Importing from China

So, I wanted to pivot slightly here and ask something a bit different than just the usual talk about importing stuff from China.

Basically... I’ve got this idea—well, more like a specific device concept—where I already know the technical specs and how it should work, and I’m looking to have them manufacture it over there to keep my overhead low.

Has anyone here actually pulled something like that off?
I mean, you basically pitch the concept to them, and they build the hardware based on those specs, right?
Could someone point me in the right direction regarding who I should actually reach out to via email to get a conversation started?
Since I’m not just looking to buy some off-the-shelf gadget, I’m thinking I really need to find a direct line to a factory. We're talking high-level stuff here, like complex electronic circuits, processors, and all that gear.
In a nutshell, I’m looking for a quote on a finished product solution—and maybe even a prototype or a demo unit first—but since I'm new to this, I have no clue who the right contact person would be.

If everything goes smoothly and I'm happy with the quality, the plan would be to scale up production big time.

Any advice at all?
I’d really appreciate any tips, or if anyone here has tried to develop something similar from the ground up.

Thx

I’ve managed production logistics over in China before—not specifically electronics, mind you, but I’m certainly no stranger to the complexities of overseas manufacturing. Feel free to shoot me a PM if you want to chat about it.

Jesse Hughes5 said:So, I wanted to pivot slightly here and ask something a bit different than just the usual talk about importing stuff from China.

Basically... I’ve got this idea—well, more like a specific device concept—where I already know the technical specs and how it should work, and I’m looking to have them manufacture it over there to keep my overhead low.

Has anyone here actually pulled something like that off?
I mean, you basically pitch the concept to them, and they build the hardware based on those specs, right?
Could someone point me in the right direction regarding who I should actually reach out to via email to get a conversation started?
Since I’m not just looking to buy some off-the-shelf gadget, I’m thinking I really need to find a direct line to a factory. We're talking high-level stuff here, like complex electronic circuits, processors, and all that gear.
In a nutshell, I’m looking for a quote on a finished product solution—and maybe even a prototype or a demo unit first—but since I'm new to this, I have no clue who the right contact person would be.

If everything goes smoothly and I'm happy with the quality, the plan would be to scale up production big time.

Any advice at all?
I’d really appreciate any tips, or if anyone here has tried to develop something similar from the ground up.

Thx

Dennis Lewis5 said:Until Markowski finally decides to show his face—and he better, seriously, please!—is there really nobody else here who actually imports from China and knows the ropes of how this whole thing works?

FedEx is a solid bet—they specialize in China imports when it comes to sorting out the logistics.

Just get your orders in and you'll be fine. You'll figure it out.

If anyone is looking for some guidance on importing goods from China, please feel free to reach out via DM.
I run an import-export firm based right there in China, and I would be more than happy to lend a hand...🙂

Hey there!
I have a quick question regarding sourcing an agent over in China who could handle the heavy lifting—someone to negotiate with my suppliers, sort out all the customs paperwork, perform quality control inspections on the goods, and then manage the shipping back here to the States!
I’ve been doing business with a specific manufacturer in China for a while now, but up until this point, we’ve only dealt with small-scale orders, and everything has gone smoothly enough without much fuss.
Now, I'm looking to scale up and order a full container, but the catch is that I don't have anyone on the ground to verify the cargo or navigate the bureaucracy, so if anyone happens to have a reliable contact they can vouch for, I would be incredibly grateful! Feel free to shoot me a private message. Thanks a million... cheers.🙂

Let me dust off this thread a bit 🙂 because it’s always worth revisiting.

I’ve got a question regarding small-scale imports from China. Is it actually legal for an individual to import a package valued at $120 that contains 100 units of the exact same item? I’m talking about stuff like a hundred glasses, a hundred pairs of scissors, or a hundred combs—just a bulk amount of small knick-knacks. I did a little digging, and some folks on another forum suggested that if you have a high quantity of identical items in one shipment, Customs will just assume you're reselling them, which could land me in hot water. So, can a regular person order something like this, or is that kind of bulk stuff strictly reserved for registered businesses and commercial importers?

