Understand how samples and bulk orders are shipped from Chinese factories to your location. We explain the process so you know what to expect.
The sample shipping process is straightforward. Here's what happens from factory to your doorstep.
Typical delivery: 5-7 days worldwide via express courier
After you approve the sample quote, the factory produces your sample. This typically takes 1-3 days depending on product complexity.
Factory packages the sample properly and prepares commercial invoice with declared value (usually $10-$50 for samples).
DHL, FedEx, or UPS picks up the package from the factory. Tracking number is provided to you within 24 hours of pickup.
Express courier delivers to your address. Most samples arrive within 5-7 business days from pickup, depending on your location.
Sample shipping is typically included in the sample price or quoted separately. FactoryFollow doesn't add shipping fees - you pay the factory directly for shipping.
For production orders, you work directly with the factory to arrange shipping (sea freight, air freight, or express). We can recommend freight forwarders but don't handle logistics ourselves.
Here's what a typical sample shipping timeline looks like for most buyers.
You submit your sample request through FactoryFollow. We match you with 1-3 verified factories within 24 hours.
Factories provide sample quotes including production time, sample cost, and shipping cost via express courier.
You choose a factory and pay through our escrow system. Payment is held securely until you approve the sample.
Factory produces your sample. For complex products, this may take additional time. Factory provides progress updates.
Factory packages sample and arranges DHL/FedEx/UPS pickup. You receive tracking number within hours of pickup.
Express courier delivers sample to your address. Most samples arrive within this timeframe depending on destination.
A brief explanation of customs and duties for samples and small orders.
For samples with declared value under your country's de minimis threshold (usually $800 in USA, €150 in EU, $1,000 in Australia), there are typically no duties or taxes.
Factories typically declare sample values between $10-$50 to help avoid customs duties. For bulk orders, you'll need to work with a customs broker or freight forwarder to handle clearance.
Usually no customs clearance needed. Express couriers handle minimal paperwork.
You'll need a customs broker. We can recommend reliable ones but don't provide brokerage services.
Vary by product and country. Check your local customs authority for specific rates.
We help ensure factories provide proper documentation (commercial invoice, packing list) but don't handle customs clearance. For bulk orders, we recommend working with experienced freight forwarders who can handle customs brokerage.
Common questions about shipping samples and bulk orders from Chinese factories.
The factory handles shipping directly. We connect you with factories, but they arrange and pay for shipping. For samples, factories typically use DHL, FedEx, or UPS. For bulk orders, you work directly with the factory to choose sea freight, air freight, or express shipping.
We don't operate as a logistics company. Our role is to ensure factories provide proper documentation and tracking information.
Most samples arrive within 5-7 business days after factory pickup, depending on your location:
This doesn't include sample production time (typically 1-3 days). Total time from order to delivery is usually 7-10 days.
Sample shipping costs vary by size, weight, and destination:
Shipping is usually quoted separately from sample cost. Factories don't markup shipping - you pay their actual cost.
For samples with low declared value (typically $10-$50), you usually won't pay customs duties if the value is below your country's de minimis threshold:
Factories typically declare samples at low values to help avoid duties. For bulk orders, duties apply based on product type and value.
For production orders, you have several options:
We recommend working with freight forwarders for bulk shipments. We can provide recommendations but don't handle logistics ourselves.
This is rare with express couriers, but if it happens:
Express couriers provide tracking and insurance. Samples are typically insured for their declared value ($10-$100). If lost, the factory should either refund you or reship the sample.
Now that you understand the shipping process, it's time to connect with verified factories and get your first sample.