Yes; The BOL is proof that you received the product. You also; always note if there were damages missing pieces etc. We as a trucking company need this Clean BOL to get paid (LOL)
I'm having a food trailer built in China. Like you, we skipped the Ali Buba and delt with the builder directly. The price included shipping but we have to take care of Customs. They will send us a list of Authorized shipping agents. Its so daunting because I think they just finished it. Thanks for making the video.
Thank you for making this video. I’ve been wanting a mini skid steer for my private property but by no means want to pay for one in the states not using it for a profit. Anyways that was really helpful getting a view behind the curtain on the process.
The skid steer you bought from "INFRONT" is a supplier not a manufacturer, you can check the items they have are all from other factories. For example they have the YF320 skid steer model was rebranded, the actual manufacturer is Shandong Derette Machinery Co., Ltd. and the model is DRT320, they are obviously identical, the only difference is the price from infront its 3990usd and from manufacturer its 3100usd
I've always wondered about how that works. I had two brad nailers recently, one from Milwaukee and the other from Porter Cable. The dang things were identical. It's crazy how that rebranding works ... thanks for the info, man
@@metaspencer Another aspect of it is China is top down managed, so they say build X and 10 companies start making X.... and that also happens with all the components and at some point a larger product like this skid loader is the X and its put together out of a bunch of standarized parts on a cut sheet by some non descript company. So while Shangdong Derette Machinery Co. makes them.... its also pretty likely you can get an almost identical but not quite machine from another company. They arent' really competitors but are 2nd 3rd sources etc... all making clones of the same thing.
Jean - I've been working with INFRONT, how can I find the source manufacturer versus paying more for a supplier? Looking at several pieces: YFE35, 65 Skid track model, and YFE 12 blue. We are planning on shipping with a 40ft container so would want to ensure if it's different manufacturers we get it all consolidated into the same container.
If you're curious, he said spent about $15k in a reply comment last year, but the price of the equipment has come down, so you might be able to get one for $12k today. As a homeowner who wants to play with big tools Err... equipment...err yea. Stuff like this. If you want to play with stuff like this but your not making money with it, and your local equipment rental place wants $300-$400 per day (24 hours), you could rent this equipment for roughly 40-50 days for that same $15k. You also don't need to store it or maintain it, but it might not always be available when you need it. You likely won't rent it during the work week, so that's a years worth of weekends.
@@metaspencer I've also seen some "dealers" getting on this too, buying a container full of these, and selling them for nearly what you or I would pay via economies of scale.
I am a freight forwarder in China, and my 13 years of experience have taught me that when you work with a trading company, I try my best to hide the factory's contact information. If freight services are also provided by trading companies, then it is completely impossible for you to have access to the factory's contact information. The only thing you need to do is to designate a freight forwarder to serve you, because the freight forwarder will pick up the goods from the factory and load them onto the ship, and has the ability and opportunity to obtain the factory's contact information for you.
A freight forwarder can smooth this process out. In-land domestic trucking is killer for me. If you live near a port, you're going to have things a lot cheaper.
I heard about a freight forwarder at the time but ended up picking it up at the port. Yeah, if you're inland you'll have to get a trucking company to handle it.
You are absolutely correct. We live near a port and we have trucks (flatbeds). I'm just trying to figure out how to cut out the Freight Forwarder. We ordered from China before but never Bulk items (container).
this is not just how you did it, but it is in fact a how to video. sounds too complicated though... you clearly either have a knack for bureaucratic palava or for some sort of administrative self torture... great vid!
All those Fees, maybe Elaine Chow (Mitch McConnels) Chinese wife and past Transportation Secretary could shed some light on all that and why all that non-disclosed fleecing was allowed. Each Chinese exporter should have an agent that can help walk-you-through each step, giving you a heads up on all fees that you should and should not pay.
@@metaspencer LOL. Well, the worker DOES deserve their wages. I'm sure the city has their hands in the pockets of the port too. It's a big operation with lots of people, equipment, expenses, and I am sure taxes as well. I've never mind paying my fair share as long as it's: Fair, transparent, and on-par with the assistance rendered. Nothing should be a surprise to them, they have dimension and weight data to give them an idea of what it's going to cost them to get your package off the ship, documented, and on-to your trailer. All ports should give you a range: Something like, your 15.5' long, 8' wide, 9' high crate has arrived, it weighs 3500 lbs, Expect to pay between $1500-$3300 towards port charges, customs, and import duties/taxes. Each day not claimed 12/08/2023 expect to pay $25/day storage fees. If not claimed by 12/20/2023 it will be transferred to state abandoned property division for auction. Something easy along those lines.
