If you’re an Amazon FBA seller aiming to source products from China, then the biggest challenge for you is to figure out how to get your goods to Amazon’s fulfillment centers. In this case, a freight forwarder is the solution for your biggest challenge. They help you handle the heavy lifting of logistics and make the Amazon FBA shipping from China easier and convenient. A good and experienced freight forwarder can save your time, money, and headaches. In this blog, we’ll guide you to work with the freight forwarders.
What Does a Freight Forwarder Do?
A freight forwarder handles your product from a supplier in China to Amazon’s warehouse. In simpler words, they are like shipping partners. Their task includes picking up the goods, handling the paperwork, arranging transportation, and ensuring that your product meets Amazon’s guidelines. For Amazon FBA shipping from China, the freight forwarder ensures that your products are properly labeled and packaged to prevent any sort of problems from arising at Amazon’s fulfillment centers.
Why Use a Freight Forwarder for Amazon FBA Shipping from China?
Thinking of handling the shipping on your own or hiring a general supplier can be a big mistake. In many cases, general suppliers lack the knowledge about the requirements and guidelines set by Amazon. Doing it on your own can be another challenge if you don’t have proper knowledge about the customs rules. Here’s why you should hire a freight forwarder:
1. Expertise
Experienced freight forwarders are aware of Amazon’s rules and guidelines. They have the proper knowledge about how to label your product, how to deal with their packaging, and many other factors. This prevents your shipment from getting rejected by Amazon.
2. Cost Savings
As the freight forwarder regularly works with the carriers, they can get better shipping rates, which can save you a lot of money.
3. Time Savings
They are familiar with handling paperwork, customs clearance, and coordination with the supplier. It ultimately saves you hours of work.
4. Peace of Mind
If you choose a good freight forwarder, they track your shipment and deal with any issues, like customs delays, any paperwork issues, etc.
Step-by-Step Guide to Working with a Freight Forwarder
1. Search for a trustworthy Freight Forwarder
Not all freight forwarders can handle your shipping like a pro. Some of them have several limitations. You should find out an experienced who can easily deal with Amazon FBA shipping from China. You should be aware that your freight forwarder doesn’t add the extra hidden charges at the time of billing. Here’s how to find a good one.
- Check Reviews: Look for the reviews and feedback provided by their previous customers. Check their website, social media account, and business profile to get the reviews.
- Ask about their experience: Make sure that they have the proper experience and knowledge about Amazon’s requirements.
- Compare Quotes: Ask multiple forwarders for the quotes. The rates may vary from each other. Choose the best rate within your budget.
- Look for Local Presence: A China-based forwarder often communicates better with your supplier and can inspect goods before shipping.
2. Set Up Your Amazin Seller Account and Listings
Before shipping the product, you must make sure that you properly set up the Amazon Seller Central account and create your product listings. The freight forwarder cannot get the details like your shipment ID and FNSKU barcodes, which are necessary to prepare your goods, if you don’t set up your account.
3. Choose the Right Shipping Method
Freight forwarders offer different shipping options for Amazon FBA shipping from China. Sea Freight and Air freight are the common and main ones. If you have a shorter time limit, you can choose the Air freight, but it is more costly than Sea Freight. Sea shipments are suitable for large and heavy shipments.
4. Provide Clear Instructions to Your Supplier and Forwarder
There should be proper communication between you and the freight forwarder. Share all the necessary details with the supplier and freight forwarder to avoid mix ups.
5. Let the Forwarder Handle Customs and Paperwork
Customs clearance is one of the trickiest parts in the Amazon FBA shipping from China. This is one of the major reasons why you need an experienced freight forwarder. They will prepare documents like the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Bill of Lading. They’ll also handle import duties and taxes, often under Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) terms, meaning you pay all costs upfront, and they deliver directly to Amazon.
Conclusion
Working with freight forwarders for Amazon FBA shipping from China can be a game-changer for your business. They will make the entire shipping process easy and convenient for you. You should make sure that you choose a reliable freight forwarder to handle your shipping.
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FAQs
Can I ship directly from China to the Amazon warehouse?
Yes, you can directly ship from China to the Amazon Warehouse.
What is the role of a freight forwarder in Amazon FBA shipping from China?
Freight forwarders play a huge role in FBA shipping from China. A freight forwarder handles your product from a supplier in China to Amazon’s warehouse.
Should I use air or sea freight for Amazon FBA shipping from China?
It depends on your requirement. If you need the product urgently, you can use air freight, or you can use sea freight. Sea freight is ideal for large and heavy shipping too.
Can a freight forwarder help with product inspections in China?
Yes, many freight forwarder provides the product inspection service in China to check product quality and packaging before shipping, helping you avoid issues with defective or non-compliant goods.
What documents are needed for Amazon FBA shipping from China?
Your freight forwarder will typically prepare a Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and Bill of Lading. They may also handle customs forms to ensure smooth clearance.