Alibaba has emerged as a leading platform for dropshipping businesses and consumers. It offers an extensive range of products, from tech gadgets and gaming tools to household items, apparel, and more. You name it, they have it. However, whether you are a business planning to begin dropshipping on Alibaba or just a regular customer wanting to source products in bulk at wholesale prices, getting to know about the shipping aspect is a must-thingy.
If you think the same, hop inside this exclusive guide on Alibaba shipping, Alibaba shipping costs, and Alibaba shipping times! In it, we will also shed light on expert-curated tips for Alibaba shipping. So, without any further ado, let’s begin exploring!
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Part 1. What is Alibaba?
Alibaba stands out as one of the dominating wholesale marketplaces. It’s a Chinese multinational tech company that excels in internet, retail, e-commerce, and tech. From here, customers can purchase a diverse range of products, i.e., over 40 different categories. It enables direct negotiation with manufacturers, ordering custom products, branding private label products, and achieving significant cost savings with negotiable repeat orders.
Currently, buyers from 190+ countries can access this marketplace and exchange hundreds of thousands of messages with suppliers daily. This online market of third-party sellers is mainly for business-to-business transactions, which is what makes it different from other e-commerce platforms, like AliExpress.
Part 2. Alibaba Shipping Options
Alibaba offers multiple shipping methods for its sellers. They can either opt for sea freight, Air freight or express shipping methods. Each method has its own transit time and freight charges. Wondering which one is the most cost-efficient? Let’s find out!
1. Regular Post
This refers to the typical posts, like Hong Kong Post or China Post, which might take around 15 to 35 days to deliver orders. If you don’t need urgent delivery, this can be the cheapest option with online tracking and tracing facilities. However, sometimes, the information might not be updated in time, leading to confusion. That said, this method isn’t recommended most of the time. Though it’s economical, it’s unsafe, and lost packages are almost impossible to find. Still, dropshipping businesses find it a good option.
2. Sea Freight
Shipping via ocean can take a lot longer than other methods, but it can carry a massive amount of goods, driving down the shipping cost. Aside from this, the diversity of shippable cargo is also a plus here. All this makes it a popular and widely used shipping mode. Air freight can deliver your shipments within thirty to sixty days. So, if you can wait for enough time, expect sea freight to be your best bet.
Ocean shipping can be done via two methods, i.e., FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less (than) Container Load). These types vary depending on the size of the used container and the shipping cost. FCL is used when you are using an entire container for your shipment. It’s a cheaper shipping method owing to the weight and volumetric units.
However, not all sellers purchase enough goods to fill a container, and they may want to skip air freight because it is expensive. In such cases, LCL comes into play. In this shipping method, your shipment shares a container with other people’s items. It’s like cargo from multiple buyers ending up within the same container.
Apart from the basic difference, FCL is easier to track directly via the shipping company’s website. As your items won’t be placed with any other shipment, they will most likely remain safe from any potential damage. Moreover, these shipments are processed faster. In the case of LCL, your shipment will be consolidated, the cost will be higher compared to FCL, and processing time will also be extended.
Though you can choose between these two shipping methods depending on your preferences, here is a basic rule that you must follow to save on Alibaba shipping:
- Choose LCL if your cargo size is 1cbm~8cbm.
- Choose e between FCL and LCL based on your preferences if the cargo size is 8cbm~15cbm.
- Choose FCL if the cargo size is over 15cbm.
3. Air Freight
Does your shipment weigh over 100 kg? The best option is to go by air freight shipping, as it’s suitable for large shipments. Moreover, its costs are significantly lower than those of courier companies. Most of the time, air freight is preferred for medium-weight cargo with tight deadlines or tight security controls and for shipments that are too large for couriers. Transit time may vary depending on the airline’s schedule. In general, it takes between eight to ten days.
Note one thing: air freight has a minimum shipping weight requirement. The average cost for air freight is $4 to 8/kg, with a shipping time of around 5 to 10 business days. At the same time, Air express shipping costs around $5 to $10/kg, with a shipping time of 3 to 5 business days.
