Understanding the complete cost structure prevents budget surprises and helps compare true costs across platforms.
Agent service fees typically range from 5-8% of product cost. This percentage covers purchasing assistance, warehouse storage (usually 30-90 days free), QC photography, and packaging preparation. Volume discounts sometimes reduce this rate for frequent buyers.
Payment processing adds 2-4% depending on your payment method. Credit cards, PayPal, and Wise each have different fee structures. Wise bank transfers usually offer the lowest processing costs for larger orders.
Currency conversion occurs at multiple stages. Marketplaces list prices in Chinese yuan. Agents convert to your payment currency. Exchange rate markups range from 1-3% above mid-market rates. Wise and some credit cards offer better conversion rates than PayPal.
Shipping costs depend on carrier, speed, weight, and destination. Express lines to the US average $25-35 per kilogram. Economy lines run $12-18 per kilogram. Dimensional weight surcharges apply to bulky packages exceeding standard weight-to-volume ratios.
Insurance costs 1-3% of declared value and covers loss during transit. Most agents offer basic insurance included in service fees, with premium coverage available for high-value items. Evaluate whether premium insurance makes sense based on item value and shipping line reliability.
Hidden costs occasionally appear: repackaging fees for reducing package size, photo fees beyond basic QC shots, and return-to-sender charges for rejected packages. Review agent fee schedules thoroughly before ordering.
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