Goods made in China and De Minimis to the US, what has been your experience?

Summary: musicyouneed initiated a discussion about the experiences of selling goods manufactured in China to the US, highlighting concerns about tariffs post-De Minimis policy changes. intimewithmusic shared experiences with customers regarding the tariffs, emphasizing transparency in communications and suggesting strategies to remain competitive despite these challenges. They advised incorporating detailed descriptions in listings, being diligent with documentation, and maintaining a positive outlook. sapphyres-designer-jewellery shared a specific instance involving a mistaken listing which included a Chinese item, noting potential delays and customs complications but emphasizing customer communication and monitoring the package's progress. dhslk reported no significant issues with Chinese-origin goods shipped via the postal service, observing no tariffs being applied during shipping to the US. The discussions mainly revolved around managing customer expectations amid changing trade regulations and shipping practices.

De Minimis ended a while ago for goods made in China and Hong Kong. If you continued to sell your made in China goods to the US, what happened, did your buyers have to pay tariffs? Did you ship through Canada Post or Chit Chat/Stallion? Did you warn your buyers of possible tariffs? Was the item correctly marked with COO?

I have a few CD's that although they were made in Canada I want to continue to offer them up to the US. I just want to get an idea of what problems I am looking at after Aug 29.

musicyouneed

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Posted 1 year ago·Last reply 1 year ago

3 comments

dhslk

·1 year ago

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I have had ZERO problems with my COO China items shipped via the POST OFFICE. NONE of them have been charged tariff/duties and have been arriving as normal, shipped from Canada to USA via Bell Gardens California. It appears that postal items are in reality not yet being affected.

sapphyres-designer-jewellery

·1 year ago

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I only have one (recent) experience with China.

So she bought a bunch of UK coins and one China coin. I made an error listing the China coin and used the wrong template so a US buyer was able to purchase.

I noticed this while preparing the package with Stallion, saw the China coin, can't do Stallion Express. Printed a label with Canada Post, declared all the UK items, then added the one China coin (I put China 5 Yuan 2023), value 4.99 CAD.

Then I messaged the customer to explain that Tracked Packet is a reasonably fast service (seems to be as fast as Ground Advantage or even Priority). But because there's a China item in the package it might be delayed at customs. I explained that some of my colleagues who ship China items have had packages sitting at Customs in Chicago (where my package will go) for up to 2 weeks before it moves on. I told her I was keeping an eye on it and if I see anything of importantance I'll reach out. I left out the part about packages being returned, I'll cross that bridge when I get there if that happens to this package.

She replied that she wasn't thinking about the China coin and tariffs when she purchased and didn't realize one coin would possibly be a problem. When the package arrived at customs (2 days ago) I sent a follow up to thank her for her patience and understanding and let her know the package is at US customs now (which means if CP goes on strike it's already reached the US... the strike was another thing that concerned me about shipping this package through Canada Post. I've been using Stallion so packages clear quickly).

intimewithmusic

·1 year ago

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Hi @musicyouneed

Everything that needs to be said has been said. In your listings Item Specifics must indicate the Country of Manufacture. As othrs said include the "Duties may be pybl etc etc in each listing.

For good measure attach 2 copies of a commercial invoice illustrating all border requirements and return to sender options to the outside of all of your packages.

Do not count on the eBay forum to guide you in business matters. Even though this is eBay it is still the wild wild west.

Having said that here are some of my recent experiences.

Experience 1. My msg sent to a buyer who insisted on asking middle of the night question s AFTER they cleared checkout.

InTimeWithMusic response;

About Tariffs: This item may be subject to Washington's new tariffs. As shown in the listing under Item Specifics this items is made in China. "Country/Region of Manufacture = China" eBay sellers do not collect or administer tariffs. We do not know if your purchase will be subject to this new American tax. This is noted by eBay in the eBay checkout and also in the listing description. If you have concerns or questions please contact eBay through their HELP section or your USA Customs website.Welcome to eBay and thank you for your order!Welcome to eBay and thank you for your order!

Buyer reply: "Thank you so much for your detailed message! I completely understand the timeline, and I’m happy to wait for the item to ship on August 5. I’ll look out for your email and the photos later today — I really appreciate you taking the time to check the condition.Thank you so much for your detailed message! I completely understand the timeline, and I’m happy to wait for the item to ship on August 5. I’ll look out for your email and the photos later today — I really appreciate you taking the time to check the condition.No worries about the questions after purchase — I just didn’t want to miss such a rare item. It’s an important find for me, so I placed the order early. As long as there’s no serious damage, I’m not planning to cancel or request a refund.No worries about the questions after purchase — I just didn’t want to miss such a rare item. It’s an important find for me, so I placed the order early. As long as there’s no serious damage, I’m not planning to cancel or request a refund.Also, I understand about the tariffs — thank you for letting me know in advance!"

Experience 2.

Buyer "Hello...I would really like to get this gear bag and the Sabian laptop bag. Would that be possible and pay just one shipping cost?"

Answer:

The cost formula is based on;

1. Destination

2. Combined package dimensions.

3. Combined weight.

4. The buyer Courier option chosen and/or options available at the time of ordering.

These parameters are programmed into eBay's "Shipping Calculator". With smaller items there is often a large savings but not as much on large items. To find out put the items in your cart. At that time you should have the option to "Request Invoice From Seller" before paying. If you choose that option we can see your order & double check eBay's shipping charge to adjust it if it's incorrect.

You must do that BEFORE you pay. It may take up to 24 hours to receive an adjustment before you pay.These parameters are programmed into eBay's "Shipping Calculator". With smaller items there is often a large savings but not as much on large items. To find out put the items in your cart. At that time you should have the option to "Request Invoice From Seller" before paying. If you choose that option we can see your order & double check eBay's shipping charge to adjust it if it's incorrect.

ABOUT TARIFFS: This item may be subject to President Trump's tariffs administered to Americans on some of their purchases. eBay and eBay sellers do not charge, collect or administer tariffs. This is done by the US Customs Agency. They charge US citizens this tax. eBay has a notice in the item shipping details and our listings.

The tax amount is determined on the basis of what country the item was manufactured in. It is not based on the country the item was shipped from. IE: An item made in China shipped from Canada will be subject to the tariff Mr. Trump has imposed on China, not the amount he imposes on Canada. In the listing, under "Item Specifics", find the "Country Of Manufacture. This item's "Country/Region of Manufacture is China".

If you have questions please contact eBay through their HELP section or contact your USA Customs website for answers.If you have questions please contact eBay through their HELP section or contact your USA Customs website for answers.Thank you.

Buyer: "Thank you so much and I hate Trump and how he is treating Canada."

@musicyouneed

You have more than 2200 listings and a lot at stake if this is your business . To run it you need to be positve, creative and known when to holdem and know when to fold em.

You started this thread stating

" I have a few CD's that although they were made in Canada I want to continue to offer them up to the US. I just want to get an idea of what problems I am looking at after Aug 29. "

For goodness sake my friend , lot them up cheap, donate them or dump them so you can think positive and be creative to adapt and run your business within the current market.

Do not let current politics such away your entrepreneur energy, creative skills and abilities!

I do not intend to be rude. My mother used to say " Cowboy up". So far you're doing everything right. Keep doing THAT, cowboy up and ride this out. You will not find answers to running a successful business in any forum.