Domestic shipping within China, purchasing services, product inspection, warehouse handling, repackaging, international shipping, insurance, customs duties, taxes, and destination charges can significantly affect the final cost of each product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For this reason, a product that costs 20 RMB on 1688 may end up being more expensive than another product initially priced at 22 RMB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For importers in Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and other Latin American markets, knowing the total cost before placing a large order is essential to protecting profit margins and setting a realistic selling price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this guide, we explain step by step how to calculate the actual cost of an order from 1688.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The actual cost isn't simply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unit price in 1688 \u00d7 Quantity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For an international importer, a more useful concept is the total cost at destination or landed cost<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally speaking, the landed cost represents the total cost required to transport a product from the supplier to the specified destination, including the product itself, transportation, insurance, customs duties, taxes, and other applicable expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To better understand how the total cost of an import is calculated, you can check out this Official Guide to Calculating the Landed Cost<\/a><\/strong>, which explains how the product price, shipping, insurance, tariffs, taxes, and other expenses are factored into the final cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a buyer using 1688, the calculation can be structured as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cost of Products<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cost of the purchasing service<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Domestic transportation within China<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Inspection<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Warehousing and Handling<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Repackaging or Packaging Improvements<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n International Transportation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Insurance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Duties and Taxes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Expenses at the destination<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n =<\/p>\n\n\n\n Total cost, delivered to destination<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you know this amount, you can calculate the actual cost per unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start with the most obvious factor: the price paid to the 1688 supplier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The basic formula is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unit price \u00d7 Quantity = Cost of goods<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unit price: 50 RMB<\/p>\n\n\n\n Quantity: 1,000 units<\/p>\n\n\n\n 50 RMB \u00d7 1,000 = 50,000 RMB<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n However, you shouldn't assume that the price shown in a 1688 listing will always be the final purchase price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ads from 1688 may show different prices depending on the quantity purchased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1\u201399 units: 28 RMB<\/p>\n\n\n\n 100\u2013499 units: 25 RMB<\/p>\n\n\n\n 500+ units: 22 RMB<\/p>\n\n\n\n Customization can also affect the price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before placing your order, please confirm:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A low price listed online isn't helpful if it's for a different specification than the one you actually need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n International buyers can use a purchasing agent or a sourcing company to communicate with suppliers, place orders, coordinate payments, track production, and manage the purchasing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This service must be included in the calculation of the actual cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Value of the products: 50,000 RMB<\/p>\n\n\n\n Purchase service fee: 8 %<\/p>\n\n\n\n Calculation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 50,000 RMB \u00d7 8 % = 4,000 RMB<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The subtotal for the purchase would be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 50,000 RMB + 4,000 RMB = 54,000 RMB<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Don't ignore this fee when calculating your profit margin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is part of the cost required to complete the purchase process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before shipping internationally, products must typically be transported from the factory or supplier to a warehouse, inspection point, consolidation warehouse, or freight forwarder in China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This domestic shipping is also included in the actual cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you buy from multiple suppliers, calculate the shipping costs for each one separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shipping from Supplier A: 300 RMB<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shipping from Supplier B: 450 RMB<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shipping from Supplier C: 280 RMB<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shipping from Supplier D: 520 RMB<\/p>\n\n\n\n Total domestic transportation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1,550 RMB<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This is another reason why comparing suppliers based solely on the price of the product can be misleading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A supplier located far from the consolidation warehouse may result in higher domestic logistics costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inspection should be viewed as a risk-management tool rather than simply an additional expense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the product and the order, an inspection may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For products such as air conditioners, refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, lighting, electrical equipment, or machinery, inspection requirements may be more complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Imagine an order worth USD 15,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An inspection costing a few hundred dollars reveals, prior to international shipment, that 20 % of the products have incorrect labels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The supplier can still fix the problem in China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the same problem is discovered after the products arrive in Latin America, correcting, returning, replacing, or relabeling the merchandise can be much more expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inspection Cost \u2260 Unnecessary Expense<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It's more helpful to think of it as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inspection Cost \u2192 Risk Management<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When you buy from multiple suppliers on 1688, a warehouse in China can serve as a central receiving point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The warehouse can perform activities such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not all warehouses include all of these services in their base rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before calculating the cost of the order, confirm which services are included and which are billed separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suppose that five suppliers deliver their products during the same week, but the sixth supplier is 30 days late.