Many Alibaba sellers charge high shipping prices, which can be a concern for those importing products from China. To save on Alibaba shipping costs, there are three main ways: choosing the right shipping method, ensuring reasonable packaging of the product, and looking for a shipping agent.
However, it’s important to note that saving on shipping costs shouldn’t be the only priority. Ensuring safe, efficient, and quick delivery of goods to their destination is equally important. This article will provide an overview of basic shipping from Alibaba, compare dimensional weight versus actual weight, discuss who can help manage shipping from Alibaba, and provide details about the four common shipping methods. It will also cover how to quote for Alibaba shipment, review shipments to avoid future problems, and conclude with tips on saving Alibaba costs. A FAQ section will also be included to address common questions about shipping from Alibaba.
Key Takeaways
- To save on Alibaba shipping costs, consider the shipping method, product packaging, and finding a shipping agent.
- Ensure safe and efficient delivery of goods is a priority when importing from Alibaba.
- The article covers various aspects of shipping from Alibaba, including common shipping methods, quoting for shipment, and reviewing shipments to avoid future problems.
Basic Shipping from Alibaba Overview
How to Shipping Goods from Alibaba for the First Time?
For those who are new to Alibaba and want to place their first order, it is advisable to ask the supplier to arrange for shipping and add the invoice cost. This will help you get a quick overview of the shipping process. By having the supplier ship the product for you, you can save on Alibaba shipping costs. All you need to do is provide your address to the supplier, and the goods will be shipped via air, which comes with no surprises.
Why is Alibaba Shipping So Expensive?
Alibaba shipping costs can be expensive due to several reasons. Firstly, the heavier the goods, the more Alibaba will charge for shipping. Secondly, if the buyer uses air shipping with low order quantity, the shipping per unit is very high. However, if you order around 500-1000 units, the shipping per unit isn’t that expensive. Thirdly, using the wrong shipping method or the supplier not being able to find the right shipping company may also increase the Alibaba shipping costs. Lastly, Alibaba’s official online shipping template will be much more expensive than offline ones, and the percentage of the cost can be changed manually by each seller.
Best Way to Ship Samples from Alibaba?
For items that weigh less than or equal to 200 lbs, it is recommended to ship them via air. The average Alibaba shipping costs for air shipping can be somewhere between $6-$15 per pound. This is the best way to ship samples from Alibaba as it is cost-effective and fast.
How Long Does Alibaba Shipping Take?
The shipping time for Alibaba depends on the shipping method used. If shipped via air express, it should arrive in anywhere from 3-10 business days. If shipped via air freight, the shipping times will take 20-45 days. If shipped via sea, it will take more like 30 to 60 days. It is important to consider the shipping time when placing an order on Alibaba to ensure that the goods arrive on time.
In summary, the best way to save on Alibaba shipping costs is to have the supplier arrange for shipping and add the invoice cost. It is also important to choose the right shipping method and consider the shipping time when placing an order. By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and cost-effective shipping process when ordering from Alibaba.
Dimensional Weight vs Actual Weight
When it comes to shipping, cost is often a primary factor in decision-making. To calculate the shipping price, there are two weight concepts to consider: actual weight and dimensional weight. Actual weight refers to the weight of the product and its packaging, while dimensional weight takes into account the volume of the package being shipped.
For sea freight, dimensional weight is calculated by dividing the package volume by 6000, while for air freight, it is calculated by dividing the package volume by 5000. The billable weight, which is used to determine the final shipping rate, is the greater of the two weights (actual vs. dimensional).
To save on Alibaba shipping costs, it is recommended to communicate with the supplier and package goods in a way that minimizes package volume. For ongoing shipments, discussing packaging options with the supplier can also lead to significant cost savings.
By understanding the difference between dimensional weight and actual weight, businesses can make informed decisions when it comes to shipping and potentially save on shipping costs.
Who Can Help You Manage to Ship from Alibaba, by Yourself, or by an Agent?
When it comes to shipping from Alibaba, importers have four different options to consider. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and ultimately, the choice depends on the importer’s needs and preferences.
