For Shopify independent store sellers in the UK, if they want to expand into overseas markets, it is crucial to connect the Chinese supply chain and achieve efficient shipping. China boasts abundant commodity resources and a mature supply chain system, which can offer sellers highly competitive products and cost advantages. However, how to efficiently purchase goods from China and ship them overseas is a challenge faced by many novice sellers. Today, I will introduce this process to you in detail.
I. Advantages of China’s Supply Chain Procurement
(1) Abundant commodity resources
China boasts a rich and diverse array of commodity resources, ranging from handicrafts to fashionable accessories, from household items to electronic products. Whether it’s 1688, Taobao or Pinduoduo, these platforms all offer a vast selection of products, which can meet the needs of different markets and customers.
(2) Cost advantage
Purchasing goods from China usually enables one to obtain more competitive prices. By bulk purchasing and optimizing the supply chain, sellers can significantly reduce procurement costs and increase profit margins.
(3) Quality Assurance
China’s manufacturing industry enjoys a high reputation worldwide, and many suppliers are capable of providing high-quality products. By cooperating with reliable suppliers, sellers can ensure the quality of their products and enhance customer satisfaction.
II. Key Points Before Shipment
(1) Basic information of the goods
Before shipping, you need to clearly understand the basic information of the goods, including the weight and size of the package. This information will directly affect the calculation of freight charges. In addition, different products may be subject to customs clearance restrictions. You need to ensure that the goods you sell meet the import requirements of the target market.
(II) Logistics rules of the destination country
Understanding the customs clearance rules, transportation timeliness and tax policies of the destination country is an important step before shipment. Customs policies and tax structures vary from country to country, which may affect your logistics costs and commodity prices. It is also very important to confirm the standard format of the destination address to avoid delivery failure.
(3) Estimated time of delivery
Understanding the expected delivery time based on the buyer’s location and the selected logistics channel is the key to enhancing customer satisfaction. Timely informing customers of the estimated delivery time can manage their expectations and reduce dissatisfaction caused by long waiting times.
III. Shipping Process
(1) Select logistics channels
At present, the most common practice for cross-border sellers is to have domestic dropshipping delivered to overseas logistics warehouses. You can stock the goods domestically or have the factory ship them on your behalf. They will be uniformly sent to the designated transfer warehouse, and they will arrange international logistics to send them to the target country.
(2) Fill in the logistics information
Before shipping, you need to fill in detailed logistics information, including the addresses and contact details of the sender and recipient, the weight and size of the package, etc. This information will be used to generate the waybill number and ensure that the package can pass through the customs and logistics systems smoothly.
(3) Generate the waybill number
After filling in all the necessary information, you can generate a waybill number through the logistics platform. The waybill number is an important document for package transportation. You need to backfill it into the independent station backend so that customers can track the status of their packages in real time.
IV. Choose freight forwarder services
For novice sellers, choosing a reliable freight forwarder service provider can greatly simplify the shipping process and improve operational efficiency. Freight forwarder service providers can offer you one-stop services from procurement to shipment, ensuring that your packages can be safely and quickly delivered to your customers.
(1) Professional procurement team
Freight forwarder service providers usually have professional purchasing teams that can help you find high-quality suppliers in the core industrial belts of Chinese mainland. They are proficient in platforms such as 1688, Taobao, and Pinduoduo, and can quickly find products that meet your requirements for you and provide detailed quotations.
(2) Intelligent warehouse
The freight forwarder service provider has an intelligent warehouse in Shenzhen, which can efficiently manage inventory and shipments. Their warehouse is equipped with an advanced management system to ensure the safety and efficient circulation of goods.
(3) One-stop performance service
From goods procurement to contract fulfillment, freight forwarder service providers offer you all-round services. You only need to focus on the operation of your store. After placing an order, all subsequent processes, including goods procurement, quality inspection, packaging and shipping, can be handled by them.
(4) Customized services
Freight forwarder service providers support customized services to meet your special needs. Whether it’s removing labels, adding customized labels, or any other special requirements, they can provide you with support.
(5) Professional quality inspection team
The freight forwarder service provider has a professional quality inspection team to ensure that every product meets quality standards. During the packaging process, they will check the product pictures to ensure that the contents of the package are consistent with the order, reducing errors and customer complaints.
Dear friends, if you have any questions, please leave a message in the comment section! Looking forward to your reply.