Importing small item from China to US: Courier or forwarder?

Forums: Business And Marketing, Importing From China, Logistics, Freight Forwarder
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I learned a lot too from reading all the emails about importing from China, especially from Craven. I hope he or other people can help me to answer my question.

I am trying to try importing some small UPS type items from China to US. My questions are the following:

1. Do I need a forwarder? Or is it sufficient to use UPS/Fedex/DHL to process all the necessary shipping document? Which one would be cheaper? I heard that one can pre-negotiate the rate with UPS/Fedex/DHL to get some discount on the shipping rate too. Quantity wise, it won't be very large. Perhaps around 20 KGs (I checked a Fedex air freight would be around $200 with no discount).

2. Do I need a customs broker? How do I get the items at the US destination if I use courier? Will the courier (e.g. Fedex) do all the customs clearance and deliver the goods to my door, or would I need to clear up the customs myself or use a customs broker?

Many thanks for the answer before.

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Once my friend sent some items from China to Canada by Fedex. He just put "samples" on the package and Canadian guy got it safely and without any problem.

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The answer to this question would help me alot too

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Hi,

I just posted a larger e-mail in the thread "importing from China". But I will try to answer this question as well.

If you are only going to ship a small quantity of items, then it is fine to use a direct shipper like EMS, DHL or Fed Ex. They will ship direct to your door. The only issue with this method is that it is probably cost prohibitive if you are trying to resale these items.

Technically, you want to declare a value and pay the customs here in the USA. This can be handled by visiting the US Customs website at http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/. This is easy and the proper approach.

I have started a business to help people get started importing from China. You can find more information on my website at Edit (Moderator): Link removed or feel free to call me at 262-347-6510.

Matt
Edit (Moderator): Link removed

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Hi, Matt I am thinking of starting in the import business. I have been ready alots on all the post about import. I want to have a wholesale/warehouse for all the little phone store in my area to buy phone/phone accessories. I found some on Alibaba.com and have contact them already. They sended me some catalog but I am not sure if they are for the models in the state. Do you have any advice to give me? Please e-mail [email protected] if you can.

Tony

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Importing small item from China to US: Courier or forwarder?

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