How to Calculate Total Landed Cost When Importing Dried Flowers from China

Importing dried flowers wholesale or preserved flowers bulk from China can be profitable for florists, wedding planners, and gift box brands. However, many first-time buyers underestimate the total landed cost of their shipment. Understanding every cost component upfront helps you plan your budget, set proper retail prices, and avoid unpleasant surprises.

What Is Total Landed Cost?

The total landed cost is the final amount you pay to have your goods delivered to your door, including everything beyond the factory price. It typically consists of:

• Product price: The supplier's wholesale price for your dried or preserved flowers.

• Freight cost: Air or sea shipping charges based on weight or volume.

• Customs duties and taxes: Import tariffs, VAT, or sales tax in your country.

• Handling fees: Warehouse charges, customs clearance fees, and delivery to your final address.

Understanding these costs helps you determine if a supplier’s quote truly fits your business model.

Key Factors Affecting Your Landed Cost

Several variables can make the final cost fluctuate:

• Order volume and MOQ: Larger orders spread fixed costs over more units, lowering per-stem landed cost.

• Packaging and dimensions: Bulky products like pampas grass can cost more to ship than compact flowers due to volumetric weight.

• Shipping method: Air freight is faster but often costs 3–5 times more per kilogram than sea freight.

• Destination country regulations: Some countries charge higher duties on preserved flowers, while others have reduced or zero tariffs.

• Incoterms: Whether your price is EXW, FOB, or CIF affects who pays for export documentation and inland delivery within China.

How to Estimate Before Placing an Order

To avoid unexpected expenses, follow these steps before confirming your purchase:

1. Request a detailed proforma invoice: Include carton dimensions, actual weight, and packing list.

2. Ask for multiple shipping quotes: Compare air freight vs. sea freight to see which gives the best landed cost per unit.

3. Check import tariffs: Use your HS code for dried or preserved flowers to estimate customs fees.

4. Calculate total cost per stem or per gram: Factor in all expenses to assess profitability.

For example, 100 kg of preserved roses may cost $2,000 ex-factory, $1,200 shipping, and $600 duties, making the total landed cost $3,800 or $38/kg—not just the product price.

Tips to Optimize Landed Costs

• Combine multiple varieties in one shipment to meet MOQ efficiently.

• Work with a preserved flowers supplier experienced in international logistics for better freight options.

• Plan your orders in advance to ship by sea instead of paying premium rates for urgent air freight.

• Ask for professional packing to reduce wasted space and volumetric weight.

Conclusion

Calculating the total landed cost is crucial when importing dried flowers from China. By considering every expense—from factory price to final delivery—you can make informed purchasing decisions and avoid margin losses.

Looking for a reliable dried flower manufacturer in Kunming with transparent pricing and optimized shipping?
Contact EterniBlossom today to receive our wholesale catalog and a detailed cost breakdown for your market.