Am I right to assume the sample will simply be delivered to my UK address as with any other mail order? Will I have to notify customs of this delivery? Will I have to pay import duty on this?

Apologies for the number of questions. I've understood everything up until this point, but those trade terms have thrown me for some reason.

Thanks in advance!

 

[fisicx]

The destination place will be the port of entry. You will have to go there yourself and pay the various duties and pay to get the goods off the container.

Also note: what you get as a sample may be totally different to what arrives in the main order.

 

[evorg88]

The destination place will be the port of entry. You will have to go there yourself and pay the various duties and pay to get the goods off the container.

Also note: what you get as a sample may be totally different to what arrives in the main order.

Ah really!? That option is no good for me then as I live pretty far from the port of entry. What other options can I suggest to the supplier to get the sample shipped directly to my address?

 

[MBE2017]

Just ask them for a delivered to your home price, suppliers normally provide a statement that the goods are samples of no commercial value, getting around customs etc.

 

[Chris Ashdown]

Ask them to use a courier service

 

[evorg88]

Many thanks for your replies. I've contacted the supplier and they've agreed to deliver to my address. Thanks again

 

[japancool]

If it's one item worth $3.60, I'd expect that to be sent to you by Fedex, DHL or a similar courier service, who will deliver it to your door, after sending you an invoice for the fees (which you will probably have to pay in advance).

Unloading and whatnot is really only relevant to sea freight.

 

[evorg88]

If it's one item worth $3.60, I'd expect that to be sent to you by Fedex, DHL or a similar courier service, who will deliver it to your door, after sending you an invoice for the fees (which you will probably have to pay in advance).

Unloading and whatnot is really only relevant to sea freight.

Thanks for your reply. It sounds like that's what the supplier is doing as they've confirmed it'll be delivered to my door.

I'm presuming the next step for unloading larger orders would be potentially looking at freight forwarding services? Something I need to do a lot more research on.

Cheers

 

[Lampre92]

Thanks for your reply. It sounds like that's what the supplier is doing as they've confirmed it'll be delivered to my door.

I'm presuming the next step for unloading larger orders would be potentially looking at freight forwarding services? Something I need to do a lot more research on.

Cheers

I wouldn't worry about that just yet as it depends on the weight / size of your goods and how much you are buying at a time.

 

[fallschirmjaeger]

Yes its easy - just get them to send it via DHL/Fedex etc (they probably have their proffered courier) to your home address and DHL/Fedex will either charge import/handling duties immediately (paid up front) or send you an invoice for import/handling duties after delivery.

If you buy larger orders it is usually still efficient to send via courier and much quicker! Only if they get very large does a container and ship come into play and currently there are issues with this mode of transport in some cases!

 

[CHUKTC]

Just to be clear DAP means delivered at place - ie it will be delivered to your chosen destination at the expense of the seller. As mentioned above you will be responsible of paying import taxes and for samples shipped express it is usually a courier (FEDEX, UPS, DHL ETC) (unless a very big sample) and they will do clearance and pay taxes on your behalf - they will invoice you for the taxes plus an admin charge - typically around £10).
What does not sound right is they are charging you 4.32 USD. Given that you will have to pay the import taxes on arrival they should not be charging you VAT at source! I would query that with them.

Regarding orders which you also raised - the method used will depend on the quantity, weight and volume. Its best to get an independent quote at this stage for a price delivered to your door and don't just rely on your sellers shipping options which typically leaves you picking up a large bill on arrival in UK. There are meany threads on here about this.

 

[Maple Sourcing]

The sample will be sent directly to your premises, no worries. You only need to officially claim for customs for value over $800 for USA, similar amount for other countries.