Air Freight vs Sea Freight from China: Which to Choose?

You bought your products on 1688 or Alibaba, and they just arrived in our Guangzhou warehouse. It's the crucial moment: how do you bring them back? Between air freight (fast but expensive) and sea freight (slow but economical), here is how to make the right choice to maximize your margins.

1. Air Freight (To test and launch)

Air freight (via DHL, UPS, or 4PX) is essential when launching a new product. If you just found a winning product, you don't want to wait 45 days to receive it. Air freight allows you to get your 10 or 20 test pieces in less than 10 days. It's also the preferred method for dropshippers who need to react fast.

2. Sea Freight (For large volumes and Amazon FBA)

Once your product is selling well, you shift to the next level. Ordering 500 pieces by air freight would cost a fortune. This is where sea freight comes in. The boat takes about 30 to 45 days to arrive, but the cost per kilo is so low that it boosts your margin spectacularly. It's the mandatory method for Amazon FBA restocking.