Importing into UK - Arranging Collections

[Justin]

We've been importing products for a while now but recently started with another supplier in Hong Kong.

Shipping on first order was excellent but ongoing orders are proving quite expensive.

Supplier has asked if we are able to arrange the collection and delivery from our end. Is this possible?

The only way to bring the shipping down is to use sea rather than air but we don't want to be waiting weeks for stock.

Only options I can find are to add into other containers for part loads but we need air mail.

Appreciate any advice.

[GoonerGary]

You can use your own UK shipping agent to import the products. I remember negotatiating a container of mugs from China, but they added £100s for fees and I called them out on it. Backed out of principle.

It costs Chinese sellers a few pence to post to the UK.

http://www.vatfraud.org/blog/stop-subsi ... inal-dues/

[Justin]

Thanks. It's just small boxes, maybe 10kg. I found a parcel site where you can arrange yourself, a little cheaper.

[cook_58]

You can use your own UK shipping agent to import the products. I remember negotatiating a container of mugs from China, but they added £100s for fees and I called them out on it. Backed out of principle.

It costs Chinese sellers a few pence to post to the UK.

http://www.vatfraud.org/blog/stop-subsi ... inal-dues/

Does this include using courier services like ups, dhl etc?

I occasionally buy things in bulk from china, and I'm quite new to doing that so still finding my way with it.

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[GoonerGary]

UPS and the big famous companies will be expensive. Only national postal services are relevent to my link.

[cook_58]

UPS and the big famous companies will be expensive. Only national postal services are relevent to my link.

Thanks i'll look more into you link, always good to have a better understanding of things.

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[logobear]

Gary,
that VAT fraud link is shocking, - but explains a lot....
Thanks for sharing

[GoonerGary]

Gary,
that VAT fraud link is shocking, - but explains a lot....
Thanks for sharing

The Americans have been complaining about it since the Reagan era, but Trump put a stop to it and threatened to leave the Universal Postal Union. Wish our country had the same set of b**ls. US Sellers won't have to compete with Chinese sellers undercutting them on Amazon and eBay.

The down side is that it is now going to cost us all close to £12 (including COVID charges) to post a mug to the USA in a few days time.