Why You Should Prepare Information Before Requesting a Quote
From ChinaShip to USA，很多人第一句就是“寄这个要多少钱”，but they only provide a product screenshot, making it hard for the quoting party to give a usable number. International shipping costs depend on weight, volume, product attributes, and destination. When information is incomplete, only a range can be given, and once the package arrives at the warehouse, it often still needs to be reconfirmed. Preparing an international shipping quote information checklist China to USA in advance can make the quote closer to the actual outbound cost and reduce back-and-forth communication.
The Six Types of Information You Must Have for a Quote
1. Item Name and Purpose
- Make the product name in Chinese and English as specific as possible, for example “cotton hoodie” instead of “clothing”.
- State the purpose: personal use, gifting, or resale. This affects how the declaration documents are prepared.
- Whether it has a brand logo and whether it is genuine, stated truthfully.
2. Quantity and Number of Packages
- How many pieces of each SKU, and the total number of pieces.
- Whether it is a single package or multiple platform packages that need to be consolidated.
- Whether there are free gifts or accessories that need to be shipped together.
3. Weight and Dimensions
- The actual weight of a single item.
- The length, width, and height of a single item, used to estimate volumetric weight.
- If there are multiple packages, list them separately so the outer box dimensions after consolidation can be determined.
4. Declared Value
- For the declared value of each item, fill in the actual transaction price.
- Do not under-declare in order to reduce costs. Relevant declaration and tax requirements are subject to the official requirements of the destination country.
5. Recipient Information
- U.S. recipient address, state, city, and postal code.
- Recipient name and contact phone number.
- The postal code is especially important, as the final delivery method may differ by region.
6. Product characteristics
- Whether it contains batteries, liquids, powders, magnetic items, fragile items,Food, cosmetics, etc.
- Whether special packaging such as temperature control, pressure protection, or moisture protection is required.
- Whether it belongs to restricted categories or categories requiring additional information.
Quote information checklist
| Information items | Is it ready | Common omissions |
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | □ | Only write "daily necessities" |
| Quantity | □ | Missed free gifts |
| Actual weight | □ | Use estimated value instead |
| Dimensions | □ | Only the longest side |
| Declared value | □ | Inconsistent with order amount |
| Postal code | □ | City only |
| Product Features | □ | Battery not specified |
How volumetric weight affects the quote
International shipping is usually charged based on the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight. Volumetric weight is converted from the outer box dimensions, so for goods of the same weight, the bulkier the packaging, the higher the chargeable weight may be. Providing accurate dimensions at the time of inquiry lets you know in advance roughly which weight will be used for billing. The specific conversion factor and billing rules are subject to real-time quotes and the carrier's rules.
How to write a combined quote request for packages from multiple platforms
If you bought items separately from Taobao, JD, Pinduoduo, and 1688, you can describe it like this:
- List the order number and estimated arrival time at the warehouse for each platform.
- Specify which ones you want consolidated and which ones shipped separately.
- Specify whether basic quality inspection and photos are needed, and whether the original packaging should be removed.
This way, the quoting party can estimate based on the outer box dimensions after consolidation, rather than estimating each small package separately. For the consolidation process, please refer to consolidation service.
Verification steps from quote to outbound shipment
- After the packages arrive at the warehouse, verify whether the number of items received matches what was stated at the time of inquiry.
- Confirm the actual weighing and dimension measurement results, and compare them with the quote estimate.
- Confirm the final outbound plan: consolidate or ship separately, and whether to repackage.
- Confirm that the declared information matches the items in the box.
- Confirm that the recipient address and zip code are correct.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why might the quoted price and the final cost differ?
Quotes are based on estimated weight and dimensions. After the package arrives at the warehouse, the actual weighing and measuring results may differ, and the final outbound data shall prevail.
Can I ship to the warehouse first and then ask for a quote?
Yes. Many buyers first send their packages to the China warehouse, and once everything is collected, they confirm the outbound plan all at once. You can at Register an account to get the warehouse address and start receiving packages.
What is usually included in a quote?
The cost breakdown varies depending on the shipping method and service items. We recommend checking Pricing and Billing Information, and confirm which steps are included when requesting a quote.
Once you have this checklist ready and then submit your quote request, you can usually get a quote closer to the actual cost more quickly, and it also makes it easier for you to check items one by one after your packages arrive at the warehouse.
