When you outsource your products from China, then getting the products manufactured at the supplier’s end and thereafter getting them inspected by a third-party team is only half of the battle.
The next important thing to look for is how well you manage shipping from China. If you do not give enough attention to this part of your procurement and all your efforts may go down the drain.
Your supplier in China will by that time get the majority of your payment and if your products reach in unsatisfactory condition then you have lost almost everything in the process.
Therefore, you need to give special attention to every step that is involved during shipping from China so that you can ensure that every item reaches you safely and unharmed.
Let us discuss on this post, where you need to give more attention so that you can manage this part of your procurement in an effective manner.
- Consider the shipping method
There are various modes of shipping your product depending on the nature, size, and other characteristics of your product. You need to choose the best methods available based on your product so that it can be shipped in a safe manner.
- Buy FOB from your Chinese supplier
Most importers from China prefer this method. Here you may have to pay 30 to 70 percent T/T payments which can be negotiated with your supplier.
- Involve a certain third-party
Many buyers often involve a certain third party to take care of the entire shipping operations who are professional companies in this business. However, you will have to shell out a good amount of money for such services.
- Prepare your documentation well
Depending upon which country you want to ship your product you need to prepare suitable documentation which will be needed during custom clearance. Failing that, your item may be held up at the port.
- Be aware of restrictions and export limitations
While importing from China, you must be aware of various restrictions imposed in that country. This will help your goods to clear from China smoothly.
- Also know the restrictions in your own country
Besides China, there must be many restrictions in your own country too. If you are not aware of them then the items will be confiscated on the port.
- Be aware of the landed cost of your product
Your cost of the items imported by you will not only be the quoted price, but must also include all the expenses that are incurred during and after the shipping of the goods. That will be your landed cost.
- Be aware of Chinese holidays
Some of the Chinese holidays can be for a very long duration. Therefore, you must plan your shipping in s such a manner that those dates may not fall during these holidays.
- You can consider giving whole responsibility to your supplier
As your supplier will be more aware of the rules prevailing in their country and hence you can give this responsibility to them too. However, your supplier will demand a certain price, which must be agreeable to you.
- Track your goods properly
You must have a certain system so that you can track your items in every stage of the procurement process while shipping from China.
Conclusion
Product shipping from China can be a daunting task if you are not fully aware of the entire procedure. Failure to manage this part of your procurement can often end up in disaster.
Therefore, you need to educate yourself on each step that is involved in this important part of procurement so that you can procure your items in a smooth manner.