How to Buy from China

Step 12 How to buy from china

buying stuff is a bit of a hassle, mostly because the only way to pay is with a wire transfer. For most US banks to do a wire transfer you need to actually GO to the bank and fill out forms on PAPER, and your bank changes you $40 just to send the money. So for less than about a $200 purchase it is not really worth it. Last I checked Citibank is the only one in the US that lets you do online wire transfers (at least for normal people).

Ok - so how do you arrange the purchase? Always ask them to send you a PI, or Proforma Invoice. This form is the standard before you pay anything. It shows your ship address, the items you are buying and any other fees, the bank info for the factory, the shipping schedule (sometimes if it is not in stock, they will have to MAKE it, and that can take a month), and other important things. After you check it you will send the wire transfer.

Shipping: ask them to include Express (aka Courier) transport with the price. the term "FOB" means "shipping not included", while "CIF" means "shipping and insurance included". Express / Courier means they will use whichever of Fedex, UPS, DHL or TNT they have an account with, and their rates are nearly always better than yours.

Comments

[tshima]

Washington Mutual Bank has FREE wiring on some checking accounts. I have done many wiring overseas at no cost.