1. How much can I save by importing from China?



Of course that depends on the size of your order, the type of products you are importing, and a few other specifics to your situation. However, generally you will save about 30% after transportation is included based on what it would cost to have most products manufactured in the west.

2. What kind of product information do you need to provide?

What the manufacturer needs from you:

A) Name of the product(s)

B) Product specifications

C) Product standard required

D) Quantity desired

E) Cost desired

F) Expected delivery time

E) You can also attach a photo or image of the kind of products if you

have them.

3. Can I mix and match different products to fill a shipping container?

Most often the answer is Yes! A full 20ft container gives you the best pricing but some products do not mix well, and may come from places that are to far apart to make this practical. Also, this may not work well if the delivery dates for different products are too far apart.

4. How much are the shipping costs?

There are many variable involved with shipping costs. Product weight, where it is coming from and where it is going to. If it is shipping by air or if it is shipping by sea. If you are using a 40 ft container or a 20 ft container or if it is a partial container. The cost of a barrel of oil. And many more variables.

If you are using a freight forwarder they should give you an accurate quote. If you are still doing research you can use one of the online calculators to get an up to date quote. Try one or more of these:

http://www.searates.com/?country=cn

http://container.shipping-to.com/

http://orionshipping.co.uk/deepsea.aspx?page=318

5. Do I need to go to China myself?

There are certainly times it is beneficial to go to China but it seldom is it required to successfully import. Nearly every reputable manufacturer has English speaking staff to work with you through the ordering and shipping processes. This can be done through emails with the needed documents attached.

Another option is to hire an agent in China that works on your behalf to find the right manufacturer, negotiate and place the order, perform any necessary inspection, advice you if the finished order is acceptable and to arrange the oceanic shipment.

You might decide to visit China if you are placing an order for a very complex product and want to personally evaluate the manufacturers and visit the factories. Another time to visit is during the spring and trade fairs when thousands of manufacturers and distributors are showing off their newest products. It's a great way to keep up with trends in your industry.

6. What products are best to have manufactured in China?

Almost everything can be manufactured in China. And half of them SHOULD be made in China, because of China's low labour costs and resources. The best candidates are those that are high in labor content or raw material content with low weight and volume. Although it certainly isn't limited to these, some of the best for your consideration are:

A) Textiles & Silks

B) Garments

C) Arts & Crafts

D) Light industrial products

E) Chemical products

F) Household & Electrical Appliances

G) Optical & Electronic Products

H) Machinery & Equipment

I) Tools & Hardware

J) Most anything made from injection mouldings or die castings

7. From product sample to delivery how long does it take?

For standard products that are already in production the delivery time is very short. Your order can often be completed in as short as 1 or 2 weeks after it is placed. However, plan on at least another month for it to reach you if you ship it by sea container. If it's light weight and small in size, you can consider an air shipment and have it in just a couple of days.

If you are in a real hurry and buying a common product, you can consider buying from a Chinese wholesaler that already has the product in stock. An air shipment from them can reach you in as little as 3 or 4 days.

Simple products of your own design that already have comprehensive designs can get you a price quote in 2 or 3 weeks after the manufacturer reviews the design. Of course you still need to have samples produced for your approval before manufacturing will begin. Most likely moulds or other special tools will need to be manufactured before production starts. With this type of order it is best to start as early as possible.

For a unique product the search time depends on the complexity of the product you want made. If you have a complex unique design it can take several months to find a capable manufacturer. Then samples will need to be manufactured and approved by you. After approval, production can begin and the order shipped when a shipping container is full or when the order is complete if less than a full container. So again, in this scenario it is best to start as early as possible.

You are going to have many questions about importing from China but you're off to a great start getting them answered. The best way to go about it is to continue studying the materials and resources available. Soon you will gain the confidence you need to begin asking very specific questions directly from the manufacturers or agents in China.