Ha, I remember the video when you finally got the skid steer! All the hullabaloo with shipping etc. seemed to be worth it! Anything else you might go direct on? Keep us posted, sure to be a good time for your viewers anyway!😅😊
Hey Spencer, i really appreciate the time you took to make this video as well as the clarity you provided with entire process, Great stuff man! Was wondering if you could confirm if was the YF380 model you ordered. Im in the process of ordering one myself. Can you recall what the original price was and what attachments/upgrades you added to make the price jump to 9k? The machine it self right now is $3,000. Seems almost to good to be true lol
That price sounds about right -- the prices have come WAY down due to currency fluctuations and whatnot. As for the exact model I'm not sure, but they're decent machines. You might save some coin and speed the process up by buying one on FB marketplace ... I see some guys importing containers full of them these days and selling them on FB
I have decided to buy a tractor direct from china after seeing your videos thanks. My question is You said you paid about $3000 dollars once the unit was in port may I ask for a breakdown what I want to know is how much was shipping and how much was other? Was it based on the cost of your unit? My tractor and attachments is about $16,000. I decided to go with an electric articulated loader with a telescopic boom with a bunch off attachments. Thanks David
Sounds like a cool machine. For me that $3k went pretty much like this: $1k to the shipping company at the port, $1k to the shipping agent, and then another grand for who-knows-what fees and taxes and customs and all that. I'd probably budget $5k overage if I was buying a machine like that as there are just all kinds of charges along the way. Still a good deal but you've gotta be prepared to pay for the shipping part of things.
I ordered a large piece of equipment from Alibaba. It is suppose to ship to Port of Charleston, SC. I have a shipping agent and they filed the ISF. My questions is - Can I go pick up the box myself or do I HAVE to use another company???
I am actually talking to a rep now about ordering a 1 ton mini excavator from China and have it shipped to Charleston and picked up myself. Any idea how much the taxes, customs and agent fees were yet? How did the pickup process go? Any tips or info you have run into would be very helpful. First time doing this. Thanks
Thank you for the video. I am thinking about some of the offers of machinery from China but I don't trust that scammers haven't been nesting around the opportunity to scam. I will probably go with a company offering the machinery. Many of the steps you mention I believe have been new regulations added to taxpayers expenses increasing the heavy loads of taxes.
If you have any questions about the process of the trucks picking up from the Port; I can answer that. We pick up loads at the port every week. Don't feel bad because we also are probably going to need to hire a freight forwarder/Shipping agent. I also want to know if can I share a container with someone to cut costs (LOL).
I bought a very similar unit from Infront machinery because of your videos lol! It’s on a ship right now, but I’m not gonna lie, I’m kinda nervous about everything working out. Is there any way I can DM you and talk to you about my order to get your opinion?
I know that feeling! absolutely feel free to DM me -- I'm metaspencer on IG, fb, and gmail. As long as you have a shipping agent and check those emails, all should work out
I learned all the shipping BS when i bought an engine from Australia, i got lucky and found a guy bringing in his own container full of parts so he arranged for his shipper to pick mine up and load into his container. Bad part is when it got to the Canada/US border Covid was just getting into full swing so they had plenty time to check ever box and unluckily ours had crating boxs made from some kind of wood thats been banned from coming into the US since the 50s so the container was sent back to Aus repackaged and sent back. In the end it was a good thing because i had more things i needed shipped here and was thrown into the container for a free ride and all the freight was absorbed by the original shipper for being at fault. Its a hassle for sure but in my case JUST the $350 engine was going to be $3480 in shipping to the warehouse in PA but in the end i got the engine, trans, spare trans and all the wiring/ECM and a lot of other parts shipped and delivered to my door for $2k…massive savings but about a year long wait. The engine had more miles in transit than it did being driven lol I have been looking at those mini articulating loaders thats about 1200lbs for yard work and other things my tractor and skidsteer are too big to get into or too much of a hassle, i like that little unit you have and with a home made grapple thats not as bulky would be ideal with tires for my dad to operate
wow, that shipping story of yours was quite a fiasco! I thought my story was a wild ride. I like the yellow machine for sure and it's been a money maker on the job ... good luck with that mini you're looking at
things have changed a lot lately and I've seen them for sale on FB marketplace. So there are some people importing a bunch of them now ... may save you some $$$$$
@@metaspencer Thank you for commenting on this. Does the 9k include the implements you ordered? If so, which implements did you get with the machine? Thanks!
I just purchased a skid steer from alibaba paid extra to get it shipped directly to me, I'm wondering if i still need to go through all those extra steps you did.
Sounds like a great idea and I bet it's a good piece of equipment. As for all the steps (like customs and a shipping agent), it depends on the seller and what they're doing. I'd suggest talking with them about it just so you know what to expect. They should be able to handle everything but ya never know
@@metaspencer I just received confirmation that I paid for door to door service, which includes all paperwork being completed by them including the ISF 10-2 form, hopefully they are truthful being I spend maybe 1500 bucks extra getting the machine door to door
That sounds good man! you may need to have a set of powerful forks on site to get it off the truck, but I've had delivery trucks meet me at a local gravel yard and paid the guy at the yard to unload heavy equipment for me. you'll figure it out!@@santana444
I'm also wanting door to door on an excavator. I'm going to maybe buy one in a week. They said I don't have to do anything with shipping, they will handle it with their freight forwarder. Hope this is true.
I’m working with Jason from in front to buy a mini skid loader. He says that he takes care of everything shipped right to my house. Shipping is 2000. Do you think that’s true after purchase I just sit and wait for it to arrive
Jason is a pretty solid guy -- I've had good exchanges with him. I know that costs have gone down A LOT since I bought mine, so that sounds like it could be the case. Just double check with him and ask which shipping company. You need the details
Hey man, good to hear. I used All in One Customs which is based in New Jersey. They teased me a bit for being inexperienced at importing, but were very helpful.
