BUSINESS SAMPLES · SUPPLIER COLLECTIONS
Get a sample from your supplier to your desk.
Before committing to a product, you need to see and handle it. ArrowPath can arrange express collection of qualifying samples from Chinese suppliers and quote for delivery to your destination. The first step is checking the contents and export eligibility.
Start with the goods, not just the word “sample”.
Tell us exactly what the product is and whether it contains a battery, liquid, powder or other restricted material. A supplier describing a parcel as a sample does not automatically make it eligible for express clearance.
ArrowPath’s mainland China service accepts qualifying A-, B- and C-category shipments only. It does not handle Category D formal declarations, dangerous goods or anything containing a battery. Read the full eligibility guidance before arranging collection.
Ask your supplier for these details.
- Collection location: city and country for the quote; full address and contact details for booking.
- Contents: product, material, purpose, quantity, and brand or model where relevant.
- Value: a truthful, supportable customs value and its currency, even when the supplier provides the sample free of charge.
- Final packaging: carton count, packed weights and outside dimensions of every package size.
- Documents: the commercial invoice and any information required for the goods and route.
How to describe a sample on an invoice.
For a fictional textile sample, a description could be: “Two unbranded, adult-size cotton canvas tote bags for product evaluation.” Replace that wording with the actual material, quantity and use of your own goods. The export reason can identify the shipment as a sample; the goods description should still identify the product.
FedEx asks for specific English descriptions and a value for samples as well as sold goods. FedEx’s goods-description guidance.
What does sample shipping cost?
There is no single sample rate. Your quote depends on the route, service, contents and chargeable weight. Ask for packed dimensions: a light product in a large carton can be priced on dimensional weight. Use the weight calculator to understand the difference.
How long will delivery take?
Give us your deadline when you request a quote. We confirm the available service and expected transit basis for the shipment. Supplier readiness, collection arrangements and customs clearance can affect the overall journey, so an express service name alone is not an arrival guarantee.
Before the supplier sends it.
Have ArrowPath check the details before tendering the parcel. Low value alone does not guarantee Category C acceptance; quantity, weight, goods controls and customs requirements also matter. FedEx China’s export guidance explains the clearance categories.
Preparing documents? Start with the completed invoice example and use our free commercial invoice generator.