Buyers often compare suppliers on the unit price alone. That's how a 'cheap' quote becomes an expensive order. The number that matters is landed cost — what the goods cost in your warehouse, ready to sell. Here's what goes into it.
The factory price
The base cost of producing your goods. We make sure you see this separately from any service fee, so you know the real ex-works number and aren't paying a hidden trader's margin on top.
Sourcing and QC
Finding and verifying the factory, and inspecting the goods before shipment. This is a cost — but it's the cost that prevents far larger losses from fraud or defects.
Freight and insurance
Moving the goods from the factory to your port or door, by sea or air, plus cargo insurance. This varies enormously with mode, volume and destination.
Duties, customs and documentation
Import duty and taxes in your country, customs clearance, and the paperwork that lets heavy cargo move without holds. Underestimating this line is a classic first-timer mistake.
- Factory (ex-works) price
- Sourcing and pre-shipment inspection
- Freight and cargo insurance
- Import duties and taxes
- Customs clearance and documentation
- Final delivery to your warehouse
A higher factory price with proper verification often beats a 'cheaper' quote that arrives wrong, late, or stuck at customs.
When you compare offers on landed cost — not unit price — the genuinely good suppliers usually win. That's the comparison we help clients make.
