AIBU to ask for import help?

[Polkapjs]

Putting this here got traffic as I have no clue where to start. I have a small craft business as a sideline to my regular job but my supplier in UK no longer sells the base item I need. It looks like I can buy what I need from China but have no clue how to do this properly- eg.find out what import duties and tax/ transport cost will be. How on earth do I do it and do it above board? I hear horror stories of people ordering cheap stuff from China then getting a massive Fed Ex bill. I’d like to know up front so I can decide if I can continue my business using this product or not. I’m hoping one of the MN population already knows all about this! Thanks!

I sometimes order craft supplies from China. The suppliers I use all have lots of different shipping options, including some which incur no import duties/vat as they ship to another EU country which then gets shipped on to me from there. I've never had any import taxes on any orders from China.

I got one quote FOB which I think means they ship to the port but then Struggling to get onward shipping cost so I can work out a delivered price?

Sorry just see that shipping might be paid then passed on. I should be able to get shipping cost up from then would you say?

Can you find the item on Ali Baba or Ali Express? All the costs are listed upfront, apart from bank fees for the currency exchange. You just pay with your card and then the bank adds a percentage fee.

www.aliexpress.com/

I didn’t see just what I wanted on Ali but found another company who have quoted but only FOB

Sunshine what sites do you use?
Alibaba- where can I see the shipping options? I’m missing something sorry!

@Polkapjs they mainly do jewellery making supplies, but have some other craft stuff I believe. What kinds of things are you looking for? Feel free to PM me.

Thanks sunshine. Can I PM from the App?

Worked in imports/exports for 15 years. Feel free to message me with what you're looking to purchase and I'll work it out for you :)

@Polkapjs I dont know if you can. I just tried to see if I can find a way but didn't see anything.