The short answer
Why can freight not always be confirmed with the first product quote?
Candles are relatively heavy. Reed diffusers and room sprays combine liquid, glass and protective packaging. Two orders with the same number of pieces can have very different carton counts and gross weights.
For an early comparison, we may use estimated packing. The final freight is checked again after the product, retail box, units per carton, carton dimensions and gross weight are confirmed.
Product price and shipping price are separate unless the quotation says otherwise. Read the currency, trade term, destination and included-cost lines before comparing suppliers.
Required inputs
What changes the shipping cost?
| Input | Why it matters |
|---|
| Product and quantity per SKU | Determines total goods, mixed-carton planning and whether liquids or fragile glass are included. |
| Retail packaging | A gift box, insert or protective sleeve changes carton size and weight. |
| Export carton data | Carton count, dimensions, units per carton and gross weight determine chargeable weight and CBM. |
| Destination | Country, city and postal code are required for port, airport, DAP or DDP pricing. |
| Transport method | Courier, air, rail and sea freight use different acceptance and pricing rules. |
| Documents and classification | Fragrance liquids may require SDS/MSDS, transport appraisal or carrier review. |
| Trade term | EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP and DDP cover different parts of the journey. |
Samples
How is sample shipping calculated?
For candles, send the sample quantity, delivery country, city and postal code. The courier quote is based on the final packed dimensions and gross weight.
For filled reed diffusers, room sprays or fragrance oils, air acceptance must be checked against the formula, SDS or MSDS, flash point, transport classification, packaging and destination. A dry bottle or device may have a different route from a filled liquid sample.
A route and transit estimate belongs to that shipment. It should not be reused as a general promise for another product or country.
Bulk orders
How are sea freight and container quantities checked?
For LCL or consolidated sea freight, the forwarder uses the shipment's CBM, gross weight, port and delivery scope. For a full container, the loading calculation also considers carton dimensions, stacking, product mix, usable space and weight limits.
Dividing container volume by carton volume gives only a theoretical figure. The confirmed loading quantity comes from a practical loading plan.
Trade terms
What is included in EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP or DDP?
- EXW: the buyer or forwarder collects from the agreed location; international transport is not included.
- FOB: the named export port and agreed origin-side scope must be written into the quotation.
- CIF: freight and insurance reach the named destination port; import clearance and final delivery are not automatically included.
- DAP: delivery reaches the named destination, while import duties and taxes are normally handled according to the written quote and applicable rules.
- DDP: the quote should state the named address and the included freight, clearance, duty and tax scope.
Inspection, storage, redelivery or remote-area charges should not be assumed unless they are listed.
Send this information
What should a buyer send for a usable freight quotation?
- product link, image or specification;
- quantity for each SKU and fragrance;
- logo and packaging requirements;
- full destination country, city and postal code;
- sample, air, sea, DAP or DDP preference;
- required arrival date;
- business or residential delivery address;
- any import, labeling or document requirement already known.
If the packing is still under development, we will mark the freight as estimated and identify which carton details still need confirmation.
