Importing small, low value items from china....

[kemo_2002]

Hi, i am just after some general advice, im in the early stages, thinking about importing a few things from china, reason being is a just cant seem to find exactly what i want, cheaper here.

I would like to import around 2000 30mm gold bells ( a specific type) ive not gained many prices as yet but been looking on alibaba and roughly i think its going to cost around 12p per bell...total around - £240

The info i really wanted was how do i organise getting it over here to my home, as it will be quite a small, light, package, as i know they are only responsible for getting it on the boat?

Also what tax, import duties and fees am i likely to pay on that?

Forgive me for what may seem like silly questions, i am just trying to get as much input from others and info to make the best decisions

Cheers Guys

 

[Christiane]

The supplier might be able to give you shipping price for a courier by air. Upon entry you will get an invoice for VAT at 20%, duty (%age varies) and the courier fee (around £10).

 

[xueshu1981]

I think if you are not worried about the leading time. You can use China post in very cheap freight.

 

[kemo_2002]

would it be cheaper to organise shipment myself or the the supplier too?

with it only being a smal lpackage (cant imagine 2000 bells will be huge)

if i organise postage, how do i go about organising, ive read lots about big containers full but nothing about smaller parcels

Many Thanks

 

[iKam]

It'll probably cheaper if the supplier arranges the shipping

 

[James Wang]

since it's just a small parcel with low value, so you can ask supplier to consult their courier partner to find out the total cost of it, then u can make your decision

 

[wolfitman]

I would say try to get a price including DHL/TNT to your address. In my experience it is always cheaply for the supplier to do this than for you to arrange collection.

As with any import, you will need to pay the VAT and Duty when the goods arrive unless the parcel is small enough for somebody to hand carry....??!!

I'm in China half the Year so if you need any help pm me.

Nick

 

[Directimport]

Most people who buy my book import small quantities and they almost all ask the supplier to quote for shipping cost.

It is important that any quote you get should be for door to door and must include all charges. You will still be responsible for duty if any, and VAT. The courier will pay those on your behalf and you must pay their invoice before they will deliver.

Many suppliers in China send out large volumes using couriers and so they can negotiate good rates.

A note of caution. Have you done your due diligence on the supplier? Just because they are on alibaba is no guarantee that they are legit. You will need an EORI number which you will need to quote each time you import something.

 

[MOIC]

My advice for posting one, or a few boxes, is by EMS/Royal Mail.

Door to door service.

One-off fee.

No paperwork hassle.

7 Days (Approx)

Quick and easy !

 

[kemo_2002]

Thaks for all the advice, so if looking at sellers on alibaba, can i ask them if they would ship via air?

is that cheaper?

if doing it that way does that mean i wont have to sort any paperwork, how will i pay import and vat?

 

[Directimport]

Thaks for all the advice, so if looking at sellers on alibaba, can i ask them if they would ship via air?

is that cheaper?

if doing it that way does that mean i wont have to sort any paperwork, how will i pay import and vat?

Alibaba is not on my list of recommended sourcing web portals. For offline comment on that you will need to PM me.

Depending on the weight or the volume (and both are used to calculate freight rates) it may be economic to ship by EMS or by Air Courier. In the case of EMS, Royal Mail will handle the clearance for you and will collect VAT and duty at the time of delivery.

If using air courier insist on door to door service and the courier also does all the work for you. You must pay them before they will deliver.

It is essential that you be quoted total door to door costs and you must make that figure part of your order.

Shipping via ordinary air freight as opposed to air courier is a little more complicated and not recommended unless your supplier can offer air freight door to door at a better price.

Take care with payment method. I would never agree to Western Union transfer unless I had absolutely confirmed the bona fides of the seller.

You might like to look at my website which will give you some idea of what is involved in importing.

 

[arthurlai]

hi,

You can let the supplier deliver by EXPRESS,ie EMS,FEDEX,DHL.

We company have sent many items to overseas and no any problems.

The EXPRESS will send it to your door.

But it will be more expensive.However it can save a lot of time and energy for you.

by the way,what's the weight and volume of the total 2000 bells?