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Practical guides on landed cost calculations, duty rates, exchange rates, and strategies for protecting your margins in international trade.

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Cost Management

54 articles

Wrong HS Code on Your Import? Here's What It Costs You in Duty and Delays
hs-codescustoms

Wrong HS Code on Your Import? Here's What It Costs You in Duty and Delays

Using the wrong HS code can mean overpaid duty, HMRC penalties, customs delays, or even seized goods. Learn the real costs of misclassification and how to fix it.

David Townsend··3 min read
What Do FOB, CIF, EXW and DDP Mean? Incoterms Explained for Importers
shippingincoterms

What Do FOB, CIF, EXW and DDP Mean? Incoterms Explained for Importers

Incoterms define who pays for shipping, insurance, and customs. Learn what FOB, CIF, EXW, DDP and the other Incoterms mean and how they affect your landed cost.

David Townsend··3 min read
Should I Buy FOB or CIF? How Your Incoterm Choice Affects Total Import Cost
shippingincoterms

Should I Buy FOB or CIF? How Your Incoterm Choice Affects Total Import Cost

FOB vs CIF which is better? Compare how each Incoterm affects your landed cost, insurance, and customs duty with worked examples and a practical decision framework.

David Townsend··3 min read
How to Calculate Shipping Costs for Imports: Ocean, Air, and Rail Compared
shippingfreight

How to Calculate Shipping Costs for Imports: Ocean, Air, and Rail Compared

Learn how to calculate shipping costs for imports. Compare ocean, air, and rail freight pricing with 2026 rates for China-UK routes and per-unit cost formulas.

David Townsend··3 min read
How Much Does a Shipping Container Cost in 2026? 20ft, 40ft and 40ft HC Rates
shippingfreight

How Much Does a Shipping Container Cost in 2026? 20ft, 40ft and 40ft HC Rates

How much does a shipping container cost in 2026? Current 20ft and 40ft rates by route, container specs, and practical tips to reduce your freight costs.

David Townsend··3 min read
FCL vs LCL Shipping: Which Is Cheaper for Your Import Volume?
shippingfreight

FCL vs LCL Shipping: Which Is Cheaper for Your Import Volume?

FCL vs LCL cost comparison: calculate the break-even point for your shipment volume and choose the cheaper ocean freight option for your import business.

David Townsend··3 min read
How Much Does It Really Cost to Sell Imported Products on Amazon FBA?
amazon-fbaecommerce

How Much Does It Really Cost to Sell Imported Products on Amazon FBA?

How much does Amazon FBA cost? The complete cost stack for selling imported products through FBA, from landed cost to fees and advertising, with a worked example.

David Townsend··3 min read
Amazon FBA Fee Breakdown 2026: Every Fee Explained with Examples
amazon-fbaecommerce

Amazon FBA Fee Breakdown 2026: Every Fee Explained with Examples

Amazon FBA fees 2026 explained: referral fees, fulfilment fees, storage fees, and more. Calculate the exact cost for your product with worked examples and rate tables.

David Townsend··3 min read
How Much Does It Cost to Import Goods from China to the UK in 2026?
china-importinguk-importing

How Much Does It Cost to Import Goods from China to the UK in 2026?

How much does it cost to import from China to the UK in 2026? Every cost from supplier to warehouse, with two worked examples and current duty and freight rates.

David Townsend··3 min read
How to Compare Import Suppliers on Total Cost, Not Just Unit Price
sourcingcost-management

How to Compare Import Suppliers on Total Cost, Not Just Unit Price

How to compare import suppliers on total cost, not just unit price. A framework covering MOQ, Incoterms, defect rates, and landed cost with a worked comparison.

David Townsend··3 min read
Pre-Shipment Inspections for Imports: When You Need Them and What They Cost
sourcingquality-control

Pre-Shipment Inspections for Imports: When You Need Them and What They Cost

Pre-shipment inspections for imports cost $250-$350 and catch quality problems before goods ship. Learn when you need them, AQL sampling, and what to do when they fail.

David Townsend··3 min read
How to Split Shipping Costs Across Products in a Multi-SKU Shipment
cost-allocationlanded-cost

How to Split Shipping Costs Across Products in a Multi-SKU Shipment

Cost allocation methods for importing: 5 ways to split shipping costs across products in a multi-SKU shipment and how each method changes your profit picture.

David Townsend··3 min read

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