Buying custom cabinets from China is becoming increasingly popular these years due to its cost-effectiveness, mature supply chain, diverse selection and exquisite craftsmanship.
For mid-to-high-end custom cabinetry, purchasing from China typically offers significant price advantages over local procurement (approx. saving 30%-50% or more), but the overseas purchasing process is complex and requires careful management and attention to detail.
This article will analyze detailed cost breakdown and key factors to consider,helping you understand the cost and better manage potential risk.
1.Cost Breakdown Analysis
Total Price = Product Cost + Logistics Fee + Tax + Local Fees
1.1 Product Cost
- Cabinet cost: This is the basic cost.As kitchen cabinet is custom made,prices vary based on different requirement regarding size,material,craftsmanship,and hardware etc. Contact TBM for free estimate.All you need to do is to share your kitchen size and material preference,then we’ll take care of the rest.
- Design Fee:Some suppliers offer free Basic CAD design once (complex designs or multiple revisions may incur charges.),while some offer free CAD and 3D design with unlimited revisions at Refundable cost around $100 to $200.
- Sample Fee: There might be certain sample fee when you have sample request.Most factories offer free samples, customers only need to undertake freight cost. It’s worthwhile to pay for samples to have the factory send door panel swatches, material cut samples, and hardware samples.Afterall,seeing is believing.
1.2 International Shipping Cost
Since cabinets are large items, they are typically shipped by sea to the port nearest you, then delivered to your door via inland transportation. Below is detailed breakdown of the shipping costs.
Ocean Freight:
- LCL (Less than Full Container Load): If the shipment volume is insufficient for a full container, this is the most common option. Charges are calculated per cubic meter. Rates fluctuate based on seasonality, oil prices, and route demand.
- FCL (Full Container Load): If the shipment volume is sufficient (typically a 20-foot or 40-foot container), full container shipping is more cost-effective and secure.
Inland freight: Transportation costs from the Chinese factory to the Chinese port.
Departure Port Charges:Fees incurred at China Departure Port,including:
- Terminal Handling Charges
- Documentation Fees
- Customs Clearance Fees
Destination Port Charges: Fees incurred at nearest Destination ports (e.g., Sydney, Vancouver, Toronto), including:
- Terminal Handling Charges
- Documentation Fees
- Customs Clearance Fees
Insurance: Never skimp on it! Cast shipping insurance for the entire shipment to cover potential damage or loss.The insurance rate is typically 0.1% of the insured amount.
1.3 Tariffs and Taxes:
- Tariffs: Cabinet tariffs vary based on specific materials and local customs regulations; consult your cabinet maker or local customs broker.
- GST/HST: Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax is applicable.Specific taxes may vary by country.
1.4 Local Fees in your area
- Customs Clearance Fee Hiring a professional customs broker to handle customs clearance & documentation is essential.
- Port-to-Warehouse Transportation Fee: Shipping costs from the port to your home or designated warehouse.
- Warehousing Fee: Free storage periods typically last only around 7 days from the date goods arrive at the port. Overtime incurs very costly storage charges. Therefore, advance notice is usually required before arrival to prepare customs clearance and pickup procedures.
- Installation Fees: This might be the largest local expense if you hire local cabinet installers. They may be unfamiliar with the installation systems for Chinese cabinets, so it is suggested to communicate in advance and provide detailed installation guidance supplied by your cabinet maker. You can also install cabinets by yourself with clear instructions, enough time, and standard tools.It will be a BIG Saving. TBM is on the market for custom cabinets for 11 years and provide step-by-step guide to help you with easy installation.
Below is an example of kitchen cabinets installed by customer themselves.
Here is an video of how this cabinet is made.
2.Key Factors to Consider
Here are 4 key factors to consider to help you better manage potential risk when buying custom cabinets from China.
2.1 Supplier Selection and Communication (Critical!)
- Select suppliers with export experience: Clearly inquire whether they have experience exporting to your country.
- Thoroughly discuss details: Time differences and language barriers exist. Ensure all specifications (price,trade term,dimensions, materials, colors, hardware brand/model, finishes,lead time,packing method etc.) are documented in the contract or invoice, ideally accompanied by images and part numbers.
- Sample evaluation: Samples are the benchmark for evaluating craftsmanship and material quality. Examine edge banding, paint finishes, hardware finish quality etc.
2.2 Design and Production Processes
- Standard Conversion: Ensure design drawings fully comply with local kitchen standards and your site dimensions. Seamlessly convert Chinese metric units to local imperial units to prevent installation failures caused by minor discrepancies.
- Quality Control:Request suppliers to provide images and videos of production progress as production advances.For solid wood cabinets,pay close attention to the wood species and texture before painting. You can also engage a third-party inspection company for mid-production and pre-shipment checks if needed.
- Packaging Requirements: Clearly specify whether it’s flat packed or assembled.It will result in different packing volume and significant freight cost. In addition,make sure each cabinet unit must be properly packed and secured within reinforced wooden crates to prevent moisture and impact damage during ocean transport.
2.3 Logistics and Customs Clearance Process
- Find a Reliable International Freight Forwarder: An experienced freight forwarder is your most important partner, handling all aspects including ocean shipping, insurance, and customs clearance at destination port .You can either choose your own trusted forwarder or accept supplier’s cooperated forwarder.
- Document Preparation: Ensure supplier are able to provide complete and accurate customs clearance documents, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, etc.
Tips:Compare freight quote and double check what’s included and any omitted pricing details cause there are too many price components in shipping cost.
2.4 Local Pick-up and Installation
- Unpacking and Inspection: Upon arrival, immediately verify the quantity and packaging condition of goods against the packing list. If there were any damage or missing items, document and photograph them promptly, then contact the freight forwarder and insurance company to file a claim.
- Installation and After-Sales Service: Chinese suppliers are unable to provide fast and convenient after-sales service due to the distance compared with local suppliers. Minor issues (e.g. scratches, door panel adjustments etc.) could be easily fixed by the installer. Major problems (e.g., damages, missing parts,replacements) are bit complicated and time-consuming to resolve as reproduction and overseas delivery usually takes long time.
With careful planning and risk management, purchasing custom cabinets from China can be a highly cost-effective and satisfying experience.
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