Importing from China to UK, Best economical Shipping Method for 200 units, under 100Kg
Hey Folks,
We are a newbie to Amazon. We have a new product to import from China to the UK for FBA. However, we are finding it difficult to find a shipping company which is economical.
Shipping from: Ningbo
Shipping to: Coventry
Shipping Size 58x40x46cm
Weight: 100 KG- 5 packs of 20 Kg with above dimensions
All companies we approached come back saying, it’s not economical for them to do this shipping. When we looked at UPS/ FedEx etc it comes about under £900 which is more than the cost of manufacturing the item. Also, we are not sure whether that includes the customs/ duty? Does anyone know any solution for Air/ Sea shipping company that will be willing to do business with us?
Thanks in advance
J
17 replies
Seller_saK5Ah2SaNYjL
We import from China to Coventry using a 20ft container a few times a year. If you can’t fill a 20ft container, then it probably won’t be viable as airfreight is far too expensive.
If you want a customs agent, I recommend Rohlig in Birmingham. What you are talking about is really small fry, but they may help you.
P.S. If you are buying this product from Alibaba, stop now.
Seller_7VbclcPFFRTnc
Also if its your first order from the company make sure it comes directly to you rather than straight to Amazon giving you chance to quality inspect it before Amazon does !
Seller_NoLYurmb006tq
Hi I would hazard a guess at saying if its shipped by sea around 5 to 600 pound there will be customs duty on the goods still, if you have not got a forwarder manufacturer will likely get a better rate than you.
If your using Alibaba you will find issues trying to sell on Amazon as when you get the item checked if they don’t ask for proof before they will want invoices and Alibaba is not accepted.
Seller_saK5Ah2SaNYjL
I’ve always felt our shipping cost from China and from Felixstowe were very reasonable. The manufacturer of our base product in China is also awesome. We are VIP 
Seller_kSYzBEdtCROrK
Thanks for your prompt replies.
We are newbies trying to learn the tricks of the FBA world 
We are sourcing from Alibaba. Got the first samples. We are happy with the prices and quality as we compared it with 2 different companies from Alibaba.
All other forwarders gave us a quote for air was above £1200+, Rohlig, we asked for a quote but haven’t received any reply yet.
Shipping wise we got the below from Forest shipping Company in China. Our manufacturing company suggested this forwarder.
Service type DDP from China Factory to Coventry, UK.
Sea - $310 Awaiting confirmation for the timeline.
Air - $900 14-16 Days
Inspection -$100
Photography- $100
The above rates include Customs and all other charges.
- Can you please elaborate on why you said not to go with Alibaba suppliers? Is there anything to look out for?
- Where else we can find prospective suppliers outside Alibaba?
- Will Amazon ask for an Invoice other than from Alibaba for the contract terms? Then any suggestions to reduce any delay in this process?
- Suggested Payment terms for Manufacturers & Shipping Company?
Kind Regards,
J
Seller_saK5Ah2SaNYjL
That said… there are some genuine companies selling on Alibaba.
When I realised our demands were outstripping local suppliers, I contacted several companies on Alibaba. Only ones already knew of. As in, I know that company name, they are reputable.
One stood out and I contacted them directly. I asked them for samples and they were very obliging. Fake companies on Alibaba will ask you to pay for samples.
Since then we have been ordering a 20ft container of our base (unprinted) product every 2-3 months.
Alibaba does have its uses.
Seller_kSYzBEdtCROrK
Thanks again for your time.
Do you have any preferred place/ website/ studio for amazon related photography? Do you do live stage photos or just products only?
You guys helped more than any other blogs or other paid services available out there
Thank You
