Standard Air Lines
Standard air lines are the default choice for most shoppers. They balance speed and cost, typically delivering in ten to twenty days. The price per kilogram is reasonable for parcels under five kilograms. For heavier hauls, the cost per item drops when you consolidate, making standard air still competitive.
The downside is limited tracking detail once the parcel leaves China. You will see In Transit for several days with no intermediate scans. This is normal and does not indicate a problem.
Shipping Options
Standard Air
10-20 days
Express Courier Services
Express options like DHL and FedEx deliver in five to ten days with full tracking at every hub. They are ideal for time-sensitive orders or high-value items where you want insurance and signature confirmation. The cost is roughly double that of standard air, so reserve express for parcels under two kilograms to keep the total reasonable.
One caveat is that express couriers are more likely to charge customs duties because they pre-clear shipments aggressively. Be prepared to pay import tax if your country charges it.
Shipping Options
Standard Air
10-20 days
Express
5-10 days
Sea Freight and Special Lines
Sea freight is the slowest option at thirty to sixty days, but it is the cheapest per kilogram for heavy items. If you are ordering shoes, jackets, and bags in one large haul, sea freight can cut your shipping cost by seventy percent compared to air. Special lines like railway freight to Europe offer a middle ground at fifteen to twenty-five days with lower rates than air.
The spreadsheet's logistics column recommends a shipping line for each product based on its weight and typical destination. Use it as a starting point and adjust based on your personal timeline.