I realize this probably seems like peanuts to you guys who deal with massive shipping containers every day, but for me, it’s a big deal. Thanks for any insight!

restlesstiger47 said:Hey there,
I'm looking into ordering some mobile units from China. Everything looks straightforward on their website, and they'll handle the ocean freight.
The total value of the shipment is roughly $6667, and I’d be running this through my business. Does that mean I can claim a tax refund, and does anyone know what a typical shipping agent might charge for these services?
Also, any idea how long things usually sit at customs while the paperwork gets sorted out?

Hi there.
I'm trying to figure out how to bring these cavalry units in because I'm planning to have them at a resort complex this summer. Any info on suppliers, purchasing methods, importing, customs brokers, or shipping would be great.
If you could shoot me an email so we can chat, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks in advance!

I have spent so much time reading through these various comments that I felt compelled to register just so I could weigh in. I don’t want to sound like a know-it-all, but I really feel the need to address those people posting things like, "I’ve been working with China for 5 or 6 years now," or "I have my own network of agents over there," or "I did this" and "I did that." Please, stop trying to act superior on this forum and spreading misinformation or half-truths to others.
To actually succeed when doing business with China, you need a significant amount of specialized knowledge, real experience, and a decent amount of capital.

I understand why people are interested in this topic and are searching for answers, but the self-proclaimed experts really bother me. They seem to think they are high-level executives just because they managed to import a few containers once or worked for a single company that sources goods from China.

To ensure I don't fall into that same trap of sounding arrogant, I believe my 24 years of experience in the China trade gives me the standing to offer some perspective.

Best regards to everyone!

Honestly, you hit the nail right on the head... everything you said was spot on.

Jessica Gomez19 said:I have spent so much time reading through these various comments that I felt compelled to register just so I could weigh in. I don’t want to sound like a know-it-all, but I really feel the need to address those people posting things like, "I’ve been working with China for 5 or 6 years now," or "I have my own network of agents over there," or "I did this" and "I did that." Please, stop trying to act superior on this forum and spreading misinformation or half-truths to others.
To actually succeed when doing business with China, you need a significant amount of specialized knowledge, real experience, and a decent amount of capital.

I understand why people are interested in this topic and are searching for answers, but the self-proclaimed experts really bother me. They seem to think they are high-level executives just because they managed to import a few containers once or worked for a single company that sources goods from China.

To ensure I don't fall into that same trap of sounding arrogant, I believe my 24 years of experience in the China trade gives me the standing to offer some perspective.

Best regards to everyone!

It seems some people here have experience with importing from China, so I have a question regarding the process:
When exactly does the sanitary inspection take place? Does the container need to remain at the port while the inspectors do their work, or are we able to pick up the goods beforehand? I’ve heard that a sanitary inspection can drag on for up to a week, and container storage fees are charged on a daily basis.

Typically, clearing general merchandise takes about a single day... though, honestly, everything just depends on what specific type of goods you're bringing in.
For instance—if you're importing toys and they don't have the proper safety certifications, they'll have to undergo heavy metal testing. Food products are an entirely different beast altogether, etc.
If the shipment requires specialized testing, you actually have the option to pick up the goods first and request the sanitary inspection afterward—though, obviously, you can't move those items into retail sales until you have the official green light from the health inspectors.

Dennis Scott77 said:It seems some people here have experience with importing from China, so I have a question regarding the process:
When exactly does the sanitary inspection take place? Does the container need to remain at the port while the inspectors do their work, or are we able to pick up the goods beforehand? I’ve heard that a sanitary inspection can drag on for up to a week, and container storage fees are charged on a daily basis.

wiredcrane13 said:Typically, clearing general merchandise takes about a single day... though, honestly, everything just depends on what specific type of goods you're bringing in.
For instance—if you're importing toys and they don't have the proper safety certifications, they'll have to undergo heavy metal testing. Food products are an entirely different beast altogether, etc.
If the shipment requires specialized testing, you actually have the option to pick up the goods first and request the sanitary inspection afterward—though, obviously, you can't move those items into retail sales until you have the official green light from the health inspectors.

Thanks.

I don't quite grasp why everyone insists that customs shouldn't be handled at the port in Savannah? Apparently, the new owners of the container terminal are some group from the Philippines who are incredibly strict about compliance? Everyone seems to be advising that one should clear customs elsewhere instead.

What does that even entail? If a vessel carrying my cargo docks in Savannah, am I supposed to somehow direct the customs processing to a different city?

