The price per piece from a Rajkot maker is only part of what imitation jewellery costs you. Samples, moulds, testing, inspection, packaging, freight, insurance, import duty and taxes, clearance fees, bank charges and the cost of defects can add a large share on top, and for small orders they can exceed the goods themselves.
None of these costs is really hidden. They are simply left out of the first quote, so list them before you compare suppliers or set a retail price.
Before production
- Samples and their courier charges, which may or may not be refunded against the order.
- Moulds, dies or masters for custom designs.
- Product testing for nickel, lead and cadmium, or children's product testing, per design or material.
- Your own time or travel for supplier visits, or the cost of an agent.
Getting it out of India
- Branded packaging: boxes, pouches, cards, tags, barcodes and anti-tarnish bags.
- Pre-shipment inspection and any re-inspection.
- Local transport to the airport, port or consolidation point, and export clearance if not included in the price.
- Freight by air, sea or courier, with fuel and security surcharges.
- Cargo insurance.
Getting it into your market
- Import duty on the HS code, which varies by country and trade agreement.
- Import VAT, GST or sales tax, often charged on the value including freight and duty.
- Customs broker and clearance fees, and courier disbursement fees on small shipments.
- Destination handling, storage and delivery to your warehouse.
- Compliance costs in your market, such as a local responsible person or labelling.
Costs that come later
- Bank charges and currency conversion on each payment.
- Defective, short or damaged pieces not recovered from the maker or insurer.
- Customer returns, which in online jewellery can be significant.
- Stock that does not sell, and the cost of holding it.
What this means for a buyer
Put every line into a landed-cost calculation per piece before you set prices. Creston & Co works for buyers only, for a fixed fee agreed in writing. We give you the full cost picture from Rajkot workshop to your door, including testing, inspection and packing, before you place an order. Ask for a free sourcing review.