Importing furniture from China can be a great way to access unique designs at wholesale prices. However, the process also comes with its own set of challenges. This guide will walk you through the key steps so you can successfully import quality furniture without any major hiccups.
Determine What You Want to Import
Before getting started, you’ll want to decide exactly what types of furniture you want to import. Here are some key questions to ask yourself:
- What style(s) of furniture are you interested in – modern, contemporary, traditional, shabby chic, etc?
- What furniture categories do you want to focus on – living room, bedroom, dining room, office, outdoor, etc?
- What materials do you prefer – wood, metal, upholstered, etc?
- What price points make the most sense for your target customer?
Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll have a better idea of what you’re looking for. This will help guide you as you research manufacturers and inventory options.
Find Reputable Suppliers and Manufacturers
Now comes the fun part – browsing Alibaba, Global Sources and other websites to find potential suppliers! Here are some tips:
- Search using specific furniture categories and materials (e.g. “wood dining room sets”). Then browse the various company profiles that show up.
- Vet suppliers thoroughly – check how long they’ve been in business, review previous buyer feedback, evaluate listed credentials.
- Be wary of prices that seem “too good to be true.” Cheaper isn’t necessarily better with furniture.
- Carefully examine product photos and descriptions. Make sure quality standards are up to your expectations.
- Observe production capabilities for scale, customization. You want to confirm they can realistically meet your import needs.
Take your time doing research. Getting samples will also help verify quality expectations are met.
Understand Regulations and Duty Rates for Furniture Imports
Before finalizing any import orders, it’s important to be aware of furniture industry regulations in your country. Some key considerations include:
- wood packaging materials (ISPM-15 certification)
- fire safety standards
- restricted materials regulations
- required physical labeling
- fumigation procedures
You’ll also need a clear picture of the specific duty rates and customs fees you’ll be responsible for paying. These vary based on:
- Furniture materials
- Country of origin
- Import destination
Your freight forwarder can help provide estimates as you get quotes for shipping.
Place a Small Test Order
Especially when importing for the first time, we strongly recommend starting with a small test order. This might be 1-2 container loads to start. Testing out logistics on a smaller scale first allows you to:
- Evaluate overall ordering/shipping timelines from purchase to delivery
- Assess real-world quality beyond photos and samples
- Get a feel for customs procedures/costs
- Work out any kinks with your supplier in terms of communication and meeting expectations
- Make adjustments before scaling up to larger orders
Consider a test order an investment into your long-term import success!
Arrange Logistics for Shipping Furniture Overseas
Shipping furniture from China to your country will require coordinating:
Trucking within China
Your supplier can arrange trucking from their factory to the port of exit in China. Make it clear upfront who pays for domestic shipping.
Sea Freight Container Transport
Most furniture imports from China are transported by sea in containers. Key preparation steps involve:
- Confirming your port of entry
- Lining up a freight forwarder
- Selecting between FCL (full container load) and LCL (less than container load) shipping options
- Sourcing cost quotes for 40 ft. and 20 ft. containers
- Choosing between standard and specialized equipment types (flat racks, open tops, etc.)
Your freight forwarder will handle booking vessel space, sea transport, issuing Bills of Lading, etc.
Customs Clearance
Upon arrival at your destination port, the shipment will need to clear customs before continuing inland. Provide your forwarder power of attorney authorization to handle customs filing on your behalf.
Confirm Order & Timeline
When you’re ready to move forward with a specific supplier, clearly confirm:
- Final furniture quantities/styles to order
- Production timeline
- Inspection/sign-off process prior to shipment
- Packaging requirements
- Payment terms
- Transport pickup arrangements
- Estimated delivery timeframe
Getting very explicit upfront helps avoid unpleasant surprises later!
Quality Control Prior to Release
Before your containerized furniture gets loaded for export, be sure to build in quality control. Some options include:
- Reviewing in-process photos & videos during production
- Conducting video call inspections to examine finished goods virtually
- Hiring a 3rd party inspection company to perform on-site checks prior to release
- Personally flying out to China to complete evaluation in-person
ICP (in-process checks) and FGP (final goods inspection) approval should happen before releasing a shipment.
Consider Warehousing Options Post-Delivery
Once your furniture order arrives, determine the best domestic warehousing option to transition goods prior to last mile delivery. Choices include:
- Port warehousing – Temporary staging near arrival port
- Commercial warehousing – 3PL (third party logistics) storage and fulfillment centers
- Private warehousing – Your own long term warehouse space
Evaluate costs, delivery times, locations, and services offered as you choose.
Market to Buyers & Sell Furniture
Congratulations – your containers of imported furniture have finally arrived! Now focus on targeted sales and marketing to efficiently connect with buyers and sell your inventory.
- Photograph products for ecommerce product listings/catalogs
- Develop pricing strategies based on customer willingness to pay
- Determine sales channels – online, wholesale, retail stores
- Partner with complementary brands to cross-market furnishings
- Attend trade shows to showcase imports to store buyers
- Offer white glove delivery to facilitate local fulfillment
With some strategic planning, you’ll be on your way to growing a thriving furniture import business!
Top Tips for Streamlining Future Imports
Here are a few closing pieces of advice for smoother sailing with future China furniture orders:
- Build loyalty with reliable suppliers – Foster closer partnerships over multiple transactions
- Fine-tune quality expectations – Update supplier protocols to prevent defects
- Streamline ordering/approvals – Create transparency at every process milestone
- Advance shipment planning – Initiate orders sooner to buffer any delays
- Grow warehousing capacities – Support scaling order quantities over time
Stay nimble, stay vigilant, and have fun with the importing process! Reach out if any questions pop up along the way.
