The Wholesale Forums

[i.i]

Hi all,

As you may or may not be aware, I am importing a chair from China with a view to learning the ropes of furniture import.

It is 55kg in weight and occupies 1m cubed in volume.

Freight forwarder Uniexpress have quoted me the following costs to cover handling the chair and get it off the boat to a holding area in Ipswich, UK:

Terminal Handling GBP50.00
Documentation GBP65.00
UK Clearance GBP35.00
Use of deferment GBP20.00

Is this a normal charge? If so, I can kiss my profit margin goodbye

All comments gratefully received.

Paul

[uhafmail]

I think the best sort of price you can hope for for customs clearence is £100 so that quote looks a little expensive but there are lots that charge more! I will try and dig out the company that charges £100.

When importing large items it is always best to order a few so the clearance can be split between them. Importing Port to Port is not for amateurs.

[i.i]

Uhafmail, damn that was quick!

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, I am finding out that being an amateur is expensive!!!

If I was to order say 5 chairs, how would the clearance be split?

Will all costs be split 5 ways excluding VAT?

Thanks again,

Paul

[D M]

I love it when people complain about the £10 clearence fee the courier charges.

[uhafmail]

It would likely be the same cost - or close to the same cost if not the same. I will find the company that charges £100 give me a minute.

[uhafmail]

Originally Posted by D M

I love it when people complain about the £10 clearence fee the courier charges.

lol i was one of them until i knew how much it cost to do it without a courier.

[uhafmail]

http://www.jamescargo.com/general_cargo/import.htm

Thanks to DM who gave me this

[i.i]

Thanks for this uhafmail!

The chair will arrive on the 11th of Oct.

Uniexpress are indicated on my Bill of Lading as the 'Delivery agent at Destination'

Can I change them now for jamescargo, or is this a case of using James Cargo Next time?

Also, can anyone tell me how the clearence costs would decrease as I ordered greater quantities?
I am assuming some fees are 'flat fees' regardless of volume???

Thanks

Paul

[D M]

Since it's by sea it might be a reasonable price. Phone/email around and get a few quotes.