{"id":1185,"date":"2026-09-14T06:57:30","date_gmt":"2026-09-14T06:57:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alicarrier.com\/?p=1185"},"modified":"2026-09-14T06:57:30","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T06:57:30","slug":"your-first-shipment-from-china-a-complete-checklist-for-new-international-buyers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alicarrier.com\/ru\/your-first-shipment-from-china-a-complete-checklist-for-new-international-buyers","title":{"rendered":"\u0412\u0430\u0448\u0430 \u043f\u0435\u0440\u0432\u0430\u044f \u043e\u0442\u043f\u0440\u0430\u0432\u043a\u0430 \u0438\u0437 \u041a\u0438\u0442\u0430\u044f: \u043f\u043e\u043b\u043d\u044b\u0439 \u0447\u0435\u043a-\u043b\u0438\u0441\u0442 \u0434\u043b\u044f \u043d\u043e\u0432\u044b\u0445 \u043c\u0435\u0436\u0434\u0443\u043d\u0430\u0440\u043e\u0434\u043d\u044b\u0445 \u043f\u043e\u043a\u0443\u043f\u0430\u0442\u0435\u043b\u0435\u0439"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Meta Description:<\/strong> First time buying from China? Follow this checklist covering platform selection, payment, shipping methods, customs, and delivery to avoid costly mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

dateModified:<\/strong> 2026-09-14<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quick Answer:<\/strong> Your first shipment from China involves six stages: choosing the right platform (Taobao for consumer goods, 1688 for wholesale, Tmall for branded items), placing orders using a buying agent or direct shipping, accumulating goods at a China warehouse, selecting a shipping method (express for speed, sea for cost), clearing customs, and receiving your delivery. For first-time buyers, using a China-based agent like Alicarrier eliminates language barriers, payment obstacles, and customs complexity. This checklist walks you through each step with specific actions and red flags to avoid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Phase 1: Before You Buy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Define What You Need<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Product category:<\/strong> Be specific. “Bluetooth speaker” is better than “electronics.”<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Quantity:<\/strong> Are you buying samples (1\u20135 units) or stock (50+ units)?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Budget:<\/strong> Include product cost + service fee (8%) + international shipping + potential duties.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Timeline:<\/strong> When do you need the goods? Samples in 5 days require express; stock in 45 days allows sea freight.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Choose Your Platform<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    Platform<\/th>Best For<\/th>Language<\/th>International Shipping<\/th><\/tr>
    Taobao<\/strong><\/td>Consumer goods, fashion, accessories, home decor<\/td>Chinese<\/td>No (agent required)<\/td><\/tr>
    Tmall<\/strong><\/td>Branded, authentic products with higher quality assurance<\/td>Chinese<\/td>Limited (agent required)<\/td><\/tr>
    1688<\/strong><\/td>Wholesale, small-batch manufacturing, lowest prices<\/td>Chinese<\/td>No (agent required)<\/td><\/tr>
    Alibaba.com<\/strong><\/td>Bulk orders, factory-direct, export-ready documentation<\/td>English<\/td>Yes (supplier-arranged)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    First-time buyer recommendation:<\/strong> Start with Taobao or Tmall for familiar consumer products, or 1688 if you are reselling. Use Alicarrier as your agent for all three.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Verify Seller Credibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    • Check seller rating (Taobao: hearts \u2192 diamonds \u2192 crowns \u2192 gold crowns).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Read recent reviews with photos.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Confirm the return policy (7-day no-reason return is standard on Taobao).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • For 1688, look for “\u5b9e\u529b\u5546\u5bb6” (verified merchant) or “\u6e90\u5934\u5de5\u5382” (source factory).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Phase 2: Placing the Order<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      If Using Alicarrier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      1. Copy the product URL.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Paste it into our order form with quantity, color, size, and max price.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. We confirm stock and price within 12\u201324 hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. You approve; we purchase and pay in RMB.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      5. Goods ship to our warehouse using the seller’s domestic courier.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        If Buying Direct (Alibaba.com Only)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        1. Negotiate MOQ and price with the supplier.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Confirm the Incoterm (FOB, EXW, or DDP).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. Request a proforma invoice with HS code, weight, and dimensions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        4. Pay via Alibaba Trade Assurance or wire transfer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        5. Arrange freight separately unless the supplier offers DDP.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Phase 3: Warehouse and Inspection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          What Happens at the Alicarrier Warehouse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          • Day 1\u20132:<\/strong> Parcel arrives, scanned, logged to your account.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Day 2\u20133:<\/strong> Basic inspection (exterior check, quantity verification).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Day 3\u201330:<\/strong> Free storage while you accumulate more orders.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Inspection Checklist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
              \n
            • Correct quantity received<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Correct color\/size\/variant<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • No visible exterior damage<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • No missing accessories<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Product roughly matches listing photos<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Red flag:<\/strong> If the item looks significantly different from the listing, request a detailed inspection with photos before approving international shipping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              Phase 4: Shipping Selection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              Match Your Order to the Right Method<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
