The unit price is only the beginning. First-time buyers are often surprised by how quickly the total cost adds up when importing from China. Here is a realistic breakdown of every cost you should plan for — so you can calculate your true landed cost before you commit.
1. Product (Unit) Cost
This is what the supplier quotes per piece. It depends on materials, order quantity, and customization level. Get quotes from 3–5 suppliers and remember: the cheapest unit price usually comes with compromises somewhere else — quality, lead time, or reliability.
2. Tooling and Mold Costs
For custom OEM products, factories often charge a one-time tooling or mold fee — from a few hundred dollars for simple molds to tens of thousands for complex ones. Always ask whether the fee is refundable against a future order quantity.
3. Samples
Samples can be free (common for stock items) or cost up to a few hundred dollars for custom products. You also pay courier shipping for samples, usually $30–80 for a small parcel. Cheap insurance compared to a wrong bulk order.
4. Quality Inspection
Third-party inspections typically cost $200–400 per inspection day depending on the inspector and location, and more for very large orders. The pre-shipment inspection is the most valuable one — it protects the entire shipment.
5. Shipping
Sea freight is cheapest for bulk orders: LCL (less than container load) rates can range from roughly $20–80 per cubic meter, and a 40-foot container from about $1,500–4,000+ depending on route and season. Air freight runs around $4–10 per kg, and express couriers around $6–15 per kg. Rates change constantly, so always get a live quote for your actual shipment.
6. Customs Duties and Taxes
Duties depend on your country and the product’s HS code — commonly 0–25%, sometimes higher. US buyers should note that the $800 de minimis exemption has been in flux for China-origin parcels; check the current rules with your forwarder. EU buyers pay VAT on most imports. A customs broker or a DDP quote makes this predictable.
7. Agency and Service Fees
Sourcing agents typically charge a commission (5–10% is common) or a fixed project fee. The right agent pays for itself through better pricing, fewer defects, and fewer shipping surprises — but make sure the fee structure is transparent and in writing.
8. Payment and Currency Costs
Bank transfer fees, currency conversion, and payment platform charges add roughly 1–3%. Small, but they matter on large orders — include them in your margin from day one.
A Simple Example
A US retailer orders 500 custom phone cases at $2.50 each ($1,250), plus a $300 mold fee, $50 in samples, $250 inspection, $350 express freight, and about $150 in duties and fees — roughly $2,350 total, or $4.70 per unit landed. Knowing this number before you start is what separates profitable imports from expensive lessons.
Want a transparent, all-in quote for your product? Contact validsourcing — we break down every cost before you commit, so there are no surprises.