Importing from china to uk

[n00bctrl]

Hi I'm using Alibaba to import 10 table frames. I got quoted £360 to get it shipped to me in the UK.

Are there any other charges that I will have to pay?
Also is there anything else I know about?
How do you go about collecting them?

Thanks,
jonny.

 

[Import Expert]

Hi Jonny,

Be a bit careful. I'm assuming that will be on a freight prepaid bases (CIF / C&F) shipping terms. If so you will get lots of additional UK costs once they arrive. It will work out a lot cheaper to buy on FOB terms (this means the price you pay your supplier covers everything up to loading on Vessel), and get a quote from a reputable UK freight forwarder for shipping from FOB China to UK. No nasty unexpected costs that way.

Kind regards,
Darren.

 

[Shippo Ltd]

Hi Jonny,

As mentioned above, the £360 to have it shipped to you in the UK might seem cheap and attractive but there is nothing more unattractive than hidden costs which are higher than the value of the goods on arrival to the UK.

Get an FOB Quote from your supplier, then ask a shipping company in the UK for a quote from the specified port to your address in the UK.

 

[CMS Medical]

Also there will be import tax/duty to be paid once the goods arrive in the UK so you need to take this into account for your margins.

 

[Denzel Fan]

This depends on the incoterm.

But if LCL to port, you'd better pay more attention. As mentioned above, LCL means a lot of destination charges before you can pick up. You can learn more here, https://cargofromchina.com/fcl-lcl/

 

[Directimport]

Hi Jonny,

I agree with Darren. Buying on an FOB basis and following his advice from there will most likely be your cheapest and safest option. Believe me, you don't want the potential nightmare of having to collect them. Get Darren or another local freight forwarder to organise it all for you, including clearance and delivery to your address.

 

[PowerForwarding]

Yep, as everyone says, buy under FOB terms and contact a UK freight forwarder for a rate to door.