How to Import and Ship Laundry Supplies From China

The response to the Coronavirus pandemic has made people more health and cleanliness-conscious than ever before. Knowing the virus may be able to live for up to 3 days on surfaces has made people concerned about doing their laundry “properly” and disinfecting their clothes to keep themselves and their families safe. While working and going to school from home, people are wearing business wear and school clothes less and wearing casual clothing and athleisure more. In turn, this has decreased their need for dry-cleaning services and increased their need for laundry supplies.

In industrial settings, particularly the hospitality and travel industries, cleanliness and sanitation has come to the forefront of business owners’ minds. In hotels, sheets must be cleaned more thoroughly and more often. At gyms, items like towels have to be sanitized thoroughly to prevent outbreaks. Never before have commercial laundry supplies been so prominent in people’s minds.

This is a guide for businesses who are aware of this and want to supply their customers with laundry supplies during the Coronavirus pandemic. In this article, we will help you about how to import and ship laundry supplies from China. Here you’ll find information about sourcing laundry cleaning products, connecting with freight forwarding services, and delivering the laundry supplies and equipment your customers need and want.

Where to Import Laundry Supplies

The demand for laundry supplies has increased and changed worldwide as the response to the Coronavirus continues. But not all areas use the same laundry supplies, or in the same amount. Different regions and different populations have preferences. Before moving onto looking for suppliers and other partners, we recommend doing some market research and looking at reports to find what country (and type of product) is the best fit for your business.

Why Import Laundry Supplies Made in China Instead of Other Countries?

In 2018, China alone accounted for over 13% of the world’s exports. That means you can find just about any product you need for your business sourced from China. Why deal with the logistical headache of coordinating shipments with suppliers from several different countries? Instead, working with Chinese suppliers can streamline your whole process while maximizing your profit margins.

Is it Safe to Buy Wholesale Laundry Supplies from China?

Yes. China is a large country, and that means it has plenty of reputable suppliers for you to work with who make safe products. When choosing a supplier, talk to the manufacturer to make sure their products match your standards. Talk to them about the countries you’re planning on shipping their product to. A reliable, well-informed supplier will be happy to discuss any applicable restrictions as they pertain to their product.

What Kind of Laundry Supplies Should I Offer My Customers?

Washing Machines

Whether your customers are industrial companies or individual consumers for at-home use, a washing machine is the most important laundry supply. Washing machines come in both domestic and industrial models, so choose based on who your customers will be.

Manual Feed Washing Machines

These are what most people are acquainted with, where the user dispenses detergents and any other chemical cleaners into the laundry machine each time the machine runs. These are most commonly used in homes or smaller industrial facilities like boutique hotels and motels.

Dispenser Feed Washing Machines

Dispenser feed washing machines portion out detergents and other chemicals automatically with each load, rather than the user measuring them out. This is beneficial because it saves time and reduces waste on over-used products. It also ensures each load is cleaned thoroughly. However, they’re usually only used in large-scale applications like prisons, large hotels or resorts, nursing homes, and other facilities that do laundry en masse.

Dryers

Dryers are the natural companions of the washing machine. Dryers also come in both domestic and industrial models, so choose based on who your customers will be. Most washing machines and dryers can be purchased as a set.

Drying Racks

Drying racks are used for textiles and garments too delicate to be dried in a machine. They can be made of plastic, metal, or even wood. Customers appreciate the convenience of models that can be folded for compact storage.

Irons

Irons are essential items to get wrinkles out of fabric. There are compact ones for at-home use and high-powered ones for industrial use.

Steamers

Steamers are an alternative to irons. They use large amounts of heated steam to release wrinkles out of fabrics. Most companies who work with fabrics use both an iron and a steamer. Again, there are smaller, compact steamers for at-home use and high-powered steamers for business use.

Ironing Boards

Ironing boards are the natural companion to the iron. When choosing a supplier, look for sturdy boards that don’t rock or buckle under slight pressure. Customers appreciate attractive designs on their ironing boards. A good ironing board will be built with mesh or metal holes on the underside to release hot air.

Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergent is an essential item for every home, as well as any business that deals with laundry services or textiles.