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first five orders can remain in storage while you wait for the last supplier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This means that delays on the part of suppliers can indirectly increase the total cost of importing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Packaging affects two key aspects of import costs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Protection<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n y<\/p>\n\n\n\n Freight Volume<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n An inexpensive box used by the factory may be sufficient for domestic shipping within China, but not necessarily for an international shipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The warehouse may need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These operations come at a cost, but they can also reduce damage or improve logistical efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let's consider two suppliers who sell the same product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Supplier A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Product price: USD 18 per unit<\/p>\n\n\n\n Large box<\/p>\n\n\n\n Increased transportation volume<\/p>\n\n\n\n Supplier B<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Product price: USD 20 per unit<\/p>\n\n\n\n Optimized export packaging<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lower volume<\/p>\n\n\n\n Supplier A seems cheaper if you compare only the manufacturer's price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, after allocating international transportation costs among the units, Supplier B might end up offering a lower final cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is especially important for bulky products such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before requesting a final quote for international shipping, obtain the actual cargo details after consolidation and repackaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should know:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The basic formula for calculating volume is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Length \u00d7 Width \u00d7 Height = CBM<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When dimensions are expressed in centimeters:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Length \u00d7 Width \u00d7 Height \u00f7 1,000,000 = CBM per box<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dimensions of a box:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 60 \u00d7 50 \u00d7 40 cm<\/p>\n\n\n\n Calculation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 60 \u00d7 50 \u00d7 40 \u00f7 1,000,000 = 0.12 CBM<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have 100 boxes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0.12 \u00d7 100 = 12 CBM<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The approximate total volume of the shipment would be 12 CBM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n International shipping can account for a significant portion of the total cost, especially for bulky products or those with a low unit value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Options may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The appropriate alternative will depend on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, a quote might state:<\/p>\n\n\n\n USD 80\/CBM<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n That doesn't necessarily mean:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Total logistics cost = CBM \u00d7 $80<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the route and the terms of the quote, there may be other charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always ask what exactly is included in the rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the service selected, an LCL shipment may include costs for origin handling, consolidation, documentation, ocean freight, handling at the destination, customs services, and local delivery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Insurance is another factor that some buyers overlook when estimating import costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The merchandise may be exposed to risks during:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The exact premium and coverage depend on the goods, their value, the method of transport, the insurer, and the policy terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not assume that the shipping rate automatically includes full coverage for the market value of the products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always confirm what is covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When goods arrive in Latin America, tariffs and taxes can account for a significant portion of the final cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the first steps is to correctly identify the product's tariff classification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Products traded internationally are generally classified using the Harmonized System.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The HS classification may affect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don't choose an HS code simply because another product appears to be similar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The correct classification depends on the actual characteristics of the goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no single \u201cimport tax for Latin America.\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and other countries have their own customs and tax systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The applicable fees may depend on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For this reason, avoid using a generic estimate such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAdd 20 % for customs clearance in Latin America.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This method can produce very inaccurate calculations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tariffs and taxes must be calculated based on the product and the current regulations of the destination country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Incoterms help define the allocation of certain obligations, costs, and risks between the seller and the buyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the terms used in international trade include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The seemingly cheapest price doesn't always mean the lowest total cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, an EXW quote may seem attractive because the seller's obligations are relatively limited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the buyer may need to arrange for additional transportation and export-related procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words, certain shipping costs may be included in the seller's quote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That's why you should always compare offers on an equivalent basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No compares:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Supplier A: EXW $10<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n con<\/p>\n\n\n\n Supplier B: FOB $11<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n and automatically conclude that Supplier A is cheaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The calculation does not necessarily end when the ship arrives at its destination port.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on the method of transportation, Incoterm, country, and terms of the quote, there may still be costs such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some costs may vary considerably depending on the destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, a useful calculation must clearly define the scope of the cost:<\/p>\n\n\n\n All the way to the warehouse in China?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n All the way to the port of destination?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Until after customs clearance?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n All the way to the buyer's warehouse?