Import goods from china

[sham_ip]

I want to import computer accessories such as keyboards and mouses from China. The quantity will be about 200 pieces that worth few hundred $. Do I need to have a company (incorporation, sole proprietorship, ... etc) to import these goods? Or that is similar to buying things on ebay under my name?

Did anybody try to import goods to Canada from outside?

Thanks

[Crystalrw]

If you're ordering off of eBay for personal use or even from other companies for personal use, you may not need to.

If you are intending to resell, then technically you are importing.

If you are planning to do this regularly and planning to resell what you import, you should have the following:

1. Set up a sole proprietorship (easiest and cheapest, although you are personally liable for everything)
2. Get a business number
3. Get an Import/Export ID
4. Get a GST number (if you are selling and collecting GST)

[sham_ip]

Thanks for info Crystal,

[TsMortgages]

Hi Sham

Can you suggest a good place to order products like these in bulk? I am looking at making a similar order.

Thanks

[TomcoPDR]

Originally posted by Crystalrw
If you're ordering off of eBay for personal use or even from other companies for personal use, you may not need to.

If you are intending to resell, then technically you are importing.

If you are planning to do this regularly and planning to resell what you import, you should have the following:

1. Set up a sole proprietorship (easiest and cheapest, although you are personally liable for everything)
2. Get a business number
3. Get an Import/Export ID
4. Get a GST number (if you are selling and collecting GST)

Great info Crystal. I believe the business number itself includes all. Gst/hst, importing/export, CPP/EI, corporate taxes. (it's seperated by different suffix at the end to differiate which account, but same business number to identify that it's you) afaik

[Crystalrw]

Thanks Tomco, you are absolutely right. Last time I set one up it was very simple. Everything (except business name registration) was done online and all of the numbers were provided at the end. Quick and easy!

The toughest part will be making sure you get good quality products and organizing the shipping. Best of luck with that. I do a lot of importing myself, so feel free to PM me if you have any questions, sham_ip.

[Mar]

Already looked into this and decided not to finance it but if you want to partner on it I have the business and GST numbers already set up. Most people import from www.alibaba.com or similar sites.

You finance the stock and pay for marketing and I'll use my business to sell them online if you're interested.

[Graham_A_M]

^Alibaba is a great resource. I know a good bunch of people that locate & buy their goods through there.

I was about to import motorcycles & and a few other things through that site as well.