              Your Situation<\/th>Recommended Method<\/th>Timeline<\/th>Cost Indicator<\/th><\/tr>
              Samples under 5 kg<\/td>Express courier DDP<\/td>3\u20137 days<\/td>$$$<\/td><\/tr>
              First stock order 20\u2013100 kg<\/td>Air freight DDP<\/td>5\u201312 days<\/td>$$<\/td><\/tr>
              Regular restock 100\u2013500 kg<\/td>Air or sea LCL DDP<\/td>5\u201345 days<\/td>$\u2013\u2013<\/td><\/tr>
              Bulk order 500+ kg or 2+ CBM<\/td>Sea LCL or FCL DDP<\/td>20\u201355 days<\/td>$<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              Get a Quote<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Provide your agent or forwarder:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • Product description and HS code (if known)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Total weight and dimensions (after consolidation)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Delivery address (including ZIP\/postal code)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Preferred delivery type (residential, business, FBA, 3PL)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                Phase 5: Customs and Compliance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                What You Need to Know<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                Under DDP, you do not handle customs<\/strong>. However, you must ensure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                • The product is not prohibited<\/strong> in your country.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • The declared value is accurate<\/strong> (undervaluation is illegal and risky).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • You have provided a valid delivery address and phone number.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • You understand that duties are prepaid<\/strong>\u2014there will be no bill at delivery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  Documents Alicarrier Prepares<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                    \n
                  • Commercial invoice<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Packing list<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Export declaration (China)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Import entry filing (destination country)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Duty payment confirmation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    Phase 6: Receiving Your Shipment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    Delivery Day<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                      \n
                    • Be available to sign or arrange for someone to receive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Inspect the exterior packaging before signing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • If damage is visible, note it on the delivery receipt and photograph.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Open and verify contents within 24 hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Report shortages or damage to Alicarrier within 48 hours with photos.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      After Delivery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                        \n
                      • Leave warehouse feedback if you used detailed inspection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Update your inventory records.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Note what worked and what didn’t for your next order.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                        Mistake<\/th>Why It Hurts<\/th>Prevention<\/th><\/tr>
                        Ordering from too many sellers at once<\/strong><\/td>Complex consolidation, higher risk of one bad item<\/td>Start with 2\u20133 sellers<\/td><\/tr>
                        Skipping inspection<\/strong><\/td>Defective goods shipped internationally are hard to return<\/td>Always use basic inspection<\/td><\/tr>
                        Choosing sea freight for urgent needs<\/strong><\/td>45-day timelines miss sales windows<\/td>Match method to deadline<\/td><\/tr>
                        Undervaluing for “tax savings”<\/strong><\/td>Customs seizure, penalties, blacklisting<\/td>Declare accurate value<\/td><\/tr>
                        Ignoring volumetric weight<\/strong><\/td>A large light box costs more than a small heavy box<\/td>Request repacking<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                        Your First Order: Suggested Starter Flow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                          \n
                        1. Order 1\u20132 sample items<\/strong> from Taobao via Alicarrier (express DDP).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        2. Evaluate quality<\/strong> upon receipt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        3. Place a small stock order<\/strong> (10\u201320 units) from the same seller via 1688 (air DDP).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        4. Scale to bulk<\/strong> (100+ units) using sea LCL DDP once demand is proven.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                          Ready for your first shipment?<\/strong> [Register here] and get your free China warehouse address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Quick Tips:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          Alicarrier is a China-based buying and shipping agent that helps international customers purchase products from Chinese e-commerce platforms\u2014primarily Taobao, Tmall, and 1688\u2014and delivers them worldwide via DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          You pay an 8% service fee on the product cost (minimum US$50 per order), and we handle everything: supplier communication, payment, warehouse receiving, quality inspection, parcel consolidation, repacking, customs clearance, and final delivery to your door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          No Chinese language skills, no Chinese bank account, and no customs paperwork required on your end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Internal Linking Suggestions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \n
                          • Link “Taobao, Tmall, 1688” \u2192 Article 8: Taobao vs Tmall vs 1688<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Link “DDP” \u2192 Article 2: What Is DDP Shipping?<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Link “prohibited” \u2192 Article 10: Restricted & Prohibited Items<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Link “Parcel consolidation” \u2192 Article 5: Parcel Consolidation Explained<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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