Shipping general goods might look simple, but it’s much more than placing orders on AliExpress or Amazon. It’s definitely not about picking a shipping carrier and filling out a few forms. Doing it on your own can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. That’s where Bowagate Global Limited comes in. Well, there’s absolutely no point starting with this form of introduction; our jobs speak for themselves.
It’s no longer news that international shipping from China to Nigeria (or other countries) comes with many hidden challenges. You may have experienced a few of these challenges, which is most likely why this logistics solution pack came to your attention while you were searching for answers.
Don’t worry, in this post, we’ll show you five key areas where going it alone can lead to problems and how our freight forwarding expertise can solve them for you. When you finish reading, you’ll understand how partnering with Bowagate saves you from costly mistakes, shipping delays, and other headaches.
Case Study: Tunde’s Mistakes
We have Tunde (not real name), a budding entrepreneur in Lagos who recently ventured into the buying and selling of gadgets. Excited about his first big shipment of electronic devices from China, Tunde decided to handle the importation process himself, thinking it was as simple as contained in a course he bought online.
While getting the course may not be the real problem, it is important to understand the need to work with an experienced customs clearing team while implementing strategies from an online course concerning importation to Nigeria.
In Tunde’s case, what started as enthusiasm quickly turned into a series of costly shipping mistakes. His shipment was delayed, he incurred heavy customs fines, and he lost some of his profits due to poor planning and execution, from the onset.
Thankfully, we got a call from him from our official website. This is where the journey to his first successful delivery took place. As an expert in freight forwarding in Nigeria, we helped him turn a potential disaster into a learning experience for him. By the time his shipment was finally delivered, Tunde had a clearer understanding of the importance of working with international shipping professionals.
So, the question is, why are we telling you all this?
To help you make the right decision, save money, save time, and make more profit, even in this hard economy.
Let’s dive into the 5 important things you cannot do on your own while importing general goods, as simple as they seem.
1. Navigating Complex Customs Regulations and Paperwork
Every importer might one way or the other encounter some challenges in this aspect.
Why It’s Hard to Handle It Alone:
Customs rules and regulations are complicated and vary from country to country. If you don’t follow them, your goods might be delayed, fined, or even seized. Customs clearance in Nigeria is often the most complex part of shipping general goods.
Filling out customs forms requires accuracy. Misclassifying items, for example, could mean paying higher import duties or having your shipment rejected.
So what do we do for you?
We handle the customs paperwork, saving you from the complexities of clearance.
We ensure your goods are classified correctly, tariffs are calculated accurately, and all necessary import/export documents are filed.
Just like Tunde, handling this yourself could lead to unnecessary expenses, loss of goods, and other costly customs clearance mistakes. By leaving this to the experts, you avoid delays that could keep your goods stuck at customs.
You don’t have to worry about crossing any legal hurdles. Our professionals are well-versed in Nigerian import laws and the regulations of various countries.
Learn more about our customs clearance services
2. Securing the Right Shipping Method
As simple as this step may be, it is surprising to say that lots of importers of general goods end up making mistakes. To save money, Tunde chose sea freight for his time-sensitive gadgets. By the time his goods arrived, the new models of the gadgets he had ordered were already hitting the market. He had to sell at a lower price to stay competitive, significantly cutting into his profit margin.
You see, shipping options are diverse, with air freight, sea freight, and land transport all offering different benefits. However, choosing the wrong one can either inflate your freight costs or lead to unnecessary shipping delays. Balancing speed, cost, and reliability is a nuanced process that requires careful consideration.
Why You Can’t Do It Alone
Without the right knowledge, you might choose the wrong shipping method. For instance, opting for air freight from China when you need a more cost-effective solution could cost you more, while choosing sea freight for time-sensitive goods could cause frustrating delays, just as Tunde did. Each shipment requires a tailored shipping approach based on the nature of the goods, urgency, and budget.
What We Do for You
First thing first, we take the time to analyze your needs and assess the specifics of your shipment to avoid the related issues mentioned earlier in Tunde’s case. Imagine paying too much for air freight when sea freight would have been just fine—or dealing with complaints because your shipment arrived late. We recommend the most effective and cost-efficient shipping solution for your situation.
The benefits of trusting us with this decision help ensure that your goods are delivered on time, within your budget, and in perfect condition.
