Questions we are asked
What buyers ask when they are deciding between importing and buying at home.
The comparison
Is it really cheaper to import a machine than buy locally?+
In most countries yes, and often by a wide margin. The correct test is to take our price, add the freight we quote you, and compare that one number against a local quotation for the same age and hours.
How do I compare a Chinese price against my local dealer?+
Ask both for the same thing: total cost to you, with the machine standing where you want it. Comparing our yard price against a local delivered price is not a fair comparison and will mislead you.
Does the shipping cost cancel out the saving?+
Rarely on machines of any size. Freight is a fixed cost that does not scale with the value of the machine, so the bigger and more valuable the unit, the smaller a share the freight becomes.
Which is cheaper overall, a machine from China or from Europe?+
China, usually by a clear margin on used equipment. European machines can be better presented and better documented, but you pay for that and the freight from Europe is not always cheaper either.
When it does not make sense
When should I not import a machine?+
When you need it urgently, when the machine is small enough that freight eats the saving, or when you have no clearing agent lined up at your end. In those cases buying locally is the better decision and we will say so.
Is importing worth it for just one small machine?+
It can be marginal. If you are buying one light machine, work out the freight before you fall in love with the price, because on small units the shipping can take a large bite out of the saving.
What is the biggest hidden cost of importing?+
Time at the port. Storage and demurrage charges start once the free period ends, so having a clearing agent ready before the vessel arrives is worth more than almost any other preparation.
Making it work
How do I get the best price on an imported machine?+
Buy from the yard that owns the machine, buy more than one at a time if you can, and be clear about your port early so the freight is priced properly rather than padded.
Is buying two machines cheaper than buying one?+
Yes, on both counts. The freight is shared across the load and there is a little more room on the machine price when more than one is moving.
Should I buy CIF or arrange my own shipping?+
If this is your first import, let us handle the freight so you have one number to plan against. If you already move cargo regularly and have your own rates, arranging it yourself may work out cheaper.
Can you tell me what a machine will cost me in my country?+
We can tell you the machine and the sea freight to your port as one figure. Duty and clearing at your end are set by your own customs, so your clearing agent has to give you that part.
