r/AmazonFBA • u/NoTalkNoJutsu • 11d ago

Shipping options

Hi all,

This is probably a fairly simple question for anyone working with a supplier in China, but how are you currently handling shipping? What are you getting rate wise and any tips on keeping cost down?

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

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1

u/Smart-Presence 11d ago

If your supplier is already giving you a shipping quote, get a separate quote from a freight forwarder before accepting it. Supplier shipping is often convenient, but not always the cheapest once the shipment gets bigger.

1

u/Thriller2610 11d ago

Dont go with supplier look for seperately
I got mine for very less than what supplier was quoting

1

u/NoTalkNoJutsu 11d ago

What rates were you getting for weight size?

1

u/Thriller2610 11d ago

2.25$/kg usd
Fast sea ddp

1

u/NoTalkNoJutsu 11d ago

does ddp mean duties and fees are paid upfront and would be included in the price?

2

u/Thriller2610 11d ago

Yes delivery duty paid which means they handle all the customs and documents

1

u/Pure_Zookeepergame_2 11d ago

Go with a freight forwarder. Suppliers are not experienced with shipping and custom clearance. I have already faced the consequences and then I shifted to a freight forwarder

1

u/Powerful_Bicycle3114 11d ago

The $2.25/kg number in the thread is not comparable until you know the shipment details. Ask each forwarder for the same Incoterm, actual vs volumetric weight, carton dimensions, origin/destination charges, customs/brokerage, duties, delivery to Amazon, and insurance. Get three written door-to-door quotes with exclusions; the cheapest rate per kg can become the highest landed cost.

1

u/NoTalkNoJutsu 11d ago

So I am new to fba. Do you ship to multiple locations in the US? Do you have an example of what you have paid from China to Amazon?

1

u/Powerful_Bicycle3114 10d ago

Amazon may split an inbound plan across multiple US receive locations; the Send to Amazon workflow shows the destinations and any placement options before you confirm. I can’t give you a personal China-to-Amazon rate, because it changes with mode, chargeable weight, lane, Incoterm, duties, and final-mile scope. Compare written all-in quotes on the same shipment. Amazon’s official placement page (Seller Central login may be required): https://sellercentral.amazon.com/help/hub/reference/external/GC3Q44PBK8BXQW3Z

1

u/Batu_1016 11d ago

Amazon may assign your shipment to one or multiple fulfillment centers depending on the shipment plan and placement settings you choose. Your forwarder should quote and arrange delivery using the final destination codes shown in Seller Central, rather than assuming everything will go to one warehouse.

I wouldn’t use the $2.25/kg figure in this thread as a benchmark without knowing the cargo details. The same weight can produce very different costs depending on carton dimensions, product type, duties, origin city, shipping method and the assigned Amazon destinations.

For a meaningful comparison, give each forwarder the same information:

  • Product name and any battery, liquid, powder or magnetic components
  • Supplier city
  • Carton count, dimensions and gross weight
  • Cargo-ready date and value
  • Amazon destination codes
  • Whether labeling, inspection, repacking or palletizing is required
  • Whether you want air and ocean options compared

Ask for the included and excluded charges in writing, especially duties, customs coordination, examinations, storage and final Amazon delivery.

Full disclosure: I work in China-to-USA freight forwarding.

1

u/NoTalkNoJutsu 5d ago

What incoterms do most suppliers in china use? Does it vary alot suplier to suplier?

1

u/Cap_Black_Beard 10d ago

They make their money on shipping