1.1 How importing via a shipping agent works

You deal with two parties: the supplier, who sells you the goods, and the shipping agent, who moves them from China to Zimbabwe. Keeping these two jobs separate is what makes this method simple.

The full journey of an order

1. You find a product and supplier on Alibaba and agree on price and quantity.
2. You give the supplier your agent's China warehouse address, including your personal customer code (shipping mark).
3. You pay the supplier through Alibaba, ideally under Trade Assurance.
4. The supplier ships the goods inside China to the agent's warehouse (usually in Guangzhou, Yiwu or Shenzhen). This domestic delivery is cheap or free.
5. The agent receives and records your parcel against your customer code, and usually sends you a photo and the weight.
6. The agent consolidates all parcels from different customers into one air or sea shipment.
7. The agent clears customs in Zimbabwe on behalf of everyone in the shipment.
8. You collect from the agent's office in Zimbabwe and pay per kg or per cubic metre (CBM).
   
   

Screenshot 1: An agent's WhatsApp message confirming a parcel received, with photo and weight

Alibaba vs AliExpress vs 1688

• Alibaba.com: for businesses buying wholesale. Bulk orders with a minimum order quantity (MOQ). You arrange shipping (our method: a shipping agent).
• AliExpress: for individuals buying retail, from 1 piece upwards. The seller ships direct to you, which is slower and pricier per unit.
• 1688.com: for Chinese domestic buyers. Bulk, cheapest prices, but Chinese-language only and needs an agent to buy for you.

This course uses Alibaba.com because it is in English, has buyer protection, and suppliers are used to shipping to agent warehouses.

Air vs sea at a glance

• Air is charged by weight (kg). Sea is charged by volume (CBM).
• Time to Zimbabwe: air usually 1 to 3 weeks; sea usually 6 to 10 weeks.
• Air is best for small, light, high-value or urgent goods, e.g. phone accessories, cosmetics, clothing, baby items.
• Sea is best for bulky, heavy, low-value goods, e.g. furniture, bulk shoes, kitchenware, large quantities.

Times vary by agent and season. Always ask your agent for their current timelines.

Why use an agent instead of shipping direct?

• Cheaper: you share the cost of a full shipment with other customers.
• No customs hassle: the agent handles clearance and duty, usually included in the rate.
• One collection point: buy from five suppliers, collect everything in one place.
• A local contact: someone in Zimbabwe you can talk to if something goes wrong.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a registered company to buy on Alibaba?
No. Individuals can buy. Using a business or shop name on your profile helps suppliers take you seriously.

Can I buy just one item?
Some suppliers sell single samples, but most have a minimum order quantity. For single items, AliExpress may suit you better.

Do I pay customs duty separately?
With most Zimbabwean agents, duty and clearance are included in the per kg or per CBM rate. Always confirm this with your agent.

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