Buying & Shipping Q&A — HK Millionsmooth
Everything importers ask us before placing an order: the buying steps, T/T payment rules, vessel booking, B/L and export documents, plus a plain-English glossary of trade terms. Your question not answered here? Send an inquiry or ask the AI advisor.
- 1Inquiry
- 2Quote
- 3Contract & deposit
- 4Production / stock
- 5Inspection & balance
- 6Booking & loading
- 7Documents
- 8Customs & pickup
The answers importers need first
Curated from our full Q&A — switch the site language above to read this page in English, Chinese, Spanish or French.
Buying
How do I buy? (The 6 steps)
1) Pick the model from our range; 2) Send an inquiry — you receive a proforma invoice with all payment details; 3) Pay by T/T at your bank and share the TT copy within 72 hours; 4) We confirm the purchase and the shipping schedule; 5) You receive the B/L and document set after shipment; 6) Receive the car at your port and clear customs with a local agent. Individual buyers should check their country's import rules first.
Does the FOB price include freight and duties?
No. FOB covers the vehicle and all domestic handling up to loading on the vessel. Ocean freight, insurance, import duty, taxes and destination charges are NOT included. Ask a local clearing agent for the landed-cost estimate; we can quote C&F / CIF on request.
Can I buy right-hand-drive (RHD) cars?
Yes. We supply both LHD and RHD vehicles and confirm drive side and configuration against your destination market before the contract is signed.
How do I know the vehicle condition?
Every vehicle is documented with detailed photos before purchase, and third-party inspection (SGS / CIQ) can be arranged at the buyer's cost. We share the condition findings before you pay the balance.
Can I cancel my order?
Before payment — you may cancel at any time. After payment — a 50% cancellation fee applies. After the shipping schedule is issued — cancellation is no longer accepted. Providing inaccurate buyer information that blocks export is treated the same way.
Are there quality standards for the export?
Yes. Used vehicles follow China's national export standards (WM/T8-2022 passenger, WM/T9-2022 commercial). New vehicles carry factory QC and full export documentation. Vehicles under seizure, mortgage, smuggling suspicion or failed inspection are never exported.
Can I visit and see the vehicles in person?
Yes — visits to our Guangzhou and Shanghai offices and warehouses are welcome by appointment. Message us to schedule a time.
What languages do you do business in?
English, Chinese, Spanish and French. We reply within one business day from Guangzhou and Shanghai.
Payment
How do I pay?
By bank telegraphic transfer (T/T) against our proforma invoice, which states the purchase terms, currency and bank account. We do not accept credit cards or cash. All bank charges are on the buyer.
Which currencies do you accept?
US Dollars as standard; Chinese Yuan is accepted in agreed cases. For any other currency, consult us before paying.
What is the payment deadline?
Share the TT copy within 72 hours of the invoice, and have the funds arrive within 120 hours. Past that, the vehicle is released to other buyers. If it is still available we accept late payment; if sold, you may switch to a similar unit or request a refund with a US$150 handling fee.
Can I pay in installments?
No installments. Standard terms are T/T 30% deposit with the balance before shipment; first-time buyers trade on T/T only.
What extra costs come on top of the FOB price?
Ocean freight, customs clearance fee, import duty and taxes, plus registration and compliance fees in your country. A C&F quote adds freight; CIF adds freight and insurance. Import tax is always paid at your port.
Will I get a payment receipt?
The bank wire record is the official written proof of payment for both sides. We do not issue separate receipts.
Shipping & documents
What information do you need to book shipping?
Port of discharge; destination country; consignee's full name exactly as on passport/ID, full address and phone; notify party (or write 'same as consignee'); and a DHL delivery address for the document set. Incomplete consignee details cause B/L amendment fees and delays.
How long is the sea transit?
Estimates from the Chinese port: Africa about 3–5 weeks, Middle East and Caribbean 3–5 weeks, Latin America about 45–60 days. Schedules can change — your shipping agent confirms the actual ETA about one week before arrival.
Which documents will I receive?
Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, export certificate (deregistration), and — where your government requires them — the inspection certificate and export permit. Documents are couriered by DHL with a tracking number.
Can I clear customs with a PDF of the B/L?
A PDF copy covers roughly the first stage of clearance, but the original B/L is required to complete it. On fast voyages we issue a digital Surrender B/L that you print and use at the port.
Can you change vehicle information on the B/L?
No. Altering vehicle details, mileage or shipping documents is illegal and unethical — we never do it. This discipline protects your import.
Do you provide a packing list?
We do not issue a separate packing list; our commercial invoice carries all the quantity, description and weight details customs need, and is accepted in practice.
Glossary
B/L — Bill of Lading
Receipt, cargo details and carriage contract issued by the shipping company. The key document to release the vehicle at your port.
FOB — Free On Board
Price includes the vehicle and all domestic handling until it is loaded on the vessel at the Chinese port. Freight, insurance and duties are extra.
CIF — Cost, Insurance and Freight
Price includes ocean freight and insurance to your named destination port.
C&F — Cost and Freight
Like CIF but without insurance. Sometimes written CFR.
Consignee
The person or company that will own and register the vehicle. The name must match the passport or ID exactly, or the B/L must be amended.
Notify Party
Who the shipping agent contacts with the confirmed arrival date. Usually the consignee or your clearing agent.
TT Copy
The bank's wire-transfer receipt. Sending it within 72 hours of the invoice secures your order.
Export Certificate
Confirms the vehicle's Chinese registration was cancelled and it is legally exported. Also called deregistration certificate.