Planning on purchasing a trailer from China … I recently signed up with Clear It as a shipping agent (just trying to gauge the full cost of everything before proceeding) is there anything you can tell me about Clear It, or a shipping agent company that you recommend?
@@metaspencer I can show you the specs of the 1 I’m in talks with the company to purchase if you like? They apparently build them to your specific needs , I’ve told them everything I can think of requesting… my only concern is anything that’s slips my mind I am going to get dinged on when I go apply for my operations license
@metaspencer Thanks for making this video! I am seriously considering getting this mini skid loader for my property. I will use in the hills to clear pathways and hiking trails. How steep do you feel safe using this machine? Also, are the customs/shipping cost calculated on the purchase price? Lastly, there seems to be a lot of interest in this machine from the comments. Perhaps if a few of us join forces, we could get better deals and lower shipping costs? 🤔
Better deals and group buying would be cool! On slopes I go slow and keep the nose down - no problems so far. I paid 3k for customs and shipping and all that. Great machine so far
@metaspencer awesome , thank you . I wrote the message prior to getting the explanation at the end of the video, but that's great news. I hope I can pick one up for my guys
Well crap... Had no idea about any of this. Ordered something off Alibaba over a month ago, they finally tell me yesterday that it's shipped. Crap i thought they were sending it to my address. Sounds like I'm about to get educated really bad
@@xenomorph7299 ok so update, had to wait 2 and a half MONTHS, for a mini skid steer, but everything came except a couple hydraulic hoses for one of the many attachments. They made it right though, and fed ex air shipped the hoses and fittings to me within 5 days. To avoid all the red tape, make sure you specifically have them collect the tax, and ship the items to you "DDP" because that covers everything from them, to your door, and they handle all the legals, port forms, fees, and duties. Be sure to tell them it is for your own personal use so that you get billed the sales tax, unless you are a dealer, at which time you would then inform them so. Also waited 2 and a half months for a tilt rotator for my excavator and it was DDP as well. Both items were very nice products and accessories, but horrible instructions on the rotator though.
@@bobvincent4841 Thank you so much for the update. I think I want to buy the Rippa mini excavator 2 ton. The company is verified pro and has 4.6/5 stars. Hopefully I'm choosing a good company because this is my first puchase on alibaba and I'm a bit nervous.
Nah. Not for me. Too complicated a process. Too many chances to get ripped. I'd pay my money here in the states at a dealer. Got to think about service on your apparatus too. Glad you got through the process and received your equipment.
I think the price has fluctuated a bit (it came down some after some of those equipment shortages). $3k was for shipping and taxes and all that. $9k for the machine. Attachments will cost ya more
It's a shame we seem forced to pay so many fees. 😢 But thank God neither you nor the ground crew had to strip brother. 😊😅 Thanks for explaining your headache. Take care and may Father YHVH bless y'all.
I try to avoid mentioning cost in videos as the costs change over time and videos last forever up there ... paid about $9k for the machine and $3k to ship
Wow, a how to video! Sounds like a lot of red tape. I'm sure if you're somebody that does this every day it's probably not a big deal. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for the update, This is your second video I watched on this little machine, all to hear how much the machine itself is, I am not sure why you keep jumping that in both videos, well shipping and custom BS charged you $3K & how much for did you pay for the machine itself? BTW these machines are already on eBay so just wondering if I should buy it off eBay or Alibaba. On the link you shared on the first video Alibaba price is $1900 so, please if you don't mind to share. Thanks
The machine I got was about 9k but note that currency changes have made them cheaper these days. I haven't seen the eBay options but liked the buyer protections Alibaba offered
Taxes and customs fees and all that should come to you as a bill. As for shipping to your door you need to arrange that with a shipping company. It's gonna either be the same shipping company you're already working with or another one you hire. I'd talk to the people at the warehouse where your shipper is dropping the equipment to get a contact on a shipper to work with
@@proscapesnh1903 The US Customs website has a "find a broker" page that searches for brokers by each port. You can also use google and search for brokers working the port you're using. Here's the site: www.cbp.gov/contact/find-broker-by-port
So I have one recommended from the factory I bought mine from I but they are saying shipping from the wear house can’t happen due to size and life gate won’t work
@@proscapesnh1903 That's possible, depending on what you're buying. I'd call the warehouse and the shipper just to make sure, because most things are shippable as long as you have a forklift at your place to take it off the truck. And you can always rent the forklift or telehandler.
thanks for checking it out -- things have changed quite a bit and these machines have become more easily available here in the U.S. ... nice machine and easier to get these days
This one guy had a video and he had to pay 10k in fees. I felt so bad for him because YES; everyone is making money and it's really too many hands in the pot exploiting import cost.
If you get an engine brand with high tariff charges then yea the fees can get ugly. They might do 250% of cost of shipment product. So if product was $4000 then the fees at 250% would be $10,000 import fees on-top of the $4000. The briggs and Stratton is a decent brand and no tariffs
The cringe factor involved in just learning this process cannot possibly compare to going through it. But, you're a self employed tree guy... always up for a challenge 😂
@@metaspencer All in all, the best people to vote on political matters is normal consumers. Each one of your dollar decides which stuff sells and which stuff doesn't. That's why i always think where i spend my money.. For example, i don't buy meat from grocery stores. I buy it straight from the butcher. It's fresh and cheaper and higher quality than overly processed crap they sell in supermarkets. I also don't order stuff from china. But all in all it's just personal opinions.