Quick question for you guys:

Does anyone have any idea what we're looking at when it comes to importing rigid foam insulation from China (specifically the 8-15cm thickness)? I'm trying to figure out the price per square foot and whether it’s even worth the hassle. I'm not talking about ordering thousands of square feet here—just enough for a single house, maybe around 3,000 sq ft total.

Hey there,

I’ve got my heart set on something specific from China—I know exactly what I’m looking for, I know which supplier over there holds the goods, and I’ve already crunched the numbers on the price. We’re talking about a package roughly the size of a sturdy shoebox, if you want to visualize it.

The catch is, I need this delivered straight to me here in Washington, D.C., and frankly, I haven't the slightest clue how to navigate the import logistics without losing my mind.

If anyone out there has the connections or knows how to organize getting something like this shipped into the States, please shoot me a DM.
We can hash out the details via phone or email once we connect.

Thanks!

I'm looking to get this moving as soon as humanly possible.

Your best bet would be to set up express shipping through TNT—there’s a company called Intime here in the States that offers some of the most competitive rates for American customers. You could reach out to them directly and coordinate a pickup straight from China.
Alternatively, you might just tell your Chinese suppliers to handle the logistics on their end... sometimes that ends up being quite a bit cheaper.

Megan Kelly412 said:Hey there,

I’ve got my heart set on something specific from China—I know exactly what I’m looking for, I know which supplier over there holds the goods, and I’ve already crunched the numbers on the price. We’re talking about a package roughly the size of a sturdy shoebox, if you want to visualize it.

The catch is, I need this delivered straight to me here in Washington, D.C., and frankly, I haven't the slightest clue how to navigate the import logistics without losing my mind.

If anyone out there has the connections or knows how to organize getting something like this shipped into the States, please shoot me a DM.
We can hash out the details via phone or email once we connect.

Thanks!

I'm looking to get this moving as soon as humanly possible.

Look, if you want to run into trouble, just go ahead and declare your goods at some random customs office—that’s a quick way to get flagged by an inspector. The Port of Los Angeles doesn't actually handle the clearance process itself; that falls strictly under the jurisdiction of the specific customs station... so I honestly don't see why these Filipino operators would be causing issues over something like that.
Generally speaking, the standard procedure is to clear your cargo either where you are located or at the nearest available customs facility.

Dennis Scott77 said:Thanks.

I don't quite grasp why everyone insists that customs shouldn't be handled at the port in Savannah? Apparently, the new owners of the container terminal are some group from the Philippines who are incredibly strict about compliance? Everyone seems to be advising that one should clear customs elsewhere instead.

What does that even entail? If a vessel carrying my cargo docks in Savannah, am I supposed to somehow direct the customs processing to a different city?

Anyone know a good supplier for non-perishable food? I'm looking at options from China or India, or maybe even a big wholesaler over in Europe.
thanks!

wiredcrane13 said:That is actually exactly what I do for a living.
Shoot me a PM.

I'm looking into importing more items under an LLC to get the business off the ground. How can I reach you by phone?

Greetings,

I have a question that I hope someone can address. I am in the process of setting up an LLC. While my primary business won't involve importing goods from China, I intend to purchase a few tablets and smartphones for company use. Since it seems the FCC abolished those specific device lists back in early 2012, I assume importing these devices should be relatively straightforward. To be clear, I have no intention of buying off-brand knockoffs; I am looking at established Chinese brands like Dell, Starbucks, or Amazon.
Does anyone know which websites are reliable enough to ensure I don't get hit with unexpected shipping costs? I am basing my budget on the listed prices from the sellers plus the inevitable customs duties and sales tax.

Additionally, what is the standard procedure for making purchases through an LLC rather than using a personal PayPal account or a private credit card?

Best regards,

Maybe my experience importing stuff from China can actually be useful here.
A few things to keep in mind:
Always use an agent. The Chinese market is notoriously flaky, and you’ll frequently find that what you actually get in the mail looks nothing like what you ordered online.
If you're just ordering small batches, steer clear of the massive factories. They aren't interested in you.
The absolute mecca for cheap consumer goods is Yiwu. You can basically find anything there from a sewing needle to a locomotive, all at dirt-cheap prices.
If anyone needs more details, I'm happy to help out.