How to Ship from China: Step-by-Step Guide

📅 Updated: December 2024 | ⏱️ Reading time: 12 minutes

Ready to ship from China? This complete guide walks you through every step—from finding suppliers to receiving your cargo at your door. Whether you're an e-commerce seller, business importer, or first-time shipper, we've got you covered.

🎯 What You'll Learn

By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to source from China, consolidate shipments, choose the right shipping method, handle customs, and track your packages—all in 7 simple steps.

The 7-Step Shipping Process

1

Find and Vet Your Suppliers

⏱️ Time: 1-4 weeks

Start by finding reliable suppliers on Chinese platforms:

💡 Pro Tip: Vetting Suppliers

Always request samples before bulk orders. Check supplier ratings, response time, and years on platform. Look for "Verified" badges and trade assurance options.

2

Register and Get Your Warehouse Address

⏱️ Time: 5 minutes

Create an account on our Agent Portal to receive:

This warehouse address becomes your delivery point for all supplier orders.

3

Place Orders with Suppliers

⏱️ Time: Varies by order

When ordering from suppliers:

⚠️ Important

Always use the exact warehouse address we provide. Mistakes in the address can cause packages to be returned or lost.

4

Track Packages Arriving at Warehouse

⏱️ Time: 3-7 days per package

Monitor packages as they arrive:

We store packages free for 30 days while you gather inventory.

5

Request Package Consolidation

⏱️ Time: 1-2 business days

Once all packages have arrived:

Savings tip: Consolidation can save you 40-70% compared to shipping individually!

6

Choose Your Shipping Method

⏱️ Time: Based on your selection

Select the best shipping option for your needs:

Method Time Cost/kg
Express 5-7 days ¥25-50
Economy 10-15 days ¥15-25
Air Freight 7-12 days ¥15-35
Sea Freight 20-30 days ¥3-10
7

We Handle Customs and Deliver to Your Door

⏱️ Time: Varies by method

Once shipped, we handle everything:

Pro Tips for First-Time Shippers

✅ Before You Start

Know your product's HS code — This determines customs duties
Research import restrictions — Some items require special permits
Budget for duties — Typically 10-30% of declared value
Start with samples — Test quality before bulk orders

💡 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Not including customer ID on orders → Packages get mixed up
Mistake 2: Shipping items individually → Paying 3-5x more in shipping
Mistake 3: Ignoring customs value limits → Unexpected duty bills
Mistake 4: Choosing speed over cost → Overspending on non-urgent items

How Long Does the Entire Process Take?

Stage Time
Finding and vetting suppliers 1-4 weeks
Placing and receiving orders 3-14 days (depends on platform)
Warehouse receiving & inspection 1-2 days
Consolidation & packing 1-2 days
Shipping transit (express) 5-7 days
Shipping transit (sea) 20-30 days
Total (express) 2-4 weeks
Total (sea) 4-8 weeks

Ready to Start Shipping from China?

Get your free warehouse address and start the process today. We handle everything else—receiving, consolidation, shipping, customs, and delivery.

📝 Get Warehouse Address 📦 Request Quote

About J+ Global Express: With over 30 years of logistics experience, we simplify shipping from China. Our Guangzhou warehouse, consolidation service, and door-to-door delivery make importing easy and affordable.