Shipping costs
How Shipping Costs from China Are Calculated
Separate actual weight, parcel volume, packing and route conditions so you can understand what an international shipping quote does and does not include.
A product price is not a shipping price
The amount shown on a Chinese marketplace listing usually does not tell you the cost of sending your purchase to an international destination. Product size, packaging, destination and route can all change the shipping decision.
A useful quote makes clear whether China domestic delivery, packing and international transport are separate charges. Applicable duties, taxes or destination charges should not be assumed to be included unless the quote says they are.
Merqelio Buy’s buying service fees are based on the order’s product subtotal, excluding domestic shipping, international shipping and taxes. No fixed shipping price is included in that buying fee. Xianyu has a fixed US$5 buying fee up to CNY 300 and a fee of 10% of the entire product subtotal above CNY 300. The US$5 Xianyu fixed fee remains a separate USD amount; the website does not automatically convert it into CNY or include it in a CNY subtotal. Orders priced in other currencies require an individual buying quote without an assumed exchange rate.
Actual weight and parcel volume answer different questions
Actual weight is the measured weight of the packed parcel. Volume describes how much space it occupies. A large lightweight object and a small dense object can therefore create different shipping costs even when the product prices are similar.
Some services use a volumetric or dimensional calculation when establishing chargeable weight. The calculation, rounding, thresholds and surcharges depend on the specific carrier and route. There is no universal divisor or current rate applied by this guide.
Before approving shipment, ask which measurements and charging rules were used for the quoted service.
Packaging changes the measurements
The product’s listing dimensions may describe the item itself, its retail packaging or another measurement. Protective materials and an outer shipping box can change both weight and volume.
If you need to wait before shipping, warehouse storage is free for 30 days. The start date and any extended-storage fees are confirmed in your quote before storage is extended.
An early quote may therefore be an estimate until suitable packing has been agreed and measured. Removing original packaging may reduce volume, but can affect protection, collector value or return options. It requires your agreement.
The goods influence the available route
Battery-containing devices, liquids, fragile items, oversized goods and other sensitive categories may require specific review. A route suitable for ordinary clothing may not be suitable for another type of item.
Provide accurate contents and the destination country before purchasing. Do not describe a sensitive item as something else to obtain a lower quote. Customs and transport information must reflect the actual goods.
Consolidation needs a real comparison
Combining compatible purchases can simplify shipping. It can also change the parcel’s dimensions, weight bracket or available service. It is not always cheaper.
A meaningful comparison uses the actual packing plan and the available quoted routes. Consider protection and handling as well as the charge. Splitting fragile or incompatible goods can sometimes be the appropriate choice even when a single parcel looks simpler.
Check the quote currency and scope
When reviewing a shipping quote, ask:
- Is the amount based on measured or estimated packing?
- What item description, destination and route does it cover?
- Which fees are included, and which remain unknown?
- Are import duties, taxes or destination handling charges included where applicable?
- What service conditions and transit estimate apply?
Currency conversion and payment-provider charges are separate considerations. The website does not invent a live exchange rate. An estimate in one currency is not automatically a confirmed amount in another.
Unknown is more useful than a fabricated number
If there is not enough information, “Shipping Quote Required” is the accurate answer. Send the item details, destination and any known weight or dimensions. The goal is to establish a quote you can assess before approving shipment, rather than show a number that has no reliable basis.