I would use TRUMP to negotiate my delivery with CHINA and make them pay for it. Lol I’ve bought stuff online before from Chi-NA and it took so long to arrive that I’d already forgotten that I bought it.
Yes; The BOL is proof that you received the product. You also; always note if there were damages missing pieces etc. We as a trucking company need this Clean BOL to get paid (LOL)
I'm having a food trailer built in China. Like you, we skipped the Ali Buba and delt with the builder directly. The price included shipping but we have to take care of Customs. They will send us a list of Authorized shipping agents. Its so daunting because I think they just finished it. Thanks for making the video.
I hope it works out!
I'm in the beginning stages of ordering a coffee trailer - I'm curious to know how your experience was if you don't mind sharing?
(coffee trailer sounds cool)@@northamericannomad4443
I'll be danged...a how-to video! Spence, you've got a heck of a lot more patience than I do!
haha ... sometimes gotta do the old how-to thing :)
Thank you for making this video. I’ve been wanting a mini skid steer for my private property but by no means want to pay for one in the states not using it for a profit. Anyways that was really helpful getting a view behind the curtain on the process.
Great to hear. Sounds like a good plan
Bill of Lading I believe is a shipping or Maritime term.
Step #7 is a state of being, LOL. Thanks for all the info. 👍🏽
The skid steer you bought from "INFRONT" is a supplier not a manufacturer, you can check the items they have are all from other factories. For example they have the YF320 skid steer model was rebranded, the actual manufacturer is Shandong Derette Machinery Co., Ltd. and the model is DRT320, they are obviously identical, the only difference is the price from infront its 3990usd and from manufacturer its 3100usd
I've always wondered about how that works. I had two brad nailers recently, one from Milwaukee and the other from Porter Cable. The dang things were identical. It's crazy how that rebranding works ... thanks for the info, man
@@metaspencer Another aspect of it is China is top down managed, so they say build X and 10 companies start making X.... and that also happens with all the components and at some point a larger product like this skid loader is the X and its put together out of a bunch of standarized parts on a cut sheet by some non descript company. So while Shangdong Derette Machinery Co. makes them.... its also pretty likely you can get an almost identical but not quite machine from another company. They arent' really competitors but are 2nd 3rd sources etc... all making clones of the same thing.
Jean - I've been working with INFRONT, how can I find the source manufacturer versus paying more for a supplier? Looking at several pieces: YFE35, 65 Skid track model, and YFE 12 blue. We are planning on shipping with a 40ft container so would want to ensure if it's different manufacturers we get it all consolidated into the same container.
I guess you'll need to do some research to cut out that middle man ... @@surfr645
Sounds like you should make a video and help us please
Super helpful brother, thank u so much. I am looking to do a little work on the side for fun, and lots around our property.
Sounds like a plan ... lots of affordable stuff on FB marketplace these days too
If you're curious, he said spent about $15k in a reply comment last year, but the price of the equipment has come down, so you might be able to get one for $12k today.
As a homeowner who wants to play with big tools Err... equipment...err yea. Stuff like this. If you want to play with stuff like this but your not making money with it, and your local equipment rental place wants $300-$400 per day (24 hours), you could rent this equipment for roughly 40-50 days for that same $15k. You also don't need to store it or maintain it, but it might not always be available when you need it. You likely won't rent it during the work week, so that's a years worth of weekends.
I talked to a guy yesterday (online) who bought a similar machine for $9k, so with the strong dollar prices are way better now
@@metaspencer I've also seen some "dealers" getting on this too, buying a container full of these, and selling them for nearly what you or I would pay via economies of scale.
@@ph3590 interesting ... I haven't seen that but don't doubt it!
@@metaspencer A found a similar unit for sale for $6k. Only a few hours away from me
I am a freight forwarder in China, and my 13 years of experience have taught me that when you work with a trading company, I try my best to hide the factory's contact information. If freight services are also provided by trading companies, then it is completely impossible for you to have access to the factory's contact information. The only thing you need to do is to designate a freight forwarder to serve you, because the freight forwarder will pick up the goods from the factory and load them onto the ship, and has the ability and opportunity to obtain the factory's contact information for you.
Sounds like you have an inside look on all this stuff! Cool to hear ... it's definitely hard to navigate from the outside
@@metaspencer If you need to import from China, I can be your housekeeper. Provide various services for transportation and procurement.
@@metaspencer😂😂good
We need an update on the machine !!
Check my recent tree vid … going strong!
A freight forwarder can smooth this process out. In-land domestic trucking is killer for me. If you live near a port, you're going to have things a lot cheaper.
I heard about a freight forwarder at the time but ended up picking it up at the port. Yeah, if you're inland you'll have to get a trucking company to handle it.
there is a dry port in every state.
In a purchase, it is always the intermediaries that drive up the prices:P Thank you for this extraordinarily how to video ;)
Yeah everyone along the way has to make their money
You are absolutely correct. We live near a port and we have trucks (flatbeds). I'm just trying to figure out how to cut out the Freight Forwarder. We ordered from China before but never Bulk items (container).
