Import Export

[Deleted member 63732]

Hi there

I am trying to figure out how to import clothes from India/China to UK or any other EU country, really. More precisely I would like to add my goods to some larger importer's load, not import myself, if this is at all possible. I don't think I would have the volume needed and definitely not the knowledge, to do it on my own, for a start.

Alternatively, maybe an import agent could help me out?

Does anybody know how this is best done, please?

Thank you!

Kristina.

 

[Mister B]

In a nutshell, you've got no hope at all. If you're really lucky, you might find somebody who will allow you to piggy back their production, but you will pay for it and still have to buy a few hundred pieces.

You're probably better off using UK suppliers who will allow you to manufacture small runs with which you can test the market.

Mister B

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Kristina,

you are in a volume business (or very low volume, in the case of bespoke).

Mister B is right and, although your idea is simple in principle, there are so many variables that are working against you.

 

[qul]

I'm not sure about clothes, but can share my experience of amateur importing in case it helps:

I used to purchase small batches of mp3 players from China & sell them on the internet. I used the Ali Baba website to find suppliers. They also seem to have a clothes category. If you post a buying lead saying what you want, suppliers will contact you by email. I don't think this is how the pro's do it, but its a start at least.

In terms of importing, as they were small shipments, the supplier used a freight company/courier, who used an agent in this country. The agent dealt with customs etc, and I had to re-imburse the agent for import duty+vat that they paid on my behalf.

A couple of my friends have also used Ali Baba for small shipments of hookahs and prayer mats.


I'm not sure about profitability as the unit cost for small orders is relatively high, and shipping costs will also be relatively large, but once you contact the suppliers, you can see if its worthwile. (but Mr B is probably worth listening to)

 

[Deleted member 63732]

Thanks guys, I did expect something like that. Must think it all through..

Good luck to you all! K

 

[Deleted member 63732]

And how about just using TNT? I know the cost would probably be high, but its a safe option...isn't it?

 

[Jordie]

You have two options to ship goods either by air or by sea. The later should be the cheapest but may depend on the size of the shipment you are importing. By air you can use courier companies like TNT, Fedex, DHL etc but if you importing a lot of stuff it could work out quite expensive. The other alternative is to use a freight forwarder here in the UK who can arrange collection and send the goods over including all the customs formalities.

 

[ESE]

Hi Kristina
First of all, I would like to wish you and all the UKF readers 'A Very Happy & Prosperous New Year!'
We are a new Manchester(UK) based Wholesaling and Sourcing company with a branch in China (Shanghai). I understand it is not easy for anyone who is only looking for small volume to buy and ship from China.If you would like to pm me and give me more information of your requirements, perhaps I might be able to help you.

 

[tonkata]

hi kristina

first u want to import any clothing or u have idea or sample that u want to produce.

anyways any piece willnot be with high price depend on what u want to produce

seconed about the shippment more than 100 pieces will be expensive to ship with tnt

ship with sea will be good but it take time

in the end i work in aready made garment factory in egypt so i know alot about this field.


u can ask any question if u want >good lk