Stain Removers

Stain removers are essential to release stains from fabric. They can come in sprays, gels, sticks, and powders. We recommend offering a selection, as each form has its strengths (and all customers have their preferences).

What Import Taxes Should I Expect to Pay?

Import taxes vary depending on the country and the specific type of product. Since laundry supplies often contain some kind of chemical, be sure to familiarize yourself with any regulations or import taxes on the specific product you’re shipping.

How to Find a Reliable Laundry Supply Supplier in China

If you don’t already have a China-based supplier in mind and don’t know where to start, we recommend starting with these websites:

• Alibaba is one of the world’s largest places to find suppliers.
• Made-in-China is another leading source for finding business-to-business connections.
• China Sources helps connect businesses to Chinese manufacturers and suppliers.
• HKDC has a long directory of Chinese suppliers. They also offer services like business matching.

These popular, reputable websites focus on connecting businesses with wholesalers. If you don’t have existing connections in the household cleaner manufacturing industry in China, these are great places to start.

How to Ship Laundry Supplies from China

After choosing what country to do business in and finding your perfect supplier, you’re ready to find a freight forwarder.

Note any applicable restrictions on the product you’re shipping. If your shipments include liquid detergent, check major shipping carriers’ restrictions on liquids. If the products you’re shipping contain any chemicals considered hazardous by the destination country’s standards, mention this to your freight forwarder so they can help you ship your goods while meeting all regulations.

A qualified freight forwarder will tell you all the details that need to be paid attention to in international transportation. Knowing each points of transporting laundry products in advance can avoid many troublesome things that may occur in international transportation.

Please don’t mind to ask your shipping agent about all details of shipping laundry supplies from China to your destination. We think that will be helpful for each of your shipment from China.

What is the Best Shipping Method for Laundry Supplies?

There are so many different shipping methods for Shipping Laundry Suppliers from China to your country. Express door to door, Air freight from Door to airport and from Door to door, Ocean by LCL and FCL from door to port & door to door &port to port ,Rail freight from Door to door and other combine shipping methods like Air freight + Express, Ocean freight + Express, Ocean freight + truck freight all available to be provided to you depends on each of your shipment detail requirements.

The best shipping method will depend on your shipment volume, timeline, and budget. Sea freight is generally the least expensive (but most time-consuming) option.

For liquid laundry supplies or products that contain hazardous chemicals, the best method will depend on the specific ingredients of the products you’re shipping. Talk to your freight forwarder about these questions. A competent forwarder will be able to help you.

How to Find a Reliable Freight Forwarder in China

There are lots of freight forwarders based in China, but there’s no need to spend hours comparing them. Instead, reach out to DFH Logistics for a free quote today. As a China-based company experienced in all kinds of shipments around the world, we can provide the knowledge and support about how to import and ship laundry supplies from China.

What Documents Will I Need to Ship Laundry Supplies from China?

Customs documents vary depending on what laundry supplies you’re shipping and what country you’re exporting them to. However, most shipments from China require these documents:

• Commercial invoice
• Bill of Lading
• Air Waybill (if shipping by air freight)
• Packing List
• Pro forma invoice
• Certificate of Origin
• CITES Permit
• Import/Export Declaration
• CE Certificate
• Single Administrative Document (SAD)
• Fumigation Certificate

Since laundry supplies are often liquids and usually contain chemicals, take special care to check the regulations for importing the types of product you’re shipping. You may need to provide additional documentation.

If you’re still unsure how to import and ship laundry supplies from China and what documents you need or need help preparing your required documents, contact us. We have years of experience handling shipping documents for all kinds of shipments all around the world, so we can help make sure your documents are completed correctly and prevent a headache at customs.

Now you’re ready to get started. Start by determining where your potential customers are located. Find the right China-based supplier and freight forwarder to help your business run smoothly. After those steps, you’re ready to get down to business.

DFH Logistics is here to help along the way, whether you’ve just gotten the idea to start importing laundry supplies, or whether you already have a supplier and destination country lined up. Either way, reach out for a free quote today. We’ll discuss your needs, answer any questions you may have, and discuss how we can help make the most of your hard work.