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Insights for Global Importers

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

9 articles

FOB vs CIF: Which Incoterm Should You Choose?
incotermsshipping

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.

David Townsend··3 min read
How Much Does It Really Cost to Import from China?
landed-costimporting-basics

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.

David Townsend··3 min read
The Complete Guide to Calculating True Landed Cost
landed-costcost-management

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.

David Townsend··3 min read
Container Utilisation: How to Stop Paying for Air
shippingfreight

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.

David Townsend··3 min read
Incoterms Decoded: How Shipping Terms Affect Your Bottom Line
incotermsshipping

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.

David Townsend··3 min read
The Hidden Costs of Importing That Nobody Warns You About
cost-managementimporting-basics

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?

David Townsend··3 min read
Why Landed Cost Is the Only Number That Matters in Importing
landed-costprofitability

Why Landed Cost Is the Only Number That Matters in Importing

Your supplier's unit price is just the beginning. Here's why landed cost — what a product actually costs you door-to-door — should be driving every decision you make.

David Townsend··3 min read
Cost Allocation Methods: Why Splitting the Bill Matters
cost-managementlanded-cost

Cost Allocation Methods: Why Splitting the Bill Matters

When five products share a container, how you divide the freight bill determines which ones look profitable. Choose wrong and you'll kill your winners.

David Townsend··3 min read
Marketplace Profitability: What You Actually Take Home Per Sale
profitabilitye-commerce

Marketplace Profitability: What You Actually Take Home Per Sale

You sold something for $29.99. After platform fees, fulfilment, storage, and ads — how much of that is actually yours? For most sellers, it's way less than they think.

David Townsend··3 min read

Ready to Simplify Your Imports?

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