China buying costs and international shipping explained

What is included in the first payment?

The purchase total combines the products, AURA service fee, domestic delivery and any other explicitly disclosed amounts. The current checkout breakdown is the source for the amount payable. Check quantities and currencies before paying; a listing price can refer to a particular variant or minimum order quantity.

Why is international shipping separate?

A product listing does not tell us the final packed weight or dimensions. Shipping is quoted separately when the parcel details and service options are known. A cheap product can still be expensive to ship, especially if it is bulky. Ask about a shipping estimate before deciding whether the purchase makes sense.

Actual weight and dimensional weight

Carriers may price a parcel using its weight or the space it takes up. The applicable rule depends on the shipping service. Combining items can reduce repeated handling, but it does not always lower the total: a larger parcel may change the available routes or chargeable weight.

Other costs to check

Ask which taxes, import charges, optional services, storage or return costs apply to your order. Do not assume a shipping quote includes every destination charge. AURA should identify the arrangement for the chosen route before you approve it.

Delivery dates are estimates

Allow time for seller handling, delivery within China, warehouse processing and the international journey. Customs or carrier delays can add time. A China warehouse arrival estimate is not the delivery date to your home.

Your next step

Open AURA Buy to start with your product. Read the current AURA Buy policies before paying.

Related guides

• How to buy from China with AURA Buy
• How to request products from Taobao, 1688 and Weidian