The first option is to let the supplier manage the shipping. This is a common choice among inexperienced importers as it is simple and requires minimal effort. All the importer needs to do is tell the supplier to ship the cargo as CIF “Port of destination” or DAP “Your facility address” and the supplier takes care of the rest. However, this option may result in paying more than necessary due to the supplier’s added margin.
The second option is to handle everything internally for full control. However, this option is not recommended for small and medium enterprises as it requires specialized departments and professional crews, which may not be feasible for them.
The third option is to work with a freight forwarder in the importer’s country. This is a convenient option for some importers as they can work with a local forwarder. However, most forwarders do not have their own office in China and work with local agents, which results in added fees and may not be cost-effective.
The fourth option is to work with a freight forwarder based in China. This option is becoming increasingly popular among importers as it offers speed and efficiency. The forwarder can communicate directly with the supplier and keep the importer informed of everything. Additionally, in case of any trouble, the local partner can solve it promptly.
Overall, importers need to assess their needs and preferences before choosing the appropriate shipping option. Working with a freight forwarder based in China may be the most efficient option, but it may not be the cheapest. Importers should also consider factors such as shipping time, cost, and reliability before making a decision.
Details about Common 4 Shipping from Alibaba Ways
1. Regular Post
For small shipments like samples and parcels, Regular Post is the cheapest option. However, it can take up to 15-35 days to arrive, and the information cannot be updated in time. Therefore, it is not recommended at most times since it is unsafe and hard to find lost packages. This method is usually a good option for drop shipping.
2. Air Express
Air Express is the most suitable method for most people starting out. Courier companies like DHL, UPS, and FedEx are widely used in China. With this method, you get fast delivery times and an online tracking facility. Most courier shipments take just 3-5 business days to arrive anywhere around the globe. Although the price is much higher than the postal service, the advantage of choosing an express courier is that you can get seamless delivery. All you have to do is sign for the package when it arrives. In most cases, delivery is quick and reliable. When there’s a problem, there is a tracking number that can help resolve the matter.
3. Airfreight
If the weight of sourced products is too large for couriers, air shipment might be the best bet. With air freight, costs will be significantly lower than with courier companies. This way is suitable for cargo with medium weight, and there are tight deadlines or tighter control on the security. Transit time varies based on the schedule of airlines, but in general, it ranges between 8-10 days, which is not bad. It’s worthy to mention here that air freight usually has a minimum requirement of the shipping weight. The average cost for air express is about $5 to $10/kg, and the shipping time is about 3 to 5 business days, while the average cost for air freight is $4 to $8/kg, and the shipping time is about 5 to 10 business days.
4. Sea freight/Ocean freight
Transport by the ocean can take a very long time but can carry a massive amount of goods, which drives down the costs. The diversity of cargo that can be shipped is also a major benefit to this model. Despite the lengthy delivery time, if you plan ahead and have enough time to wait, sea freight will be your top choice. Depending on where you’re located, it will be in the vicinity of 30-60 days.
There are two types of ocean shipping, FCL, and LCL, both of which have to do with the costs of shipping and the size of the container used. Typically, there are different size options when it comes to shipping containers. You can choose the different sizes based on your needs. Depending on the amount you are purchasing from your Chinese supplier, you may fill an entire shipping container or only part of one.
When you are using an entire container yourself, you are shipping FCL (full container load). Typically, shipping FCL is cheaper by volumetric unit and weight unit. However, many importers aren’t purchasing enough goods to ship FCL. In this case, LCL (less than container load) is the ideal solution.
When shipping LCL, your items share containers with other people’s items. In other words, cargo from multiple buyers ends up in the same container. It is easier to track FCL directly through the shipping company’s website. That way, you can predict its arrival with accuracy. Under FCL, your items will be safer. FCL means that your items will not be mixed with other shipments. There will be less risk of your cargo being damaged or getting lost since fewer people will be handling it. FCL can be processed faster because your shipment will be the only one that will be loaded into a container. Under LCL, the shipment will be consolidated with others first.
