10 Things Retail Buyers Wish They Knew Before Importing Furniture

Buyers Are Making Costly Mistakes Without Realizing It

Importing furniture isn’t just about placing an order with a factory—it’s a high-stakes process that involves logistics, rules, tariffs, and consistency checks.

Many buyers jump in without a clear strategy and end up facing:

• Delays of 8+ weeks, ruining seasonal sales, and clogging up warehouses.
  
• Sudden tariff hikes, crushing profit margins.
  
• Inconsistent craftsmanship, increasing return rates, and damaging their store’s reputation.
  

The most successful retailers don’t just “buy furniture”—they build a system to avoid risk and protect profits. Before you import again, avoid these 10 traps buyers wish they’d known earlier.

1. They Didn’t Budget for Hidden Import Costs

It’s easy to focus on the unit price, but the true landed cost includes:

• Tariffs, which change depending on global politics.
  
• Container and freight charges that rise during peak seasons.
  
• Inspection and certification fees are often forgotten until the bill shows up.
  

The Fix: Global Base gives a full cost breakdown upfront. No surprises—just clarity and control.

2. They Trusted the Wrong Supplier

Some buyers choose a factory based only on what looks good online. But without checking:

• Material and finishing standards,
  
• Ability to deliver bulk volumes,
  
• On-time delivery history…
  

They set themselves up for quality issues, broken promises, and shipment delays.

The Fix: Global Base connects you only with verified factories in Vietnam, Indonesia, and beyond, so you get reliable output every time.

3. They Relied on One Country—And Paid for It

Depending only on one country (especially China) creates major risks. Single-country procurement is a recipe for disruption, from tariff shocks to raw material shortages.

Vietnam leads in wood and upholstered pieces, while Indonesia excels in sustainable craftsmanship.

The Fix: Global Base gives you multi-country coverage, so your supply chain stays protected even if policies shift overnight.

4. They Didn’t Plan for Shipping Delays

Furniture isn’t fast fashion. If you don’t plan, you’ll face:

• Factory delays,
  
• Port congestion,
  
• Sky-high shipping rates during peak times.
  

The Fix: Global Base builds in buffer timelines and handles shipping logistics so you’re never left waiting.

5. They Skipped Quality Checks

Hoping the factory gets everything right without supervision is a gamble. Issues include:

• Color mismatches,
  
• Weak joints,
  
• Uneven finishing.
  

The Fix: With Global Base, every shipment undergoes audits, mid-production checks, and pre-shipment inspections—so what you expect is exactly what arrives.

6. They Didn’t Follow Import Rules

Import laws aren’t optional. Missing certifications can lead to:

• Containers stuck at customs,
  
• Heavy fines,
  
• PR nightmares.
  

The U.S. needs CARB Phase 2 compliance; Europe enforces EUTR sustainability laws.

The Fix: Global Base ensures every order meets the latest regulations—so you don’t have to stress about red tape.

7. They Wasted Space (and Money) on Packaging

Bad packaging creates real costs:

• Higher damage rates,
  
• Wasted space in containers,
  
• Slower deliveries.
  

The Fix: Global Base designs packaging that protects your product and maximizes every inch of container space.

8. They Didn’t Watch the Tariff Clock

Tariff hikes can happen fast. If you’re not prepared, they’ll shrink your margins overnight.

We’ve seen buyers scramble after new duties on Chinese and Indian goods were announced—causing bottlenecks, rerouting, and panic buying.

The Fix: Global Base helps you stay agile with a diversified production model, shielding you from sudden cost shocks.

9. They Missed Seasonal Buying Windows

Buying too late? You’ll miss the season and the revenue.

Buying too early? You’re sitting on dead inventory.

The Fix: Global Base aligns your procurement with your retail calendar—so your best-sellers land when you need them most.

10. They Tried to Go It Alone

Handling factories, shipping, inspections, and customs without help leads to:

• Poor negotiation outcomes,
  
• Delays from simple errors,
  
• Higher costs and lower margins.
  

The Fix: With Global Base, you get expert support across 51+ countries and access to trusted factories that deliver results.

Don’t Let Procurement Setbacks Stall Your Growth

You’re not just buying furniture—you’re building a retail engine.

Global Base helps retailers like you secure:

• Reliable suppliers in key markets,
  
• Predictable lead times and real cost visibility,
  
• High-demand furniture with zero compliance stress.
  

Over 23 million units. 12,000 stores. 85+ million in turnover.

Global Base isn’t just a procurement partner—we’re your edge in the market.

Reach out to info@globalbasehk.com to future-proof your furniture procurement today.