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Without clarifying this point, two \u201ctotal cost\u201d quotes may not actually be comparable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a purchase plan, you can use the following formula:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Total cost =<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Products<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Then it calculates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Total cost at destination \u00f7 Total number of units for sale = Actual cost per unit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The word for sale<\/strong> It's important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you purchase 1,000 units but 20 are damaged or cannot be sold, the effective cost per unit should be calculated based on the units you can actually sell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let's say a Latin American importer purchases 200 units from various suppliers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before including customs duties and local expenses at the destination, the project breaks down these costs as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before taxes and local expenses at the destination:<\/p>\n\n\n\n USD 26,750 \u00f7 200 = USD 133.75 per unit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the average purchase price in 1688 was:<\/p>\n\n\n\n USD 20,000 \u00f7 200 = USD 100 per unit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n At first, the buyer might think:<\/p>\n\n\n\n My cost = $100 per unit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n But even before adding tariffs, taxes, customs clearance, and local delivery, the cost has already risen to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n $133.75 per unit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The difference is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n $33.75 per unit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This difference can completely change the expected profit margin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let's assume that the goods arrive in the destination country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At this point, the importer must determine:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These values should not be estimated using a universal percentage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They must be calculated in accordance with the current regulations of the destination country and the correct classification of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Only after including these costs will you be able to estimate the final cost at your chosen destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let's consider two suppliers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unit price: USD 18<\/p>\n\n\n\n Packaging volume per 100 units: 2.0 CBM<\/p>\n\n\n\n Defects detected during the inspection: 5 %<\/p>\n\n\n\n Domestic shipping: USD 250<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unit price: USD 20<\/p>\n\n\n\n Packaging volume per 100 units: 1.4 CBM<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inspection result: acceptable<\/p>\n\n\n\n Domestic shipping: $150<\/p>\n\n\n\n If we look only at the price of the product:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Supplier A wins.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n But this information is not enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Supplier A can generate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n After allocating all costs among the saleable units, Supplier B might actually be the most economical option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For this reason, a professional purchasing decision should compare:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Final cost per saleable unit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n and not simply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unit price in 1688<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Another problem arises when you consolidate inventory from multiple suppliers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let's assume that an international shipment contains:<\/p>\n\n\n\n International shipping costs USD 3,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You shouldn't automatically divide $3,000 by 900 units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A small hardware item and a large lamp do not require the same amount of logistical resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shared logistics costs can be allocated based on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n For bulky products shipped by sea, the CBM can be particularly important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For dense and heavy products, weight may be a more significant factor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For insurance purposes, it may make more sense to allocate the cost based on the value of the goods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The allocation method should reflect as closely as possible the factor that actually generates the cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don't wait until the products arrive in Latin America to find out what your actual profit margin is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Create a preliminary landed cost spreadsheet before confirming a major order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It includes columns for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then you can compare providers using the information that really matters:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Estimated cost per unit, delivered to destination<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The initial calculation of the landed cost will be an estimate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some information will change after the merchandise arrives at the warehouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before You Buy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Supplier Estimate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10 cubic meters<\/p>\n\n\n\n After receiving and repackaging<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Warehouse Measurement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8.7 CBM<\/p>\n\n\n\n The opposite can also happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The final volume could be higher than expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That is why it is advisable to perform two calculations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use it to reply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Should I buy this product?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Use the final data from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This second calculation provides a much more accurate basis for setting prices and analyzing profitability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n International purchases involve various factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Transportation rates are subject to change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exchange rates may fluctuate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suppliers may modify the packaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Customs authorities may require additional procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Storage may take longer than expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of assuming that all estimates will be accurate, a company can build an appropriate contingency margin into its internal cost model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The amount should reflect the actual level of uncertainty in the project, rather than a universally applied percentage chosen arbitrarily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The supplier's unit price represents only a portion of the total cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Buying from multiple suppliers may mean paying for multiple domestic shipments to the consolidation warehouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Large boxes can significantly increase logistics costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saving a small amount before shipment may expose the buyer to much higher quality-related costs after importation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Update the calculation after repackaging and the final measurement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Import regulations vary by country and product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP, and DDP quotes do not include the same obligations and costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Transporting the goods to a port isn't necessarily the same as delivering them to your warehouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Different products have different weights and volumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Profitability should ultimately be calculated based on the products that can actually be sold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For an international buyer, calculating the actual cost becomes more complicated when purchasing from multiple suppliers on 1688.