To save on Alibaba shipping costs, the basic rule to follow is:
- If your cargo size is 1cbm-8cbm, choose LCL;
- If 8cbm-15cbm, choose FCL or LCL based on the practical situation;
- If over 15cbm, choose FCL without any hesitation.
The figure below shows a detailed comparison of the shipping cost of air freight and air express when shipping from China to the United Kingdom.
| Shipping Method | Shipping Cost (USD) | Shipping Time |
|---|---|---|
| Air Express | 5-10/kg | 3-5 business days |
| Air Freight | 4-8/kg | 5-10 business days |
What is the Cheapest Shipping Method in Alibaba?
Compare Alibaba Shipping Methods:
Alibaba offers various shipping methods to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. The cheapest shipping method in Alibaba is sea freight. It is the most economical way to ship products that weigh hundreds of pounds. Sea freight is eco-friendly and has no limit on size and weight. However, it is time-consuming and may experience server delays during peak seasons.
On the other hand, express shipping is the most expensive shipping method. It is fast and offers door-to-door service, but it has limitations on product category and cbm. Air freight is 20% cheaper than courier and has extensive global reach, but it also has limitations on size and weight, and weather can cause delays. Rail shipping is faster than sea shipping and has large transport capacity, but it is 10-30% higher in cost than sea freight and has limited operating lines and less flexibility.
How to Choose Alibaba’s Best Shipping Method?
After confirming the order, the buyer needs to prepare the goods and choose the best Alibaba shipping method for delivery. There are two delivery methods for shipping from Alibaba: online delivery and offline delivery.
Online delivery is more convenient and can be ordered directly on the platform with simple operations. Offline delivery, on the other hand, has lower prices, abundant channels, and can deliver various sensitive/dangerous items at low prices.
To choose the most appropriate shipping method, buyers should consider the combination of base and variable costs for each mode. Modes with a lower base cost are cheaper for smaller shipments, while modes with lower variable weight costs are the cheaper options for larger shipments, even if they start out with a high base cost.
A strategy used by some merchants to save Alibaba shipping costs, especially start-up Amazon sellers, is to have a small portion of their cargo, say 5% to 10%, shipped via air freight, and the rest is shipped by sea.
To summarize, sea freight is the cheapest shipping method in Alibaba, but buyers should consider the delivery time and factor in the combination of base and variable costs to choose the most appropriate shipping method for their needs.
Note: The table is for illustrative purposes only, and the figures are roughly correlated with current China freight cost.
| Weight (kg) | Express (USD) | Air Freight (USD) | Sea Freight LCL (USD) | Sea Freight FCL (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 5-15 | 4-8 | 2-2.5 | 3,000-5,000 |
| 21 | 50-100 | 25-50 | 5-6 | 3,000-5,000 |
| 51 | 100-150 | 50-100 | 7-8 | 3,000-5,000 |
| 101 | 150-200 | 100-150 | 9-10 | 3,000-5,000 |
| 301 | 250-300 | 200-250 | 16-17 | 3,000-5,000 |
| 501 | 350-400 | 300-350 | 22-23 | 3,000-5,000 |
The green squares show which mode is the cheapest for each shipment. As shown in the table, sea freight LCL can save buyers money for larger shipping weights, like over 100kg, and FCL is the most economical way for a really large shipping weight.
How to Save on Alibaba Shipping Costs
When it comes to shipping products from Alibaba, it’s important to find ways to reduce the costs. Here are seven steps to help you save money on Alibaba shipping costs:
Optimize Your Packaging
Alibaba shipping costs are based on the weight or volume of the goods being shipped. To save on shipping costs, it’s important to optimize your packaging to reduce the package volume. This can be done by ensuring that there is no extra space on your package that you need to pay for.
Consolidate Shipment Consolidation
Consolidating shipping is another way to reduce Alibaba shipping costs. By combining smaller quantities of goods to produce a more considerable amount, you can benefit from lower prices. Supplyia China warehouse offers the option to consolidate international orders, which can help you save money on shipping costs. By sending goods to their Chinese address warehousing, you can avoid receiving consignments over and over again. They can store your shipments and consolidate them, especially when you buy from different suppliers.
