The Wholesale Forums

[TYLOLA]

Heya folks,

Okay - can someone please give me a bit of leadway with shipping, it's meant to be cheaper getting goods from abroad yet it's working out more than i pay over here!

Example:
Dora Explorer Beds - i found a supplier in USA who sells them at $20, they are selling over here on eBay for around £50 - £60 so a nice margin if it can be applied... However, i placed a sample order for 20 beds ($400) but the shipping fee was quoted $550!!! more than the goods value! then i was told i may need to pay customs due to the cubic size of the order, after i worked all this out - with eBay fees & Paypal fees added, it just wouldn't be worth it! absolutely gutted!!! So, how can i become the slightest bit successful in getting goods over here? i have no clue on customs / licencing e.t.c...

Someone please help!

[Andy777]

That's cheap! (shipping cost) Wonder which company they are using? As they weight around 10 kg each.

I think it's not worthwhile to buy them from US in such a small quantity. They're manufactured in China, so you should be looking for a container deal to make it worthwhile.

However, if you're newbie with importing, taxes etc., It could be a difficult task.

[lighthousedirec]

Put even simpler, your not buying right, the quantity is way too low as well, these would have to come in by the container load to even start to be competitive.

[TYLOLA]

Okay - but how do i go about storage, customs e.t.c...? surely mr postman isn't just going to turn up on my door with a huge container load to sign for? lol! how do i go about this?

example:
i order a container load of beds - shipping £££, they arrive in UK - how do i collect? what fees would i have to pay e.t.c... as i'm new to this & unless i start doing this, then i just cannot even come close to my competition sellers?

Regards,
Steve

[lighthousedirec]

how do i collect? what fees would i have to pay e.t.c... as i'm new to this & unless i start doing this, then i just cannot even come close to my competition sellers?

Plenty of shipping agencies, clearance companies and storage companies on the www

Also there is the search function on the site, all your questions are easy to find one way or another, but it is better to do the work yourself so you can be sure of your costings, alternatively look at other products.

As mentioned elsewhere on the forum, you do not necessarily have to be the cheapest, you might do better offering a unique design rather than just competing on price alone.

[geosamm]

you can get door to door shipping, but its never cheap and yes they will roll up to your door and give you a set time to unload, or pay penalties, port to port is a lot less. You dont need an agent to complete the forms and get things through customs, but it is easier yet more expense, and they will deal with duties and codes. Remember that you will also be paying VAT on shipping costs. Your best option is to get things shipped by sea which can be done by the cubic meter, first cubic meter is always the most expensive, shippers dont always charge by weight or size [whichever is the most expensive] and collect from the port of arrival.

[TYLOLA]

Originally Posted by geosamm

you can get door to door shipping, but its never cheap and yes they will roll up to your door and give you a set time to unload, or pay penalties, port to port is a lot less. You dont need an agent to complete the forms and get things through customs, but it is easier yet more expense, and they will deal with duties and codes. Remember that you will also be paying VAT on shipping costs. Your best option is to get things shipped by sea which can be done by the cubic meter, first cubic meter is always the most expensive, shippers dont always charge by weight or size [whichever is the most expensive] and collect from the port of arrival.

Sounds good thanks - but i've also been told that customs may cease goods? how do i avoid this & how would i get my goods back from them?

[geosamm]

C&E can and do seize goods ...... if they are contraband items, prohibited items or questionable items being the main categories of seizure.... the thing is your invoices have to be believable and relate to the goods being shipped... all necessary licenses must be available if required.... fumigation certificates available where necessary, etc, etc, etc. Look at the invoice you expect C&E to accept.... would you believe it?....... Obviously different products are governed by different regulations and specifications.... stay within the guidelines [as best you can] talk to the shipper if possible, he will have some insight and experience in the field..... make sure all the correct and appropriate documentation is available for inspection...... Getting it back depends on the reason for the seizure.... you cant argue your case if you dont know the case to argue.

[denelliliving]

I think the forums are scarying you a little.
You going to need to check and make sure its uk regulation. Easier if you are not buying the matress. The fact that its under 5s. Its going to have strict control. Although its selling in the USA, they will make it child safe. Although Europe does require CE REG.
The importing is very easy.
You going to need to order a container to get the best price. Probs a 20ft container for 1st go. you will be 20 usd in price. tell them 13usd
Get hold of an agent in the uk to clear your items.
Ask the supplier for the FOB price, they should be able to book in the vessel for you. Just tell them the port destination. (felixstowe)
Once the item arrives, you will be invoiced for shipping. You pay the shipping company.
Then you hand over the VAT,COST OF TRANSPORT TO YOUR LOCATION,PORT CHARGES,CLEARING CHARGES ETC TO THE FREIGHT AGENT.
He will clear your items for you and bring the container to you. you have 3 hours to unload the thing.
A cost of a 20ft to you inc all charges ex vat will be approx £1500, £2300 for 40ft and 2500 40ft hc.
I am assuming you do not have a vat number, hence you will have to pay vat on cost of product+freight+insurance.
If there is import Duty you will have to pay that also.
Although i am 90% there is no VAT OR DUTY. As it will come under childrens. I am confident its VAT exempt.
When i started 18mnths ago, importing was kinda scary. So im sure you have 100s of questions. Get it right and you will make a hell of alot of money.
If you need a good agent i can pass you my one.
If you do this for a living and transfering over 500,000 USD PER YEAR, get a forex agent. The currency saving will be better.


I

[denelliliving]

Whats the cbm of the bed, ask the supplier. will tell you a rough cost of getting it to you