Shipping from Alibaba to Amazon FBA: The Complete Logistics Guide

You found the perfect product on Alibaba. The price is right. But when it comes to shipping, you face a dilemma: Should you just click the "Ship via Supplier" button, or is it worth hiring a private freight forwarder?

For many new Amazon sellers, the "default" shipping option feels safest. But convenience often comes with a hidden price tag—what we call the "Lazy Tax."

In this 2026 guide, we break down the pros and cons of both methods. We will also teach you how to verify a forwarder's credibility using Alibaba's own certification system, so you don't get scammed.

Method 1: Letting the Supplier Ship (The "Easy" Way)

When you ask your Alibaba supplier to handle shipping (DDP), they usually act as a middleman. They hand your goods to a courier like DHL, UPS, or a generic logistics broker.

• Pros:
• Simplicity: You pay one invoice for product + shipping.
• Less Friction: Good for very small trial orders (under 20kg).

• Cons:  
• Higher Costs: Suppliers often add a 10-20% markup on shipping to increase their profit margin.
• No Consolidation: If you buy samples from 3 different factories, you must pay for 3 separate international shipments.
• Lack of Inspection: Suppliers rarely double-check packaging quality before shipping.

Method 2: Using a Private Freight Forwarder (The "Pro" Way)

Experienced 7-figure sellers almost always use a private forwarder. This means you hire a logistics company in China to pick up goods from the factory and ship them to Amazon FBA.

• Why Pros do it:  
• Control: You choose the carrier (Matson, Air, or Sea) based on your budget, not the supplier's.
• Consolidation (The Money Saver): You can combine goods from Factory A and Factory B into one shipment.​
• FBA Compliance: A specialized forwarder knows Amazon's labeling rules better than a generic factory.

Safety First: How to Verify a Freight Forwarder?

The biggest fear for new sellers is: "Is my forwarder legitimate? Will they disappear with my cargo?"

In 2026, you don't need to guess. You can use Alibaba's own data to verify a partner. Look for these 3 Trust Signals:

1. "Gold Supplier" Badge: This means they pay a premium membership and are verified by Alibaba.

2. "Verified" Tag: A third-party inspection agency (like SGS) has physically visited their office.

3. Years of Operation: Look for companies with 5+ years of history.

For Example: At Forest Leopard, we maintain an Alibaba Gold Logistics Partner status and a 5-Star Supplier rating. We display these credentials openly so clients know they are dealing with a verified entity, not a "ghost" company.

Pro Tip: Always ask your forwarder for their business license or Alibaba profile link before booking.

The "Sample Consolidation" Strategy (High Value Section )

Here is a strategy that can save you hundreds of dollars on your first order. If you are sourcing a new product, you might order samples from 5 different suppliers.

• The Wrong Way: Pay $50 shipping to each supplier. Total = $250.
• The "Consolidation" Way: 

1. Ask all 5 suppliers to ship domestically to a forwarder's warehouse (Domestic shipping in China is very cheap, often $2-$5).

2. The forwarder (like us) receives them, strips the boxes, and repacks them into ONE box.

3. You ship one box internationally for $60.

4. Total Savings: ~$180.  

Forest Leopard operates consolidation warehouses in Shenzhen, Yiwu, Shanghai, Ningbo, and Xiamen to help you execute this strategy easily.

Step-by-Step: How to Switch from Direct to Private Shipping

1. Ask for "EXW Price": Tell your supplier you have your own forwarder and ask for the Ex-Works price (product cost only).

2. Get a Quote: Send the packing list (weight/dimensions) to a forwarder to get a shipping estimate.

3. Compare: Usually, EXW Product Cost + Private Shipping < DDP Price from Supplier.

4. Connect: Give your forwarder the supplier's contact info. They will handle the pickup and customs.

Before you finalize your order, make sure you have your paperwork ready. Read our checklist on Important Things Importers Need to Know to avoid customs delays.

Summary: Choose Control Over Convenience

Shipping directly from Alibaba is fine for your first sample. But to build a profitable Amazon business, you need to control your supply chain.

By choosing a verified, Alibaba-certified logistics partner, you get the safety of the official platform with the cost-savings of a private agent.

Need a quote comparison? Send us your packing list. We will help you check if you are overpaying for shipping.

[Get a Free Quote & Consolidation Plan]