How to Bundle Orders to Reduce China Shipping Fees

Let’s be real—shipping from China can be a total rollercoaster. One minute you’re scoring amazing deals on Alibaba or 1688, and the next, your wallet’s crying because of sky-high shipping fees. But here’s the secret sauce: bundling orders. It’s not just smart—it’s shipping genius.

Why Bundling Saves You Big Time

Every shipment has a base cost—think of it like boarding a plane. Whether you’re carrying a backpack or three suitcases, the ticket price is fixed. Same with shipping. By combining multiple purchases into one shipment, you spread that fixed cost across more items. Result? Lower cost per unit.

For example, two separate 5kg shipments via ePacket might cost $25 each ($50 total). But one 10kg consolidated package? Around $38. That’s a 24% savings—and that adds up fast.

Step-by-Step: How to Bundle Like a Pro

  1. Use a Chinese Forwarding Service: Sign up with reliable consolidators like Superbuy, Pandabuy, or CSSBuy. They give you a local warehouse address in China.
  2. Shop Across Platforms: Buy from Taobao, Tmall, 1688, or even JD.com. Ship everything to your forwarder’s warehouse.
  3. Wait for All Items to Arrive: Most services hold packages for 30–60 days free of charge.
  4. Request Consolidation: Merge items, remove excess packaging, and ship as one.

Real Savings: A Comparison Table

Shipping Method Weight Cost (USD) Delivery Time
ePacket (individual) 5kg x2 $50 18–25 days
Consolidated Air Express 10kg $38 12–18 days
Sea Freight (bulk) 50kg $90 30–45 days

See that? Consolidation isn’t just cheaper—it’s often faster than slow ePacket deliveries.

Bonus Tips to Maximize Savings

  • Remove box, keep product: Many forwarders offer repackaging. Say goodbye to bulky retail boxes.
  • Time your orders: Plan purchases around sales (like Singles’ Day) and bundle during promo shipping windows.
  • Combine with friends: Some services let you share a warehouse address. Split the shipment, split the savings.

The Bottom Line

If you're regularly buying from Chinese suppliers, not bundling is like leaving cash on the table. With the right strategy, you can slash shipping costs by up to 40%, speed up delivery, and keep your margins healthy. Start small, use a trusted consolidator, and watch your logistics game level up.

Ready to ship smarter? Your next big saving starts with one packed box.