How to import from China — the complete guide
From choosing a product to holding it in your hands: the six steps of an import, what each one costs and where the money changes hands. Written for a first-time importer; the numbers come from this shop's own settings, so the guide and the checkout never disagree.
The six steps
- Choose the product Pick from the catalogue, search by photo, or bring your own product to the bulk quote form with a target price.
- Get the landed quote The quote is the factory price plus freight, shown for all three modes side by side. What a product page shows is what the checkout charges — the landed cost is never billed after delivery.
- Pay the advance 60% of the order total releases the goods for sourcing. The advance is recorded against your order and the desk starts buying.
- Sourcing and checks The desk buys from the factory, checks the goods and consolidates everything at the China warehouse, where weight and volume are measured for the freight bill.
- Freight and customs The shipment moves by the mode you chose, clears customs with the paperwork handled by the desk, and travels to your address.
- Arrival and balance The remaining 40% falls due on arrival. Once it is recorded, the order is complete and the goods are yours.
What freight costs
Air modes bill on chargeable weight with a small floor per parcel; sea bills on volume with a floor per consignment. The calculator on every product page shows all three for your actual quantity.
| Mode | Lead time | Rate | Charged on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express Air | 8–12 days | $13.41 / kg | per chargeable weight |
| Standard Air | 10–15 days | $9.06 / kg | per chargeable weight |
| Sea Freight | 30–40 days | $304.35 / m³ | per cubic metre (volume) |
Where the money changes hands
One order, two payments: the 60% advance before sourcing starts, and the rest on arrival — there is no third charge. The advance and the balance are recorded on the order page, each with a payment reference you submit and the desk verifies.
What the desk handles for you
- LC, customs clearance and duty handling
- Consolidation and dispatch paperwork at the China warehouse
- Status updates on the order page at every stage, from advance to delivery