INFRONT is a manufacturer as well! they built my machines and sent me the videos in process !
nice ... yeah, pretty decent equipment
this is not just how you did it, but it is in fact a how to video. sounds too complicated though... you clearly either have a knack for bureaucratic palava or for some sort of administrative self torture... great vid!
You said it man: a knack for bureaucratic BS :)
Interesting. Thanks
Thanks sawrus
All those Fees, maybe Elaine Chow (Mitch McConnels) Chinese wife and past Transportation Secretary could shed some light on all that and why all that non-disclosed fleecing was allowed. Each Chinese exporter should have an agent that can help walk-you-through each step, giving you a heads up on all fees that you should and should not pay.
everyone takes a fee or charge all the way through the process ... that's for sure
@@metaspencer LOL. Well, the worker DOES deserve their wages. I'm sure the city has their hands in the pockets of the port too. It's a big operation with lots of people, equipment, expenses, and I am sure taxes as well. I've never mind paying my fair share as long as it's: Fair, transparent, and on-par with the assistance rendered. Nothing should be a surprise to them, they have dimension and weight data to give them an idea of what it's going to cost them to get your package off the ship, documented, and on-to your trailer. All ports should give you a range: Something like, your 15.5' long, 8' wide, 9' high crate has arrived, it weighs 3500 lbs, Expect to pay between $1500-$3300 towards port charges, customs, and import duties/taxes. Each day not claimed 12/08/2023 expect to pay $25/day storage fees. If not claimed by 12/20/2023 it will be transferred to state abandoned property division for auction. Something easy along those lines.
Ha, I remember the video when you finally got the skid steer! All the hullabaloo with shipping etc. seemed to be worth it! Anything else you might go direct on? Keep us posted, sure to be a good time for your viewers anyway!😅😊
I'm angling for another piece of equipment -- but no announcement yet. We'll have to see if it works out :)
Is it the shipping and fees are equal to the cost of the skid
Not really: about 9k for the machine and 3k extra to get it here
Hey Spencer, i really appreciate the time you took to make this video as well as the clarity you provided with entire process, Great stuff man! Was wondering if you could confirm if was the YF380 model you ordered. Im in the process of ordering one myself. Can you recall what the original price was and what attachments/upgrades you added to make the price jump to 9k? The machine it self right now is $3,000. Seems almost to good to be true lol
That price sounds about right -- the prices have come WAY down due to currency fluctuations and whatnot. As for the exact model I'm not sure, but they're decent machines. You might save some coin and speed the process up by buying one on FB marketplace ... I see some guys importing containers full of them these days and selling them on FB
I have decided to buy a tractor direct from china after seeing your videos thanks. My question is You said you paid about $3000 dollars once the unit was in port may I ask for a breakdown what I want to know is how much was shipping and how much was other? Was it based on the cost of your unit? My tractor and attachments is about $16,000. I decided to go with an electric articulated loader with a telescopic boom with a bunch off attachments. Thanks David
Sounds like a cool machine. For me that $3k went pretty much like this: $1k to the shipping company at the port, $1k to the shipping agent, and then another grand for who-knows-what fees and taxes and customs and all that. I'd probably budget $5k overage if I was buying a machine like that as there are just all kinds of charges along the way. Still a good deal but you've gotta be prepared to pay for the shipping part of things.
Thank you! For your knowledge and this valuable information.
Thanks buddy
Can you do a video instructional on how to Put rubber track on when it goes off the track?
I ordered a large piece of equipment from Alibaba. It is suppose to ship to Port of Charleston, SC. I have a shipping agent and they filed the ISF. My questions is - Can I go pick up the box myself or do I HAVE to use another company???
I picked up my shipment myself, but you need to contact the shipping agent or shipper to see if the warehouse works that way
I am actually talking to a rep now about ordering a 1 ton mini excavator from China and have it shipped to Charleston and picked up myself. Any idea how much the taxes, customs and agent fees were yet? How did the pickup process go? Any tips or info you have run into would be very helpful. First time doing this. Thanks
@@lordspam2721 You'll see I've got another video here going through the whole process ... it's this one: ua-cam.com/video/eXZ_xZuLYso/v-deo.html
@@metaspencer Thanks!
@@metaspencer was the freight charges you paid from China taxed when it arrived at the port or just the items themselves? Thanks
You've already said it costs as much to ship as to purchase. Good stuff.
Not quite -- about $9k to purchase and $3k in taxes and shipping and fees
$12,000 for that little machine? WHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!!!!??
@@metaspencer
prices are down around 6k these days@@jp3eku
Less than that. Closer to 4k now
@tombracejr4024 yep much cheaper now
Thank you for the video. I am thinking about some of the offers of machinery from China but I don't trust that scammers haven't been nesting around the opportunity to scam. I will probably go with a company offering the machinery. Many of the steps you mention I believe have been new regulations added to taxpayers expenses increasing the heavy loads of taxes.
Yeah it's certainly a HIGHLY regulated process with lots of people and agencies and governments getting some $$$$$
Wow, sounds kinda crazy!!! I would definitely need to pay someone to help me go through this process. LOL
yeah, pretty involved process for sure
If you have any questions about the process of the trucks picking up from the Port; I can answer that. We pick up loads at the port every week.
