Importing from China

[Scoobydo]

2 things

(1) I need help about shipping costs.

(2) A word of caution about importing from China.

(1)

I have been told that a FCL 40 foot (Sea freight) from China to the Uk will cost me about $3 - 4,000. Many Chinese factories wish to sell FOB and don't have their own export licenses. I have been told a Chinese export agent charges about 2-5% of the cost of the merchandise.

"
"FOB"
Free on board…(named port of shipment) means that the seller fulfills his obligation to deliver when the goods have passed over the ship's rail at the named port of shipment. The buyer bears all costs and risk of loss or damage to goods from that point."

Does this mean the Chinese factory pays for

Collection/Loading/Delivery from shipper to Port ?
Export documentation, Bill of lading fee ?
Storage, Consolidation if required ?
Terminal Handling charges ?

I presume they do.

My real problem is the costing of what happens when the container arrives in the UK at Southampton. Also what unexpected costs will jump up to increase my costs? I'm just looking for rough estimates.

At port of arrival
Terminal Handling charges - How much?
Customs clearance charges -How much?
Import Duty & VAT (calculated by Customs & Excise) - This I understand
Road Haulage to your premises - How much, roughly, to transport a container to Scotland?

Many thanks for any help.

By the way http://www.skymartworldwide.com/t_he...eimporting.htm is a good introduction to importing procedures.

(2) A few words of caution.

I am friends with a couple of people who work as buyers in China or have been involved in exporting out of China. The big problem is quality. Whether you get a good factory or not is just luck. One of my friends is a clothes buyer for a HK firm. What he actually does is watch over the manufacturing process. He still has to do this with factories that have been supplying his company for years. As he says ISO certification is usually just bought in China and goes for nothing. He has a lot of problems with quality - he spends at least 10 months of the year in mainland China just ensuring they do things right.. I Know another person who exports Chinese food. Again she has to watch over the manufacturing process to ensure quality. A very good friend was exporting Sofas to Australia. The first 2 shipment were no problem. With the 3rd shipment he decided to check the goods before he put his seal on the container. The sofas should of been made of Chilean leather. Instead the factory decided to use PVC. He lost his 30% deposit he had already paid.

Perhaps Chinese firms that specialise in exporting have higher standards of quality. I personally would be very cautious about trusting a Chinese factory to consistently supply goods of the required quality unless you can watch over what they do as they do it. That seems to be the consensus with the people I know about how you successfully buy and export with a Chinese factory.

[powerstar]

i am an exporter from China.

As to your comprehension of the FOB,i think it's right.All the cost before the goods on board is handled by seller.

As your description for the chinese manufacturer.Yes,i think your friends' experience is really exist in many chinese manufacturers.Because we are far away from China.and you pay the funds before you get the goods.and you don't have anyone who inspect the goods before the shippment.and some manufacturer in China don't have the seriously quality control.so you may get the goods with the quality problem.So that's why some importers are still willing to cooperate with the foreign trade company instead of manufacturers in China.because the foreign trade company have more good service and they will inspect the quality and all the details before the goods to container in the factory.

And some importers choose to find an agent(set up an office and hire some chinese people) in China to help them ensure the quality.that will cost less but ensure the quality of the goods.

I am from China and in the international field.if you need any help in China.pls contact me via fuzhoupowerstar@yahoo.com.cn. By the way I am andriy lian.

[lpatty]

oh, my god, i wrote so much, but was not been posted
anyhow, you can contact me at yahoo messenger: lpatty333 or MSNatricia_lxj@hotmail.com. I'm a foreign trade sohoer, I promise I can provide you the best and competitive goods. No matter business or not I believe we can make friends

[acavalierguy]

Hi Guys,
I am thinking of establishing contacts from China for my rugby gear business and I was wondering if you guys could give me a few important tips about finding good quality manufacture in China, Taiwan or Hong Kong.

Cheers and thanks for the many helpful importing points.

Cavalierguy

[spring123]

Hi cavalierguy

I am chinese and live in an important port and textile manufacturing capitol, I would like to help you make contact with reliable suppliers. I have an English friend and I am aware of the standards you will expect. Please give me your email,illustrations and specifications and I will see what I can do to help.

[woody]

Scared to make the step to direct importing? Don't understand it? Who can you trust? I am an Australian/American living here in China. I know how to get things done in China. It is not the same as anywhere else in the world. Bridging the culture gap for business and pleasure is not an easy thing to do but with a little help you could be on your way to easy business with china. I try to provide that assistance to suit your needs. Get in touch with me. Woody sampltd@yahoo.com

[dag8]

Maybe I can be some help. Scholorship from UK. Now working with government.

Originally Posted by acavalierguy

Hi Guys,
I am thinking of establishing contacts from China for my rugby gear business and I was wondering if you guys could give me a few important tips about finding good quality manufacture in China, Taiwan or Hong Kong.

Cheers and thanks for the many helpful importing points.

Cavalierguy

[monsoon12570]

Hi
I seriously want to start importing products to UK from China amongst other countries. As i have never imported anything before, i am seeking an honourable person who has experience in international trading, one who can assist me with step by step guidance on the lowest risk, lowest cost procedures necessary for sourcing, business transactions and import/export.

Thankyou