The Importer's Notebook
Practical guides on duty, freight, VAT and unit economics — no fluff.
Cost management
63 articles
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Calculate Profit Margins on Imported Goods Before You Buy
Learn how to calculate profit margin on imports before buying — with worked examples, minimum thresholds by channel, and margin formulas.
Break-Even Analysis for Importing: How Many Units Must You Sell?
Use break-even analysis for importing to calculate how many units you must sell to recover costs — with fixed vs variable cost breakdowns and MOQ scenarios.
How Exchange Rates Affect Import Costs: Currency Hedging for Small Importers
Learn how exchange rates affect import costs and discover currency hedging for small importers — forward contracts, FX brokers, and margin protection tips.
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