Don't feel bad because we also are probably going to need to hire a freight forwarder/Shipping agent. I also want to know if can I share a container with someone to cut costs (LOL).
Rock on!!!
I bought a very similar unit from Infront machinery because of your videos lol!
It’s on a ship right now, but I’m not gonna lie, I’m kinda nervous about everything working out. Is there any way I can DM you and talk to you about my order to get your opinion?
I know that feeling! absolutely feel free to DM me -- I'm metaspencer on IG, fb, and gmail. As long as you have a shipping agent and check those emails, all should work out
I learned all the shipping BS when i bought an engine from Australia, i got lucky and found a guy bringing in his own container full of parts so he arranged for his shipper to pick mine up and load into his container. Bad part is when it got to the Canada/US border Covid was just getting into full swing so they had plenty time to check ever box and unluckily ours had crating boxs made from some kind of wood thats been banned from coming into the US since the 50s so the container was sent back to Aus repackaged and sent back. In the end it was a good thing because i had more things i needed shipped here and was thrown into the container for a free ride and all the freight was absorbed by the original shipper for being at fault. Its a hassle for sure but in my case JUST the $350 engine was going to be $3480 in shipping to the warehouse in PA but in the end i got the engine, trans, spare trans and all the wiring/ECM and a lot of other parts shipped and delivered to my door for $2k…massive savings but about a year long wait. The engine had more miles in transit than it did being driven lol
I have been looking at those mini articulating loaders thats about 1200lbs for yard work and other things my tractor and skidsteer are too big to get into or too much of a hassle, i like that little unit you have and with a home made grapple thats not as bulky would be ideal with tires for my dad to operate
wow, that shipping story of yours was quite a fiasco! I thought my story was a wild ride. I like the yellow machine for sure and it's been a money maker on the job ... good luck with that mini you're looking at
I wonder if you go through eBay if it skips all the stuff you had to go through?
things have changed a lot lately and I've seen them for sale on FB marketplace. So there are some people importing a bunch of them now ... may save you some $$$$$
Been looking at getting one shipped myself. Up to 2800 w/o any of those fee's. A ddp... whatever that is. Shipped directly to my house is 2800
Sounds good
@floggerSG Update? How did it go?
Any chance you could comment on how much the actual Yellow Devil machine cost?
9k then 3k to import it
@@metaspencer Thank you for commenting on this. Does the 9k include the implements you ordered? If so, which implements did you get with the machine? Thanks!
@@robertscott7723 Yes the grapple I got was included ... I shoulda got a post hole digger too, which is about 1500
I just purchased a skid steer from alibaba paid extra to get it shipped directly to me, I'm wondering if i still need to go through all those extra steps you did.
Sounds like a great idea and I bet it's a good piece of equipment. As for all the steps (like customs and a shipping agent), it depends on the seller and what they're doing. I'd suggest talking with them about it just so you know what to expect. They should be able to handle everything but ya never know
@@metaspencer I just received confirmation that I paid for door to door service, which includes all paperwork being completed by them including the ISF 10-2 form, hopefully they are truthful being I spend maybe 1500 bucks extra getting the machine door to door
That sounds good man! you may need to have a set of powerful forks on site to get it off the truck, but I've had delivery trucks meet me at a local gravel yard and paid the guy at the yard to unload heavy equipment for me. you'll figure it out!@@santana444
@@santana444 Update? How did it go?
I'm also wanting door to door on an excavator. I'm going to maybe buy one in a week. They said I don't have to do anything with shipping, they will handle it with their freight forwarder. Hope this is true.
I’m working with Jason from in front to buy a mini skid loader. He says that he takes care of everything shipped right to my house. Shipping is 2000. Do you think that’s true after purchase I just sit and wait for it to arrive
Jason is a pretty solid guy -- I've had good exchanges with him. I know that costs have gone down A LOT since I bought mine, so that sounds like it could be the case. Just double check with him and ask which shipping company. You need the details
How much was the machine and shipping total?
Total was 9k for the machine and 3k to get it to NY
@@metaspencer ok not to bad, thanks
Who did you use as your agent? Im ordering mine this week!
Hey man, good to hear. I used All in One Customs which is based in New Jersey. They teased me a bit for being inexperienced at importing, but were very helpful.
And let me know how it goes!
@@metaspencer I will! Thank you for the help!
Would you do it again?
That is the question.
In fact, I am in the midst of doing it again :) but that's just me: I like this kind of thing and am a real cheapskate
Planning on purchasing a trailer from China … I recently signed up with Clear It as a shipping agent (just trying to gauge the full cost of everything before proceeding) is there anything you can tell me about Clear It, or a shipping agent company that you recommend?
I used an agent in New Jersey - they were on a list through homeland security. They cost almost a grand … expect to pay them and taxes and the shipper
@@metaspencer I appreciate the info
I’d like to see the trailer
@@metaspencer I can show you the specs of the 1 I’m in talks with the company to purchase if you like? They apparently build them to your specific needs , I’ve told them everything I can think of requesting… my only concern is anything that’s slips my mind I am going to get dinged on when I go apply for my operations license
@@garcel1251 sounds cool… I want one now!
@metaspencer Thanks for making this video!
