The Importer's Notebook
Practical guides on duty, freight, VAT and unit economics — no fluff.
Cost management
63 articles
Cost Allocation Methods: Choosing the Right Approach for Your Products
When a single shipment contains multiple products, how you allocate shared costs dramatically affects per-unit profitability. Compare the five main methods.
12 Ways to Cut Your Import Costs Without Cutting Corners
Reducing import costs doesn't mean accepting lower quality. These 12 proven strategies help importers save money at every stage of the supply chain.
How to Reclaim VAT on Imported Goods
Import VAT at 20% is a significant upfront cost. Learn how VAT-registered importers can reclaim it and the impact on cash flow and profitability.
Amazon FBA Fee Breakdown: What Every Importer Should Budget For
Amazon FBA involves more fees than most sellers realise. Here's every fee explained with examples so you can budget accurately before your first shipment.
Insurance for Importers: Protecting Your Investment in Transit
Cargo insurance costs just 0.3-0.5% of goods value but protects against total loss. Understand the types of coverage and when you need them.
Amazon FBA Fees Breakdown: What They Mean for Imported Products
Amazon's fee structure is complex and constantly changing. Understand every FBA fee and how it affects the profitability of your imported products.
FOB vs CIF: Which Incoterm Should You Choose?
FOB and CIF are the two most common Incoterms in international trade. Understanding the difference can save you thousands on every shipment.
The Complete Guide to Calculating True Landed Cost
Landed cost is the single most important number in importing. This guide covers every component you need to include for an accurate calculation.
How Much Does It Really Cost to Import from China?
The supplier price is just the beginning. Here's a full breakdown of every cost involved in importing products from China, from factory gate to your warehouse.
Container Utilisation: How to Stop Paying for Air
Most importers waste 15-30% of their container space without realising it. Here's how to pack smarter, reduce freight costs, and make every cubic metre earn its keep.
Incoterms Decoded: How Shipping Terms Affect Your Bottom Line
FOB, CIF, EXW, DDP — they sound like alphabet soup, but these terms decide who pays for what, and getting them wrong costs real money.
The Hidden Costs of Importing That Nobody Warns You About
Product cost, freight, duty — sure. But what about container detention, FX fees, port handling, and the twenty other line items that quietly eat your margin?
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