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Dumb Questions...Looking for somebody with experience outsourcing through Alibaba and importing to the United States.
[re-posting here on behalf of Reddit user HunterHast with permission]
Title pretty much says it all. I am looking to purchase and import products through Alibaba, but the whole importing process has left me with a few questions that I would like to have answered before I proceed and find the answers out the hard way. I have done a bunch of google searching and watched some youtube videos, etc. but I still have some questions.
I have found a manufacturer I want to work with, have worked back and forth to change some design aspects and done all of my math in product costs, shipping, logistics, warehousing, taxes and more. However, the one thing I am unsure of is the importing costs and processes, which leaves me with the following questions:
1. What should I expect to pay in import fees, tariffs, etc when importing very small products from China? Looking to order about 2,000 items weighing a grand total of 95 pounds and taking up about 18 cubic feet.
2. I prefer to ship by air, at least in the beginning when I am keeping a smaller inventory. If I choose FedEx, UPS or DHL will they handle the importing process? If not, what exactly should my process be as far as arranging for the item to be in the right place at the right time for pickup, how do I handle the importing paperwork and payments, etc.?
Sorry for the dumb questions, and thanks in advance for any help you can offer!