Import duties for dropshipped items

Hi,

I am new to SaleHoo and fairly new to online business, but I have been reading some of the posts and you do provide many very useful information.

I contacted Chinavasion and was discussing with someone there several things and in particular import duties. I really don't want to dropship a product from China and having a customer of mine pay for import duty. The solution that the person from Chinavasion gave me was to buy the product ship it to me, so I would pay the custom duty, then ship the product to my client. That would delay things though.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

Hi and welcome to SaleHoo Dav2 :)

At this point the only alternative you have is the one being suggested by Chinavasion and you're right it may make the shipping time a bit more longer since the product is being shipped twice for reaching the end customer.

Not only will this make shipping time longer but more expensive as well as you will pay for shipping to you and shipping to your customer.

Many sellers who dropship actually add a note to their listings informing them that the product is coming in from (location) and that they may incur additional charges such as import duties. You might want to consider trying this.

Hope this helps.

Thank you Richelle!

You have a good idea. I will add a comment regarding import duties for dropshipped items to the listing.

I don't think import duties are typically a lot, correct?

Thanks

You're welcome Dav2 :) Glad to have bee of help!

Typically, it should not be such a big amount. Most seasoned dropshippers will mark small parcels as gifts to dodge the custom fees but still this is no guarantee that your customers will not be charged any fees, so yes adding a note to your listings will be a wise thing to do. Just so your customers are aware of any possible additional charges.

All the best :)

Hi,

I am new to SaleHoo and fairly new to online business, but I have been reading some of the posts and you do provide many very useful information. Thank you.

I contacted chinavasion and was discussing with someone there several things and in particular import duties. I really don't want to drop-ship a product from China and having a customer of mine pay for import duty. The solution that the person from chinavasion gave me was to buy the product ship it to me, so I would pay the custom duty, then ship the product to my client. That would delay things though.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

Hi,

Yes and if you did that it would also defeat the purpose of dropshipping and the whole "hands free approach". You want the customer to not pay the duty obviously however it's always going to be a risk.

How are you shipping it? If its via air usually you don't have to pay duties (under $1000) if you ship it via sea (even though under $1000) you may have to pay something.

Hope this points you in the right direction.



Alex C Ryan
Managing Director
Import Export Exposed
startimportingnow.com.au

Thank you Richelle!

You have a good idea. I will add a comment regarding import duties for dropshipped items to the listing.

I don't think import duties are typically a lot, correct?

Thanks

You're welcome :) It shouldn't be that much but as pointed out by importexportcoach, unless you reach a certain threshold you might not need to pay any duties at all.

It would be best that you consult with your local Customs office.

Cheers

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