Importing my products from Hong Kong by sea rather than air, advice needed!
Farley started this topic @ 19:23 on 24/07/2012
I am looking for alternative ways of bringing goods into the country and would be interested to know some things which could help me streamline my business (which I am soon to set up) and cut costs. I should mention I had a business with a friend doing the same thing but he is going to university so I am having to learn everything he did and start by myself. We used to use air transport to get my goods which was quick and at the time didn't seem too expensive because I was still making a very good margin but since competitors have driven their price down I need to do the same and one way of doing this is getting my products cheaper. The way I plan on doing this is changing to delivery by sea which takes about 30 days rather than 3 days but this won't be a problem for me as I have a system worked out. I would like to know if anyone could roughly tell me how much cheaper it would be to use sea rather than air transport in percentage? I don't mind if it's not 100% because it's not easy information to find as I have tried but somewhere close is all I'm looking for. The products I import weigh 2.5kg each and I import 30 at a time. I can't remember the exact amount we paid before for air freight but if anyone who has experience of using both knows roughly how much less it costs and any other tips, they would really help me. Any responses are much appreciated and will help improve my business and make more money for myself and finally start paying my mum the rent I've been 'forgetting' about for so long. I am 18 by the way, just out of college, hence living with mother still!
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RE: Importing my products from Hong Kong by sea rather than air, advice needed!
ianbird | 25/07/2012 01:52 PM
Hi Farley,
I now run a business to business telemarketing company called Arf.
However I used to import childrens clocks from Hong Kong FOB via ship.
Occasionally we were forced to go via air if there had been problems in China with production.
Massively more expensive to go via air - from memory I would say x 6 if not more.
Thing to bear in mind with ship is that because it is slower it stretches the cashflow a bit.
Good luck with it and bear us in mind if you know anyone who needs telemarketing help.
Regards
Ian
www.arftelemarketing.co.uk
RE: RE: Importing my products from Hong Kong by sea rather than air, advice needed!
Farley | 26/07/2012 01:09 AM
Hi Ian,
Thanks for your response. Will definitely take down your web address for future reference as this is something I may need for my business.
Many thanks,
Farley.
RE: Importing my products from Hong Kong by sea rather than air, advice needed!
Agle | 25/07/2012 05:46 PM
Hi, Farley
i'm agle from china.i work as a freight forwarder.if you have any question,hope i can help you with.
msn: chenai2012@hotmail.com
phone:86-0755-27491113
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Willing to make friends with all.
RE: Importing my products from Hong Kong by sea rather than air, advice needed!
Niion | 23/08/2012 11:04 AM
Hi Farley,
I'm a little late to reply to this, I do a similar thing and use WT Unique (sachin.kumar@wtunique.com), their rates are great and they're really helpful...I was completely new to shipping and they've answered all my daft questions!
I'm pretty sure they also offer a half fly half ship option - ? Which might suit you...Sorry you'll have to ask them, I have no real detials!
Talya