When buying under different trade terms
Check where each supplier’s responsibility ends and request the remaining transport scope. A factory price, origin-port price and duty-paid price cannot be compared without mapping what each includes.
When entering a new market
Identify the importer and broker before booking. Send product specifications for review and confirm destination access. Build a repeatable document checklist once the first shipment requirements are clear.
A first-import example
Before paying for transport, ask the supplier for a sample commercial invoice and packing list. Have the intended destination broker identify missing product information. Correcting a description or consignee detail before collection is easier than asking several parties to reconcile conflicting paperwork after cargo arrives.
A practical decision checklist
Define the date the goods must be usable, the final receiving location and the packed shipment size. Explain any constraints: supplier readiness, fragile products, restricted cargo, appointments or unloading limits. These details establish which options are realistic.
Compare the whole plan
Ask each option to show collection, origin handling, main transport, customs arrangements and final delivery. Confirm quote validity and exclusions. Duties, taxes, special preparation and exceptional handling should be addressed explicitly.
Start with the information you have
Send the product description, supplier city, receiving postcode and target date. Attach a packing list if available. If you are not sure of the method or measurements, tell us; a useful first discussion can identify what to collect next.