I am seriously considering getting this mini skid loader for my property. I will use in the hills to clear pathways and hiking trails.
How steep do you feel safe using this machine?
Also, are the customs/shipping cost calculated on the purchase price?
Lastly, there seems to be a lot of interest in this machine from the comments. Perhaps if a few of us join forces, we could get better deals and lower shipping costs? 🤔
Better deals and group buying would be cool! On slopes I go slow and keep the nose down - no problems so far. I paid 3k for customs and shipping and all that. Great machine so far
@metaspencer is that 3k for shipping customs on top of the machine or total ?
@kennethvazquez6096 yep but prices have come way down lately
@metaspencer awesome , thank you . I wrote the message prior to getting the explanation at the end of the video, but that's great news. I hope I can pick one up for my guys
When it got to the port, did they notify you to come pick it up?
Yup, email and calls and all that
@metaspencer I just made a purchase on a piece of equipment. If I don't have a broker can I just go pick it up myself from port once notified?
@metaspencer they keep telling me it's going to be available for pick up in Chicago but their's only trains in Chicago? So they seem a little fishy 🐟
@@Flipping_Assets my guess is that navigating the customs and taxes an paperwork will be tough without an agent, but I’m no expert
There are 'dry' ports too. How did it go? I think some sellers will manage the importation process/papers too? @@Flipping_Assets
Hello from the Netherlands.
thanks for the video.
Sincerely Hollandduck
good hearing from ya buddy
Well crap... Had no idea about any of this. Ordered something off Alibaba over a month ago, they finally tell me yesterday that it's shipped. Crap i thought they were sending it to my address. Sounds like I'm about to get educated really bad
It depends on what you ordered and how they shipped it -- there is still a chance it'll ship to your door and not the port. Hang in!
Did you get door to door from the seller? Can you update us what happened
@@xenomorph7299 ok so update, had to wait 2 and a half MONTHS, for a mini skid steer, but everything came except a couple hydraulic hoses for one of the many attachments. They made it right though, and fed ex air shipped the hoses and fittings to me within 5 days.
To avoid all the red tape, make sure you specifically have them collect the tax, and ship the items to you "DDP" because that covers everything from them, to your door, and they handle all the legals, port forms, fees, and duties. Be sure to tell them it is for your own personal use so that you get billed the sales tax, unless you are a dealer, at which time you would then inform them so.
Also waited 2 and a half months for a tilt rotator for my excavator and it was DDP as well.
Both items were very nice products and accessories, but horrible instructions on the rotator though.
@@bobvincent4841 Thank you so much for the update. I think I want to buy the Rippa mini excavator 2 ton. The company is verified pro and has 4.6/5 stars. Hopefully I'm choosing a good company because this is my first puchase on alibaba and I'm a bit nervous.
Nah. Not for me. Too complicated a process. Too many chances to get ripped. I'd pay my money here in the states at a dealer. Got to think about service on your apparatus too. Glad you got through the process and received your equipment.
Makes sense man -- gotta do what works for you
I'm looking at importing a tractor. Does the tractor need to meet epa requirements?
I haven't tried a tractor yet so don't know about the EPA guidelines .... my mini-skid steer didn't seem to have any trouble on that score
China has the best prices
What manufacturering company did you purchase from and was it from alibaba?
Yeah it was this one www.alibaba.com/product-detail/skid-steer-loader_1600391587866.html?spm=a2747.manage.0.0.3b4171d21Akio2
Wow! These machines appear to have come down in price. The one in your link is $3,000
Is this the real price?
@@wolfsegovia That price is weird and wrong. You're gonna pay about 9k for the machine then add shipping and fees
@wolfsegovia Yes, prices have dropped. December 2022 and I was quoted $7,500 at the time. Now getting quotes for $3,000 plus $600 shipping
How come the price changes so much 😢@@2006mrderrickh
Was the $3,000 what you spent total? Also, the link you posted on the other video is that the same price it was when you ordered it?
I think the price has fluctuated a bit (it came down some after some of those equipment shortages). $3k was for shipping and taxes and all that. $9k for the machine. Attachments will cost ya more
@@metaspencerso all together 12k?
About that much but prices have been coming down@@DMDtheproducer
My skid steer and attachments was 6500. I paid 850 for shipping. Then another 3700 for customs. Wtf! Seems like I'm getting scammed.
Prices are always changing. They’re cheap these days on fb marketplace
So I may have missed it but what did you pay in total?
about 9k for the machine and 3k to ship
Economies of scale
Likely almost cheaper to just buy from a distributor
$4k for one of these machines on FB marketplace these days ... $50k for a Bobcat mini or similar machine
How much are you all in with this piece? I’ve been considering getting one
All in is about $9k for the machine and $3k for shipping, customs, agent, etc. So about $60k less than a Toro or Bobcat
It's a shame we seem forced to pay so many fees. 😢 But thank God neither you nor the ground crew had to strip brother. 😊😅 Thanks for explaining your headache. Take care and may Father YHVH bless y'all.
Thanks buddy -- good hearing from ya
Thank you for waiting until the very last moment to say how much it actually cost.
I try to avoid mentioning cost in videos as the costs change over time and videos last forever up there ... paid about $9k for the machine and $3k to ship
Wow, a how to video! Sounds like a lot of red tape. I'm sure if you're somebody that does this every day it's probably not a big deal. Thanks for the video.
