We have bought 1000 baby diapers each from two legit manufacturers. One is sort of helpful with shipping, but we have a language barrier. The other is not really helpful other than to suggest we get a Shipping Agent in the area if we want it freighted by sea. They will do Air freight, but 2- 24x24x24 cartons at 25 lbs each does not seem to be cost effective.

So... 1, do we need to get an Agent? And does anyone suggest one in GuangZhou, Shenzhen China?
2. What may be the cheapest Air carrier to use? An on-line quote from UPS was USD $655; way too much and there is No Rush! (unless we made a mistake)
3. Do you suggest "door to door" and have the air or sea carrier handle the paperwork and details?
4. What about insurance?
5, If we pick-up the goods in Los Angeles at the port, what paperwork/documents do we need?

We are surprised on how confusing the whole shipping part of this is and now have two orders waiting to be sent, but after extensive on-line reading and getting a few quotes we are still in the weeds and need advise.

We plan to get regular shipments of diapers and should learn the cheapest and best way up-front. Any guidance to books or websites, carriers, ins & outs, tips, or other info any of you good people can provide us in getting these products moved our direction in Las Vegas the correct way will be very much appreciated!!!!

Thanks in advance...

If you have any forward in China or Hong Kong, ask them about it. I think the export cost would be too expensive.

If you import from Hong Kong, you will pay below 400 USD, but I don't know the cost from Shenzhen.

Last, I don't think you need to buy insurance.

Hello NanaBaby,

Don't rush or you might regret it. For example, the "weight" you will be charged for will not be 25lbs per carton. It will be a cubic meter price. (Most of the world is metric, the US may catch up one day.)

The freight industry standard is to charge a minimum of 333kg for 1 cubic meter. Your two cartons occupy approximately .453 of a cubic metre, so you will most likely be charged for about 150kg (about 69lbs.)

I hope it is not too late for you to avoid making a big mistake. You say you have bought from two manufacturers. If you have not yet paid a deposit I suggest you start again, making sure you know what is involved. I know of some cases where people have ordered first and checked all costs later, they have found it better to lose the deposit and cut their losses.

You did ask for suggestions about books, websites etc., so I suggest you at least look at my website.

Meeting Chinese manufacturers at trade shows is a good way to source, if you have the time and budget. The same challenges exist, though, as you can not be 100% sure that the person you meet at trade shows is indeed the person in charge or even actually makes the product you see. Many independent salesmen will have “association” with an export company which seems to be big and reputable. They may even carry a company business card. But, the company really isn’t liable if anything promised by the salesperson isn’t kept. Go through the process of qualifying just as you would when you find someone on line.