How China Package Forwarding Works
A step-by-step guide to shopping from Chinese online stores and shipping to the United States.
Register with a Forwarding Service
Sign up with a China-based package forwarding company. You'll receive a unique shipping address in China that you can use for online purchases. The forwarding service provides warehouse space to receive your packages.
Note: Registration and account management happen directly with the forwarding provider, not through this site.
Shop on Chinese Platforms
Use your China shipping address when ordering from sites like Taobao, Tmall, JD.com, or other Chinese e-commerce platforms. You complete the purchase directly with the seller using your own payment method.
Important: You are responsible for selecting products, making payments, and understanding seller policies on the Chinese platforms.
Packages Arrive at the Warehouse
Your purchases ship within China to the forwarding warehouse. Once they arrive, you can typically view your packages through the forwarding service's platform. Many services offer package consolidation to combine multiple items into one shipment.
Note: Package management and consolidation options are provided by the forwarding service.
Ship to Your US Address
Choose your international shipping method and pay for shipping directly through the forwarding service's system. They will process your shipment and send it to your address in the United States.
Important: Shipping costs, delivery times, and customs handling are managed by the forwarding provider. You pay them directly for international shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for shipping from the warehouse to the US?
You pay for international shipping directly to the forwarding service provider through their payment system. Shipping costs depend on package weight, dimensions, and chosen shipping method.
Do I need to speak Chinese to shop?
While many Chinese platforms have some English support, using a browser translation tool can help. Some forwarding services also offer purchasing assistance for an additional fee.
What about customs and import duties?
You are responsible for understanding US customs regulations and paying any applicable duties or taxes. The forwarding service handles the export from China, but you are the importer on the US side.
How long does the process take?
Timing varies based on domestic shipping within China, warehouse processing time, and your chosen international shipping method. This can range from a few days to several weeks.
Ready to Start?
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