Find The Right Shipping Provider
Choosing the right shipping provider is crucial in reducing Alibaba shipping costs. Name brand global freight forwarders have the ability to secure preferential freight rates and preferential treatment from large air and ocean carriers, as well as a broader global physical footprint. However, they may not be the best option if your total shipping costs around $1-$800. Smaller freight forwarders, on the other hand, may have more time to spend on smaller shipments and are more willing to work with smaller customers, but they may have less attractive pricing.
Route Planning and Optimization
Logistics is the process of analyzing the most efficient route and mode of transportation. There may be multiple routes to transport the delivery of your goods to their final destination. You have to figure out the most economical Alibaba shipping methods to save your money and time. It is worth noting that the freight forwarder may not know every different product and different countries’ shipping way, so try to find out the best one.
Use The Online Shipping Calculator
Using an online shipping calculator can help you evaluate Alibaba shipping costs based on your needs and shipment requirements. Alternatively, you can get a freight shipping quote from a reliable freight forwarder.
Compare Shipping Costs
While price is a crucial factor in choosing a shipping provider, making decisions based on price alone can be a flawed strategy. Some freight forwarders discount the first shipment to win the sale, but give it back in subsequent shipments. Others hide fees in their terms and conditions to make their offers seem more attractive than those from more honest competitors. Therefore, it’s important to compare shipping costs carefully and look out for hidden fees.
Negotiate with the Alibaba Shipping
Negotiating with your supplier or shipping provider is also an option to reduce Alibaba shipping costs. You can try to negotiate with your supplier or compare available shipping options to find a cheaper option. If none of that works, you can always look for more suppliers, as most Alibaba products are made/offered by several agents and manufacturers.
In conclusion, reducing Alibaba shipping costs requires careful planning, research, and negotiation. By following these seven steps, you can save money on shipping costs and increase your profit margins.
How to Quote for Alibaba Shipment?
When it comes to shipping from Alibaba, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind to ensure that you get the best quote and have a smooth shipping process. Here are some of the key factors to consider:
Shipping from Alibaba Documents You May Need?
Once you have received a quotation and have decided on a freight forwarder to work with, the next step is to prepare all the shipping documents needed at your country’s border. These documents may include a commercial invoice, packing list, certification, and other optional documents for customs. Additionally, you will need a Bill of Lading for the carrier or Airway bill. It’s important to note that if you haven’t made a full payment to your supplier, they could hold this Bill of Lading until you paid in full, in which case you cannot clear your goods since your freight forwarder needs this Bill of Lading to do the clearance.
Do you Need Shipping Insurance when Shipping from Alibaba?
Yes, purchasing appropriate insurance when importing goods from China is strongly recommended to all importers. Cargo insurance is one of the most popular. Shipping insurance is cheap, and a typical cost is around US$50 to US$100. Normally, shipping insurance only covers the value of the cargo in case of transportation damage. It will not cover lost sales or product development costs. Generally, insurance can only pay for lost items, but it is difficult to pay for damaged items. Therefore, it is your responsibility to work with the supplier to pack the product more firmly, especially for fragile items.
Final Checklist for Shipping from Alibaba
After determining the final cooperative China freight forwarder, you need to do the final checklist to avoid missing some points. Here are some of the key things to consider:
Packaging
Make sure goods are tightly and carefully packed. This saves on cost and prevents cargo from getting destroyed along the way. Smaller packaging also means lower freight costs.
Incoterms
It is important to familiarize yourself with shipping incoterms, which are trade terms used internationally for determining where and when the cargo will be transferred. Always be sure to tell your supplier or freight forwarder what incoterm you want when getting a shipping quote like FOB Shanghai. Otherwise, you may end up paying way more than you expected.
Cargo Insurance
Insist on comprehensive cargo insurance. Most carrier liability only covers a small percent of your cargo’s value, and ship does happen.
Documents
Have your supplier send you a copy of the commercial invoice and packing list. These documents contain some of the information you will need when requesting quotes.
