Express courier (DHL/UPS) vs Air freight: what is the difference?
Compare express courier and air freight by chargeable weight, included services and delivered cost, with a clearly labeled break-even example.
China Sourcing Insights for Global Buyers
Do I need a customs bond to import from China to the US?
Import from China to the US and you'll eventually hear the two words that make every new buyer pause: customs bond. It sounds like something optional, like insurance, something you could skip if you'r
Who is responsible for customs clearance when the goods arrive?
Your shipment is on the water, it's getting close to your port, and then the question hits you: who actually handles customs when it arrives? If you're new to importing, this can feel like a black box
Do I have to pay import duties on Alibaba orders?
Order from Alibaba and there's one question that turns every buyer's stomach: am I going to get hit with import duties? It's a reasonable fear. You budget for the product, you budget for the shipping,
What is dimensional weight (volumetric weight) in shipping?
Calculate dimensional and chargeable weight from packed-carton measurements, then confirm the carrier’s divisor, rounding and minimum charges.
How to find a reliable freight forwarder on Alibaba?
Find a reliable supplier and you're halfway there. Find a reliable freight forwarder and you've covered the other half. Most buyers spend weeks researching suppliers but pick their freight forwarder i
Should I use Alibaba's official logistics or find my own freight forwarder?
One of the first decisions you make when ordering from Alibaba is also one of the most overlooked: who handles the shipping. For small ready-to-ship orders, the answer is easy, Alibaba's integrated lo
How long does shipping take from Alibaba to the US/EU?
Place an order on Alibaba and the question that gnaws at you every day until it arrives is always the same: when will it get here? It's a fair question. Your inventory is running low, your launch date
How to avoid or lower payment transaction fees on Alibaba?
Here's the dirty secret of Alibaba payment fees: most buyers are paying more than they need to, because they use the same payment method for every order regardless of size. They pull out the credit ca
How long does Alibaba Trade Assurance payment processing take?
You hit "pay now" on a Trade Assurance order and then you wait. How long until the supplier sees the money? How long until Alibaba releases it? Why does a credit card payment go through in minutes whi