4. Express
It’s one of the most suitable shipping methods, as courier services ensure fast deliveries, offer reliable online tracking facilities and deliver orders in a maximum of three to five business days. No matter where you are, you will receive your package within this span. Some of the best courier companies include FedEx, UPS, and DHL.
There are significant advantages to choosing this shipping method. You get real-time tracking updates and are aware of any potential delays due to weather conditions or any other issue. However, the price is much higher compared to the postal service. So, in the end, it depends entirely on how much you are willing to spend.
| Shipping Method | Price | Speed of Reaching Port | Speed of Reaching Door |
| Regular Post | Depends on certain factors | 15-18 days | 20-30 days |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | $2-$2.5 | 14-42 days | 19-47 days |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | $3,000-5,000 | 14-42 days | 22-50 days |
| Air Freight | $4-$8 | 1-5 days | 4-11 days |
| Express | $5-$15 | – | 2-5 days |
Part 3. Tips for Shipping on Alibaba
By now, you have gained significant knowledge about the different Alibaba shipping methods. Let’s explore a few important tips that may make your shipping experience with Alibaba seamless and friendlier.
Compare Manufactures’ Shipping Fee with Freight Forwarder
It’s essential to compare the shipping fees offered by manufacturers with those of freight forwarders. Sometimes, a manufacturer might offer a low price on goods but charge high shipping fees. Freight forwarders often provide competitive rates, especially for bulk orders. They can also offer additional services like customs clearance and insurance. To ensure you get the best shipping rate, consider getting a quote from a reliable freight forwarder like NextSmartShip.
Be Careful of Dimensional Weight
Dimensional weight (also known as volumetric weight) is a pricing technique used by shipping companies. It accounts for the package’s volume rather than just its actual weight. This means that even if your items are lightweight, you might end up paying more if they take up a lot of space. To avoid unexpected costs, ensure your products are packed efficiently to minimize their dimensional weight. Opt for smaller, sturdy packaging that protects your goods without adding unnecessary bulk.
Shipping Incoterms
Shipping Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) define the responsibilities of sellers and buyers during the shipping process. The two most common Incoterms used on Alibaba are EXW (Ex Works) and FOB (Free on Board).
- EXW (Ex Works): The seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs and risks from that point onward.
- FOB (Free on Board): The seller is responsible for the goods until they are loaded onto the shipping vessel. After that, the buyer takes over the costs and risks.
When calculating the total shipping cost, include all expenses from the factory to your final destination. This includes:
- Factory-to-port transport
- Sea or air freight
- Customs clearance
- Port handling fees
- Delivery to your warehouse or final address
Using a freight forwarder can help streamline this process. They can handle many of these steps for you and provide a single, consolidated quote.
Prepare your Packing
Proper packing is crucial to ensure your goods arrive in good condition. Work with your supplier to make sure your items are packed securely. Use high-quality materials to protect against damage during transit. Consider the following packing tips:
- Use bubble wrap or foam for fragile items
- Double-box items for extra protection
- Clearly label packages with handling instructions
Additionally, proper packing can also help reduce dimensional weight, potentially lowering your shipping costs.
Shipping Insurance
Shipping insurance protects you against potential losses or damages during transit. Even with the best packing, accidents can happen. Most freight forwarders offer insurance options that cover the value of your goods. Evaluate the cost of insurance versus the value of your shipment to determine if it’s worth the investment. Having insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection.
Part 4. The Best Alibaba Shipping Agent
Are you wondering who can be the best agent when handling the bulk shipping to your warehouse in the US or FBA Prep? We recommend checking out NextSmartShip! This platform offers simple yet affordable shipping means to make your e-commerce fulfillment easier. The best part? They offer real-time tracking services and can even pack your shipments in personalized packaging. So, why not hire a single company for both packaging and shipping rather than switching between multiple? Hop onto their website to learn more about the services they offer.
Conclusion
Alibaba is indeed a near-ideal platform for wholesale dealers and dropshipping businesses. However, its diversity of shipping methods might leave you wondering which is the most cost-effective. At the core, it depends entirely on factors like the weight of your shipment, how early you want it to be shipped, and how much you can spend on shipping. If you are shipping in bulk, be sure to check out NextSmartShip, as it’s an excellent platform with impressive services.