Details
Come prepared with the origin, destination, import mode, size of goods, value, and other core details to both make requesting the quote easier and confine communications.
Shortlists
Decide which forwarders to request quotes from based on referrals or past experience.
Request
Request quotes (or use Alibaba Freight to instantly compare quotes).
Review
Make sure they got it right on the quote. For example, some forwarders have a tendency to forget trucking on either side or might forget customs.
Accept
Accepting a quote is almost as simple as it sounds, but don’t choose solely on price!
Instruction
Congratulations! It’s time to send documentation (SLI, etc.) to your new forwarder.
Next Steps
Your shipment is now booked, but your shipment is just starting.
How Can You Review Your Alibaba Shipment to Avoid Problems in the Future?
When you receive your shipment from Alibaba, it is important to review it thoroughly to avoid problems in the future. Here are a few things that you should check:
-
Quality:
Check the quality of the product to ensure that it meets your expectations. Use the product for some time to see how long it holds up. If it does not last as long as expected, it is important to know that it is the best that the supplier has delivered. In the future, either the quality will stay the same or decrease.
-
Packaging:
Check the packaging to ensure that it is sufficient for shipping to your customers. If everything is lumped into only one box and you will need to buy more boxes, make sure that the items are properly boxed in future orders.
-
Instructions:
Check that there are instructions present in the box. If there are no instructions mentioned, create some or borrow them to include them with your items. This will help your customers understand how to use the product properly.
-
Made in China logo:
Check that the box has a “made in china” mark anywhere on it. If it is not marked, request it next time. This will help you comply with any regulations that require you to disclose the country of origin of your products.
Once you have reviewed your order, email your supplier and inform them that you have received the products but have not had the chance to review them yet. Let them know that you will hopefully place a new order. It is best not to rush and play with a good strategy. By reviewing your Alibaba shipment thoroughly, you can avoid problems in the future and ensure that your customers are satisfied with their purchases.
Save Alibaba Costs Conclusion
Arranging shipping by oneself and finding a good shipping agent is the BEST way to save Alibaba shipping costs. It is crucial to choose a freight forwarder who provides regular and transparent communication during the shipment process. A good early indicator of a good freight forwarder’s level of customer service is how long it takes them to respond to your request for a quote. If it takes a week or more, it does not bode well.
Supplyia is an expert in global transportation and responsible for managing some steps of the import process. They offer various services, including air and sea freight, Amazon FBA, DDP, China consolidation service, shipments, and express cargo. With their vast experience, they guarantee the quickest and most trustworthy procedures to save your Alibaba shipping costs.
To help you save Alibaba shipping costs, Supplyia provides a reference price for shipping from China. By submitting a form, they will reply within one day, enabling you to make a comparison with your supplier. With Supplyia’s expertise and services, you can save costs and ensure a smooth shipping process.
Shipping from Alibaba FAQ
Does Alibaba ship to the USA?
Yes, Alibaba ships to the USA through professional courier services that offer a variety of shipping options to meet the budget of the customers. The shipping methods depend on the specific choices of the customers and the different routes of business.
What are the average Alibaba shipping costs from China to the U.S?
The average shipping costs from China to the U.S. depend on the weight or volume weight of the goods and the delivery time. Faster delivery times result in higher shipping costs. The exact shipping costs cannot be determined as they vary according to the weight of the goods.
Dropshipping from Alibaba Shipping Costs
Alibaba dropshipping shipping costs are usually higher than AliExpress. This is because most suppliers on Alibaba are geared towards selling large quantities of goods to wholesalers and retailers, and not individual items to consumers abroad. Additionally, they are unable to classify the parcels shipped to each country and use different transportation methods, such as special line logistics for dropshipping.
To save on Alibaba dropshipping costs, customers have two choices. First, they can contact the supplier directly to negotiate better prices, especially if they are doing a decent volume of orders (20+ orders daily). Second, if they are doing under 20 orders a day, they can try a dropshipping fulfillment company.
| Tips to save shipping costs: |
|---|
| – Contact the supplier directly to negotiate better prices. |
| – Try a dropshipping fulfillment company for orders under 20 a day. |