Questions
The things buyers ask on the first call.
If your question isn't here, send it on WhatsApp. You'll get a straight answer, including "we don't do that".
Do I have to order a container?
No. We consolidate, so one carton is technically possible. In practice, under about USD 1,000 of goods the fixed freight cost per unit stops making sense, and we will tell you that instead of taking the order.
How do I pay you?
Bank transfer in USD, or in local currency through licensed cross-border settlement where it is available for your country — naira, cedi, shilling and others are increasingly supported. Every payment is invoiced. We do not use underground money changers and we never ask you to send money to a private account in China.
I already have a supplier. Can you just inspect and ship?
Yes, that is the most common arrangement after the first order. You pay the factory, we do inspection, consolidation and the export declaration, at a lower rate than full sourcing. From 1.5%, or a fixed fee per shipment.
What if the goods are wrong or damaged?
We inspect before they leave and send you photos with a written report. Anything that fails, you decide: reject, rework, or ship at a discount agreed with the factory. Once the cargo has sailed, claims depend on your marine cargo insurance. We will tell you where to buy it and what it should cover.
Who clears customs in my country?
You, or your own clearing agent. We give you the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and the correct HS codes so your agent can work. If you don't have one, we can introduce agents we have shipped with before, but the contract at destination stays yours.
Can you deliver to my forwarder in Guangzhou?
Yes. We deliver to their warehouse with the packing list and hand over the goods, or we handle the export declaration under our own name if you need it that way.
How long does it take, start to finish?
Two to four days for a quote. Seven to thirty days for production, depending on the item. Sea freight is roughly 30–45 days to West Africa and 20–35 days to East Africa, plus about a week for consolidation and booking.
What is the smallest order you take?
Around USD 1,000 of goods value. Below that, fixed costs dominate and the fee stops being worth it for either of us.
Do you only work with African buyers?
No. This site is written for Africa because that is where most of our work is, but the same terms apply to buyers in the Middle East, South Asia and South America.
