China Dropshipping Quote Checklist: What to Prepare Before You Enquire

A useful dropshipping quotation connects a real product, a finished parcel and a delivery destination. Sending only a product link or asking for a price per kilogram leaves important assumptions unresolved. Use this checklist to request a quote that can be reviewed against your store operations.

Product and inventory information

Provide a clear product description, photographs or a product link, SKU count and material details. Identify batteries, liquids, magnets, powders and branded goods. Tell the provider where the goods are located, whether stock is ready and whether several suppliers must be coordinated.

For each SKU, record the number of units typically placed in one order. A bundle may need different packaging and handling from a single item. If inventory is not yet available, label dimensions and weights as estimates so the quote can be rechecked against a sample.

Parcel and destination information

• Finished parcel weight, including all packaging.
• Outside length, width and height with units.
• Destination countries and representative ZIP or postal codes.
• Expected average daily orders and peak-period volume.
• Typical order value and an accurate description of the goods.

Ask how the service calculates chargeable weight. See our actual versus dimensional weight guide before comparing rates.

Operational requirements

Describe packaging needs, inserts, bundling, stock checks and your preferred order-transfer method. Ask the provider to confirm which requests are available and how each is charged. Include the tracking information you need and how delivery exceptions should be reported. If you need a returns arrangement, request a separate explanation of its location, charges and handling process.

Copy this enquiry template

• Product / SKU: [description and product link]
• Supplier location / stock-ready date: [city and date]
• Special product characteristics: [battery, liquid, branded item or none known]
• Packed parcel: [weight] kg; [length × width × height] cm
• Destinations: [country and example ZIP codes]
• Order volume: [daily average and expected peak]
• Packaging / order handling: [requirements]
• Timing: [desired dispatch and delivery expectations]
• Quote request: Please identify included charges, exclusions, rate validity, tracking and exception procedures.

What should you check in the response?

Confirm the named service, chargeable weight, processing-time assumption and delivery scope. Ask how import formalities and any duties or taxes are handled. A written response should identify unresolved items before you start taking customer orders on the basis of a shipping estimate.

Send your dropshipping requirements to LHD. For an overview before you enquire, read the China-to-USA dropshipping workflow.