You have found a shoe sole for your next collection. Before approving a bulk order, you need samples at your factory or design office. How will they be shipped, when will they arrive, and will you face extra charges?
Tread Soles helps footwear brands and factories arrange sample shipping from China. Our logistics team works with major international shipping providers and reviews the route, estimated cost, delivery terms and documents with you before dispatch. Tell us where the samples need to go and when you need them; we will help you compare available options.
Express or Air Freight: Which Is Right for Your Samples?
International express is often convenient for a few pairs or a small carton. Depending on the service and address, it can offer door-to-door delivery and tracking. We can check available services from major carriers such as DHL, FedEx and UPS for your shipment.
Air freight can be considered for several cartons or a larger sample shipment. An air freight quote may cover transport to an airport or a named address. We will clarify whether destination handling, customs clearance and final delivery are included before you choose.
Already have a courier account or freight forwarder? Let us know before dispatch. We can discuss collection and the handover details with your nominated provider.
How Long Does Shipping from China Take?
Delivery time depends on the origin and destination postal codes, carrier, service level and customs process. The following are published carrier examples to help with planning; they are not a delivery promise for every address or a quote from Tread Soles:
- United States: FedEx China’s USA guide describes urgent services typically taking 1–2 business days and economy services 2–5 business days, depending on service and destination.
- Select destinations in Canada and Europe: FedEx International Priority Express states a typical 1–2 business days for select destinations. Coverage and postal codes must be checked.
- Other destinations, including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Latin America: transit time varies by city and service. We check the route and quote for your postal code rather than apply one estimate to an entire country.
For comparison, UPS lists 1–3 days for certain worldwide express services and 2–5 business days for Worldwide Expedited; availability depends on the route. Customs checks, remote delivery, holidays and weather can add time. Sample preparation and new tooling take place before dispatch and are separate from transit. We will check the estimated delivery window for your actual shipment.
How Much Will Sample Shipping Cost?
Freight depends on the destination, package dimensions, weight, chosen service and applicable surcharges. A bulky box may be charged using dimensional weight instead of its actual weight. FedEx explains dimensional weight and why packaging size matters.
To help you compare the full cost, we will clarify the sample price, estimated freight, named delivery point, trade term and any known charges. Ask us whether duties, taxes, customs clearance, remote-area fees, insurance and final delivery are included or payable separately. Customs authorities or carriers may assess additional charges based on the actual shipment. We will help clarify any charge with the relevant provider.
Who Handles Customs and Pays Import Charges?
Samples still need an accurate customs declaration and may be subject to duty or tax. Product description, material, quantity, origin and customs value must be accurate. We coordinate the shipping paperwork with the logistics provider; the recipient may need to provide local tax or importer details. The applicable requirements depend on the destination. See FedEx’s international shipping document guide.
Which Trade Terms Can Be Used?
The right Incoterms® 2020 rule depends on your shipping arrangements and the destination. We can discuss available terms and agree the named place before dispatch. Common options for air or express shipments include:
- EXW: goods are made available at the named place; the buyer arranges collection and generally handles export and onward transport. Check export arrangements before choosing it.
- FCA: the seller delivers goods to the nominated carrier at the named place and handles applicable export clearance; the buyer arranges onward carriage.
- CPT / CIP: the seller pays carriage to the named destination; CIP also requires the seller to arrange insurance. Risk generally transfers when goods are handed to the first carrier, and the buyer generally handles import clearance and charges.
- DAP: the seller arranges delivery to the named place, ready for unloading; the buyer handles import clearance and applicable duties and taxes.
- DPU: the seller delivers and unloads at the named place; the buyer handles import clearance and applicable import charges.
- DDP: the seller handles delivery to the named place and import clearance, including applicable duties and taxes. Availability depends on local rules and the arrangements for the shipment.
Not every term is suitable or available for every shipment. Incoterms set responsibilities between buyer and seller; carrier billing instructions must also be agreed. For more detail, see the ICC’s DAP and DDP guide and the U.S. International Trade Administration’s overview.
What If the Shipment Is Delayed or Damaged?
After dispatch, we provide tracking details when available. If tracking stops updating or customs requests documents, send us the tracking number and the carrier’s message. Our team will follow up with the provider and help coordinate the information needed. If the parcel arrives damaged, photograph the carton and contents, keep the packaging and notify us promptly so the carrier can review the case. Resolution and compensation depend on the carrier’s terms and any insurance.
What We Need to Prepare Your Sample and Shipping Quote
- Sole model or product link, sizes and number of pairs.
- Color, logo and any customization requirements.
- Destination country, city and postal code, plus the delivery address when available.
- Your required arrival date and whether you prefer your own carrier or forwarder.
Looking for a model? Browse our football shoe sole collection. For new designs, read our shoe sole mold cost checklist.
Часто задаваемые вопросы
Can you ship samples to our factory or design office?
We can check door-to-door services for your address. Provide the postal code and delivery details so we can confirm the available options and estimate.
How are sample, shipping and import charges handled?
Shoe sole samples are charged. We will provide a quote for the samples and shipping based on your requirements and delivery address. Import duties and taxes may apply; who pays them depends on the agreed delivery terms. We will clarify the known costs before dispatch.
Can I use my own DHL, FedEx or UPS account?
Tell us your preferred carrier and account arrangement before shipment. We will check the practical collection and billing details with you.
Request Your Shoe Sole Sample Shipping Quote
Send us the sole model, sizes, quantity, destination and required date. Our team will discuss the sample and help you choose a suitable shipping arrangement. Contact Tread Soles to get started.