We all want an all-inclusive quote when we’re offered a price right…? When it comes to importing this isn’t always the case. As you know, to import goods, you have to take into account – the cost of goods – the shipping cost – duties and taxes – transport to your door. However, when using Shippo, we can make it simple for you…
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Can My Supplier Send My Goods To Me Direct?
If your shipment is less than 100kg, your supplier can certainly send your goods to you via a courier (such as FedEx, DHL or UPS) this way you’ll pay the company the Duties and Taxes and they’ll deliver the goods to your door.
Anything more than this will be more cost-effective to ship via Sea Freight. Unfortunately, this means it is not safe to have your supplier arrange the shipping (as they will likely cut corners to pay as little as possible leaving you with the bill!)
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What If They Have Offered Me 'Freight Prepaid'?
When your supplier offers a ‘freight included’ quote to ship your goods to the UK (usually under CIF/CFR shipping terms) what they really mean is they will cover the transport cost to get your goods from their country to your country (and that’s all).
What they don’t tell you is that to receive your goods, you’ll be required to pay the transport company (that your supplier has chosen) all of the following *on top of what they’ve already charged!* :
- Chinese Clearance Fees
- UK Port Fees
- UK Customs Clearance Fees
- Document Fees
- Storage & Demurrage
- Delivery in the UK
They may also charge you a deferment fee to pay UK Customs on your behalf (this is usually a % of your shipment value).
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How Can I Avoid The Extra Charges?
To avoid this, you can check the shipping terms that your supplier is offering and ask them to agree on FOB shipping terms.
That way, you choose the shipping company. A company like Shippo can provide an Inclusive cost to get your goods from the port in China to your door (plus UK Duties and Taxes), your supplier will cover the local fees their end.
Arranging freight through your supplier may seem like the easiest option but can end up being a nightmare in the long run… ensure you’re choosing a reputable forwarder (like us!) to handle your shipments.
Check out our Google reviews!
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Contact Us!
If you’re worried your supplier is trying to pull the wool over your eyes with hidden fees, contact us to ensure you’re only paying what you need to get your goods to the UK.
We can help you understand the invoice your supplier has sent and provide an estimate for UK Duty & VAT charges so you’ll be well prepared when your goods arrive.