Most import problems trace back to a decision that was left unclear at the start. This checklist covers the points worth settling first.
Product specification
Write down the exact specification you expect: material, size, colour, capacity, accessories and packaging. Anything left unstated will be decided by someone else.
Quantity and MOQ
Confirm the supplier's minimum order quantity and check that it matches what you can realistically sell within a reasonable period.
Budget, including the parts that are easy to forget
Freight, applicable duties and taxes, local transport and packaging all sit on top of the unit price. Build these into your budget from the beginning.
Shipping method
Decide air or sea based on product type, quantity, weight, volume and how soon you need the goods.
Timing
Production time and transit time are separate. If a product is seasonal, work backwards from the date you need it in stock.
Compliance and documentation
Requirements vary by product category and change over time. Confirm current requirements with the relevant authority or a qualified professional before ordering — general guidance is not a substitute for that.
Storage and handling on arrival
Know where the stock will go and who will check it. This is often the least planned part of the process.
If you would like help working through the sourcing side, get in touch.