I am a new retailer in the US. Can I buy directly from a manufacturer in China? Do I need an import license?

Question

I would think that I can. But then that begs the question: what are all of these import/export companies for?

Answer 1

No you do not need an import license to buy direct from manufacturers in China. What you need is a freight forwarder to book the cargo space on the boat or plane, handle customs clearance here in the US at the port of entry and arrange local delivery.

What are import companies for? First of all, let's call them "wholesalers". They import in large quantities and enjoy economies of scale and leverage over the China manufacturers that you as a small independent retailer can never have. More importantly, they ASSUME THE RISKS of buying direct from China. Why on earth would you want to buy direct from China if you are buying anything less than full container loads (FCL)? Don't expect reliability, consistency, quality, on-time delivery and cheap prices from Chinese factories if you are not buying FCL. This is China we're talking about - these manufacturers want orders for hundreds of thousands of units, not for a few hundred units here and there.

You should buy from U.S.-based wholesalers. In the long run trying to buy direct from manufacturers in China will be more costly in time, money and resources than simply paying a little more per item and buying through an "importer" or "wholesaler". Not to mention that buying from China is a full time job in itself - vendor sourcing, communications, quality inspection, logistics, production control, administrative support... Ostensibly you are in the retail business, not the importing/procurement/product sourcing business.

I am a China sourcing and importing specialist, which is why I feel qualified to answer this question in the first place. Not to sound like a sales pitch, but you should buy through a company like mine or simply buy from a U.S.-based wholesaler. Feel free to give me a call to discuss this further: 212-847-7175. If you still want to buy direct I'd be glad to give you advice and help you avoid the common pitfalls. Also read my other posts on this subject. Good luck!

Answer 2

You will need to register a company name to be taken seriously.
From my experience i I'mport mp4s and mp3, i am a reseller but i registered my company name and under the company name it says importer/exporter and this is how i make my living , im nothing big but a make a living without working for anyone the legal way, selling to family and Friends but by the time i got here i lost a lot of money. BE VERY CARE FULL ofChina, check all companies out at allwhos.com on the internet, also check that the company's name is exactly the same as the company banking details they gave you. and to answer your question yes you do need a license and your accountant or solicitor would help you with that. I hope i was some help to you... good luck

Answer 3

Can you... yes. Do you need an import license? Yes, if you are going to import directly yourself and depending on what you are importing. Most people use an import company so that they don't have to handle all the importing/customs issues, let the import company do that. I know its having a middle man there, but its probably a lot less headaches.

Answer 4

maximum manufacturers sell directly to merchants. you may touch Lego, and ask them in the event that they have a telemarketing branch, and can they deliver you a catalog, and a cost record. observe which you will no longer have the skill to get credit from them till your enterprise shows a historic previous. you would be required to pay via examine beforehand of shipment. They likely also have a minimum order quantity, the two via type, and entire order. ultimately, you will could desire to have your enterprise authorized, via the state, and get a tax exempt resale license.

Answer 5

Check the site http://allchina.es/