Yeah you said it: red tape galore
Thanks for the update, This is your second video I watched on this little machine, all to hear how much the machine itself is, I am not sure why you keep jumping that in both videos, well shipping and custom BS charged you $3K & how much for did you pay for the machine itself?
BTW these machines are already on eBay so just wondering if I should buy it off eBay or Alibaba. On the link you shared on the first video Alibaba price is $1900 so, please if you don't mind to share. Thanks
The machine I got was about 9k but note that currency changes have made them cheaper these days. I haven't seen the eBay options but liked the buyer protections Alibaba offered
I have one coming when and where and who do I pay the taxes too and will my agent arrange shipping to my door ?
Taxes and customs fees and all that should come to you as a bill. As for shipping to your door you need to arrange that with a shipping company. It's gonna either be the same shipping company you're already working with or another one you hire. I'd talk to the people at the warehouse where your shipper is dropping the equipment to get a contact on a shipper to work with
Where do I find that out at
@@proscapesnh1903 The US Customs website has a "find a broker" page that searches for brokers by each port. You can also use google and search for brokers working the port you're using. Here's the site: www.cbp.gov/contact/find-broker-by-port
So I have one recommended from the factory I bought mine from I but they are saying shipping from the wear house can’t happen due to size and life gate won’t work
@@proscapesnh1903 That's possible, depending on what you're buying. I'd call the warehouse and the shipper just to make sure, because most things are shippable as long as you have a forklift at your place to take it off the truck. And you can always rent the forklift or telehandler.
Very nice Video =) Are you Still satisfied with your purchase? Greetings from Sweden
thanks for checking it out -- things have changed quite a bit and these machines have become more easily available here in the U.S. ... nice machine and easier to get these days
How was your custom broker ???
Do you have his info I'm in the same page of you. I'm in ct.
Great video. 👍 thanks
Broker was great. Did a ton of work
@metaspencer thanks any chance I can get his info or where I find this brokers ?
I have to go to the port 😩
@@villegas5874 you bet buddy! All In One Customs Brokers Inc
331 Second Street
Elizabeth NJ 07206
908-820-9443
@@metaspencer wow. Amazing. Thank you
@@villegas5874 and let me know if you have questions as the process goes on
Make sure any Diesel engine is EPA compliant ?
Yeah that sounds right, only it's a gas engine haha
What about when you need parts .do they sell them.or do you use local
Gotta source them locally
@@metaspencer was it a big savings in comparison to say ditch witch .looking to get a 1050 or sk 3000 ..
@@Sethhaun78 Saved about $50k, but not as good of a machine
@@metaspencer wow......that's persuading me
@@metaspencer I think I might try that ..need one ..have hernia andworze ..realy buisy but keep having to lift logs ..thanks
Did u say this is a how to no way
haha ... the words have been spoken! :)
Lading means cargo in Dutch, so that's probably it.
Makes sense! Thanks
But who the hell is bill then
@@metaspencer
@jaylast1958 Mr Laden!
I need to get to New York if money is just falling from the sky there. 💙💛
Come on out! :)
Cash doesn't fall from the sky, it grows inside stumps, just ask Spencer.😉
A How to Video?
I don't believe it!
haha! it's true!
This one guy had a video and he had to pay 10k in fees. I felt so bad for him because YES; everyone is making money and it's really too many hands in the pot exploiting import cost.
wow, those are some BIG fees!
If you get an engine brand with high tariff charges then yea the fees can get ugly. They might do 250% of cost of shipment product. So if product was $4000 then the fees at 250% would be $10,000 import fees on-top of the $4000. The briggs and Stratton is a decent brand and no tariffs
@l3eaver interesting!
lading is loading in dutch
Interesting! Thanks for the info :)
Selling all kinds of bulldozers, excavators
yeah you said it
It’s costing $6k now
With Chinese currency drops prices have gotten a lot better. Cool to hear
The cringe factor involved in just learning this process cannot possibly compare to going through it. But, you're a self employed tree guy... always up for a challenge 😂
You said it man -- definite cringe factor :)
@@metaspencer hey, the back story puts more perspective into your work too
We really should not be so dependent on China though..
Yeah, but I tend to see that as a macro-geo-political and economic imbalance more than something individual consumers need to try to rectify.
@@metaspencer All in all, the best people to vote on political matters is normal consumers. Each one of your dollar decides which stuff sells and which stuff doesn't.
That's why i always think where i spend my money.. For example, i don't buy meat from grocery stores. I buy it straight from the butcher. It's fresh and cheaper and higher quality than overly processed crap they sell in supermarkets.
I also don't order stuff from china.
But all in all it's just personal opinions.
@@p3l1k44n1 I completely respect that perspective and approach toward personal consumer activism, and I do a lot of it myself.
The Chinese company I dealt with did all that shit and sent it to my door
excellent. great to hear. it sounds like they're getting wise to how to sell stuff
I would use TRUMP to negotiate my delivery with CHINA and make them pay for it. Lol
I’ve bought stuff online before from Chi-NA and it took so long to arrive that I’d already forgotten that I bought it.
you got bill of lading completely wrong. the bill of lading is the shipping label. to over simplify.
The label! Excellent