Many first-time importers budget only for the supplier's price — then get caught out by freight, duties and fees they didn't plan for. The fix is simple: budget the total landed cost from the start. Here's a clear framework for East African buyers.
- Budget the total landed cost, not just the supplier price — the goods are rarely more than half your real cost.
- Landed cost has five buckets: goods (RMB), payment cost, freight, duties & taxes, and clearing & transport.
- Get your freight quote before placing the order — for bulky goods it can rival the goods cost itself.
- Pay in RMB to avoid the supplier's hidden currency margin, and lock your payment amount with a written quote.
- SilkBridge makes the payment bucket predictable: exact local-currency amount confirmed in writing before you pay.
The components of landed cost
Think of your import cost in five buckets:
The supplier's price is rarely more than half your real cost — budget the total landed cost or you'll run out of cash before the goods clear.
1. The goods (supplier price, in RMB)
What the factory charges. Often includes a deposit upfront and the balance before shipping. Pay in RMB to avoid hidden currency margins.
2. The payment cost
Converting your KES/UGX/TZS to RMB at the Rate of the Day, plus any transparent service fee — shown to you before you pay. Your bank or mobile-money provider may also charge to fund the request.
3. Freight
Sea or air freight from China to Mombasa/Dar es Salaam (and onward inland). Sea is cheaper for volume; air is faster for small or urgent goods. Get this quote early — it can rival the goods cost for bulky items.
4. Duties and taxes
Import duty, VAT and any levies assessed on arrival, based on the product category and customs value. Check the rate for your specific goods before you commit.
5. Clearing, transport and handling
Clearing agent fees, port charges, and inland transport to your warehouse or shop.
The five buckets at a glance
| Cost bucket | What it covers | When you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Goods (RMB) | Factory price — deposit + balance | Before shipping |
| Payment cost | Currency conversion + service fee | When you fund the payment |
| Freight | Sea/air China to Mombasa or Dar | At booking / on shipment |
| Duties & taxes | Import duty, VAT, levies | On arrival / at clearing |
| Clearing & transport | Agent fees, port charges, inland haulage | At clearing & delivery |
A worked way to think about it
Before you place the order, write down an estimate for each of the five buckets. Even rough numbers stop the two classic mistakes: under-pricing your product, and running out of cash before the goods clear.
Where SilkBridge fits
SilkBridge handles bucket 2 — the payment — and makes it predictable:
- You see the exact local-currency amount before you pay (Rate of the Day, confirmed in writing).
- No hidden supplier currency margin, because we pay in RMB.
- A real reviewer verifies the invoice and beneficiary, so money doesn't get lost to fraud or wrong details.
- You track the payment end-to-end.
That removes the most uncertain, highest-risk line in your budget.
Tips to keep total cost down
- Pay in RMB, not USD, to avoid the supplier's conversion margin.
- Consolidate orders to cut per-unit freight.
- Confirm duty rates for your product category before ordering.
- Lock your payment amount with a written quote so currency moves don't surprise you.
Frequently asked questions
Does SilkBridge handle freight and customs?
No — SilkBridge handles the supplier payment. But getting that step right (correct amount, verified beneficiary, clear records) makes the rest of your import smoother.
How do I budget the payment precisely?
Enter the RMB amount and we'll confirm the exact KES/UGX/TZS total before you pay.
Can I get a quote before committing?
Yes — submit a request (no account needed) and you'll get the local-currency amount in writing.
SilkBridge helps importers in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania pay Chinese suppliers in RMB — documented, reviewed in Nairobi, and tracked to payout.
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