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A purchasing and consolidation service in China can help coordinate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of analyzing each supplier in isolation, the buyer can evaluate the entire project as a single supply chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This makes it easier to identify hidden costs before the goods leave China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before approving the international shipment, please confirm:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you can't answer several of these questions, your cost estimate is probably still incomplete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Calculate the Actual cost of a 1688 order before shipping it to Latin America<\/strong> It takes much more than simply multiplying the unit price of 1,688 by the quantity purchased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A professional calculation should take into account the entire procurement and logistics chain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Product price in 1688<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n Purchasing Service<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n Domestic Transportation in China<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inspection<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warehouse<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n Repackaging<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n Final Weight and CBM<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n International Transportation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n Insurance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n Duties and Taxes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n Expenses at the destination<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n Local Delivery<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2193<\/p>\n\n\n\n Final cost per unit, delivered to destination<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, the most important factor isn't necessarily the lowest price you can find on 1688.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The really important question is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n How much does each saleable unit actually cost by the time it arrives at the location where you need to receive it?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you know this information, you can compare suppliers more accurately, optimize packaging, evaluate different shipping methods, set more realistic selling prices, and better protect your profit margin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For importers who purchase products in China for shipment to Latin America, shifting from focusing solely on the \u201cunit price\u201d<\/strong> to calculate the \u201ctotal cost, delivered to destination\u201d<\/strong> It is one of the most important steps in making better purchasing decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Continue reading: More practical guides on 1688<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n What to Do When Multiple 1688 Suppliers Deliver Your Orders on Different Dates<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n When It's NOT a Good Idea to Combine All Your Products Into a Single Shipment from China<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n How to Avoid SKU Errors When Consolidating Products from Multiple Suppliers into a Warehouse in China<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n What to Do If an Inspection Finds Defective Products Before Shipping from China<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Why the lowest price on 1688 doesn't always mean the lowest purchase cost<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Diferencia](\"https:\/\/americasourcer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image-50-1024x853.png\")
What does the \u201cactual cost\u201d of a 1688 order mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Calculate the total cost of the products<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Confirm the actual price with the supplier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Step 2: Include the cost of the purchasing or sourcing service<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Add domestic shipping within China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 4: Include the cost of product inspection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Control](\"https:\/\/americasourcer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image-47-1024x683.png\")
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Why an inspection can cost less than a quality issue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 5: Calculate warehouse and handling costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Consolidaci\u00f3n](\"https:\/\/americasourcer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image-46-1024x683.png\")
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Pay attention to the storage time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 6: Add the costs of repackaging and packaging improvements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
The size of the package may affect the cost per unit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Step 7: Calculate the final weight and CBM<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"C\u00f3mo](\"https:\/\/americasourcer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image-48-1024x683.png\")
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Step 8: Calculate international shipping costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Carga](\"https:\/\/americasourcer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image-49-1024x683.png\")
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Don't compare transportation fares based on a single number<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 9: Include cargo insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Step 10: Identify the HS code before estimating import taxes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Step 11: Calculate the duties and taxes for the destination country<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Step 12: Understand the Incoterm used in the purchase<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Step 13: Include expenses at your destination<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
A Practical Formula for Calculating the Cost of a 1688 Order<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Case Study: Importing 200 Units from 1688<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Concept<\/th> Import<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Products<\/td> USD 20,000<\/td><\/tr> Purchasing Service<\/td> $1,000<\/td><\/tr> Domestic Transportation in China<\/td> $400<\/td><\/tr> Product Inspection<\/td> $300<\/td><\/tr> Warehousing and Handling<\/td> $250<\/td><\/tr> Packaging Settings<\/td> $200<\/td><\/tr> International Transportation<\/td> $4,500<\/td><\/tr> Insurance<\/td> $100<\/td><\/tr> Subtotal<\/strong><\/td> $26,750<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Now add the import costs at the destination<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Why the cheapest supplier on 1688 might not have the lowest final cost<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Comparaci\u00f3n](\"https:\/\/americasourcer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image-51-1024x683.png\")
Supplier A<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Supplier B<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How to Allocate Shared Costs Among Different Products<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Possible methods for allocating costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Create a cost sheet before paying the supplier<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Estimate before you buy, and recalculate after you've consolidated<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Calculation 1: Estimate Before Purchasing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Calculation 2: Final calculation before shipment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Add a contingency allowance for uncertain costs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Common Mistakes When Calculating Purchase Costs on 1688<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Look only at the price of 1,688<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Ignoring domestic transportation within China<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Ignoring the dimensions of the packaging<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Ignoring the cost of inspection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Always use the estimated CBM<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Apply the same tax rate to all Latin American countries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Comparing different Incoterms as if they were the same<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Forgetting about expenses while traveling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Divide the transportation equally among all units<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10. Ignore defective or unsellable units<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How a 1688 Purchasing and Consolidation Agent Can Help You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Checklist Before Shipping an Order from 1688 to Latin America<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n