Cargio blog

Product sourcing: finding and securing your suppliers

Finding a supplier is easy; finding a reliable one is less so. A method to source and secure your supply.

Overseas suppliers: mastering and organizing your logistics

Working with overseas suppliers takes method. Here's how to set a clear framework and stay in control.

How to buy on Alibaba with confidence

Finding a supplier, framing the order and anticipating logistics: the right reflexes for a successful first import.

Sea or air freight: how to choose?

Lead time, cost, volume, nature of the goods: the concrete criteria to decide between ship and plane, case by case.

What is a freight forwarder and when to use one?

The freight forwarder orchestrates your international transport. Understanding their role helps you know when — and how — to work with them well.

Importing from China: a starter guide

From choosing a supplier to customs clearance, the key steps of a successful first import from China, with no bad surprises.

Understanding Incoterms 2020 in 5 minutes

Who pays for transport? Who bears the risk? Incoterms answer these questions. Here's a quick tour of the most common rules.

How much does importing a container cost? The items to budget

There's no single price: a container's cost breaks down. Here are the items to include for a realistic budget.

The hidden costs of importing (and how to control them)

The purchase price is only the visible part. Here are the fees that inflate the final bill — and how to make them visible.

Mastering the transport cost ratio

A simple indicator to know whether your transport is under control: the ratio between transport cost and goods value.

Import customs: HS code, EORI and VAT, the basics

Three notions come up constantly when importing: the HS code, the EORI number and import VAT. A simple breakdown.

Prepare a customs dossier without stress

Customs clearance is often decided before the shipment. Here are the items to gather to avoid hold-ups.

Selling on marketplaces: where to start

Amazon, Fnac, Darty, Boulanger, Cdiscount… Choosing the right marketplaces and holding the logistics behind them makes all the difference.

Consolidate your orders to cut transport costs

Several small orders often cost more than a grouped shipment. Well-orchestrated consolidation lightens the transport bill.

Packing List vs Shipping Plan: what's the difference?

Two complementary documents, often confused. One describes the content, the other the transport organization.