Alibaba Import Cost Calculator
Sample, MOQ, tooling and shipping on a first order.
Duty rates and thresholds change with trade policy. These are planning estimates — the entry filed with customs decides the actual charge.
First-order cost per unit
£7.37
£5.71 on repeat orders
The first order carries £830 of costs a repeat order does not, which is £1.66 per unit. Judge the product on the amortised £5.86, not on the first order alone — and do not skip the inspection to save £260 on a container you cannot see.
How the Alibaba Import Cost Calculator works
A first order carries costs a repeat order does not: samples, tooling or mould charges, and an inspection you should not skip. Spread across a minimum order quantity, they can add substantially to the unit cost — and they are exactly what gets left out of an optimistic first margin calculation.
Not financial advice. Marketplace fees change, and they vary by country, plan and seller status. Every rate here is an editable default, not a quoted price — check the platform's current fee schedule before you price a product against it. This is not tax or business advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is MOQ and can I negotiate it?
Minimum order quantity, the smallest run a supplier will produce. It is frequently negotiable, particularly for a first order or if you accept stock colours and materials rather than custom ones. Paying slightly more per unit for a smaller first run is usually worth it.
Should I pay for samples and inspection?
Yes to both. Samples cost tens of pounds and prevent ordering thousands of the wrong thing. Third-party inspection before shipment typically costs £200-300 and is the cheapest insurance available on a container of goods you cannot see.
What is tooling and how is it amortised?
A one-off charge for moulds or dies specific to your product, often several hundred to several thousand. Spread it over the first order and the unit cost looks high; spread it over expected lifetime volume and it is usually small.
How should I pay?
Trade Assurance or an escrow arrangement for a first order, with a deposit and balance on shipment against documents. Paying the full amount up front by wire to a new supplier removes every protection you have.