The Wholesale Forums

[Xponent]

Ok so, I am planning on my first purchase from China (I live in the U.S) but I am a bit afraid of how to deal with U.S Customs. I only plan to buy about $1,000 USD of product just for experience; that includes shipping with the “slow boat.” …… Further-more, I will not need it shipped to my door because I live about 20 minutes away from the port of Seattle where the ships stop, am I able to get it myself? Also, I don’t know how custom fees work or how much they are, will I need a business license first? Any info will help me, thanks!

Brandon

[Anthony]

Xponent - Just for future ref, please use the default forum font and sizes. Thanks

[Pete]

It's almost impossible to get into the port area anymore. I used to sell to the stevedoring companies in Norfolk. I'd drive right up to the piers. Now it's worse than getting onto the Norfolk Naval Base.

I honestly have never been in your situation and do not have the answer, but I doubt you can just go down and pick it up. It might turn out to be a real experience, though.

Call the customs folks and see what they say.
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[greedyboy]

Find a clearing agent near the port who will handle the import/paperwork for you. Then drive to them and pick the goods up once they have been released.

[Xponent]

Originally Posted by greedyboy

Find a clearing agent near the port who will handle the import/paperwork for you. Then drive to them and pick the goods up once they have been released.

any idea of what kind of fees i will need to pay customs and an agent? and do i need a business license? i don't want to get in any tax trouble!

[greedyboy]

If you are importing good to resell then you should have a Tax ID.

[Xponent]

maybe ill call and ask about fees

[NorthyImports]

Xponent you need a Tax ID or EIN if you are going to resell the items you import. I recomend you get a shipping agent ports are hard to get into now. I'm not sure if you need a business license but you might depending on the items you are selling and where/how you are selling these items.

[Xponent]

Originally Posted by NorthyImports

Xponent you need a Tax ID or EIN if you are going to resell the items you import. I recomend you get a shipping agent ports are hard to get into now. I'm not sure if you need a business license but you might depending on the items you are selling and where/how you are selling these items.

will the port say where i can get an agent? i just think an agent will eat into my profit, im guessing they are $100+?

[Pete]

These are the things you should check before ordering. Yes, they are going to eat into your profit. Or, you're going to have to raise your prices.

Calling the port will do no good. Use the Yellow Pages and find "Customshouse Brokers". If you find nothing there try "Freight Forwarders."
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