In reality, the total landed cost usually includes:

• Supplier development
• Sampling
• Tooling or molds
• Quality control
• Logistics coordination
• Unexpected rework
• Shipping and customs

We’ve seen buyers save $0.20 per unit on price…
Then lose $8,000 later due to defects or delays.

Lower price does not automatically mean lower cost.

Sampling Fees

Before mass production, you will almost always pay for samples.

Typical costs:

• simple samples: $50 to $150
• custom samples: $150 to $500+
• complex tooling samples: $1,000+

Some factories refund sample fees after order confirmation. Many don’t.

Never skip sampling to “save money”.
It often costs more later.

Tooling or Mold Costs

For custom or plastic/metal products, molds are required.

Typical range:

• simple molds: $800 to $2,000
• complex molds: $5,000 to $15,000+

This is usually a one-time cost.

Make sure:

• mold ownership is written in contract
• factory cannot reuse your design

Supplier Search & Development

Finding reliable factories takes time.

If you handle it yourself, the cost is:

• travel
• staff time
• communication errors
• risk of choosing the wrong supplier

If you use a sourcing company:

• sourcing fee is typically 3% to 8% of order value
• or fixed project fee

For many buyers, this fee actually reduces total cost because mistakes are avoided early.

Quality Control & Inspection

This is where many buyers try to save money and regret it later.

Typical inspection costs:

• pre-production inspection: $250 to $350 per day
• during production: $250 to $350
• pre-shipment inspection: $250 to $400

One failed container can cost $10,000+.
A $300 inspection suddenly looks very cheap.

In our projects, about 20–30% of factories fail the first inspection.

Without QC, you would never know until goods arrive.

Packaging & Labeling

Often forgotten in quotations.

Extra costs may include:

• custom packaging
• barcodes
• retail boxes
• palletization
• special export packaging

These can add 3–8% to unit cost.

Always confirm packaging details early.

Shipping & Logistics

Shipping is a major variable.

Costs depend on:

• sea vs air
• FCL vs LCL
• season
• port congestion

Typical estimates:

• LCL: $80–120 per CBM
• 20ft container: $2,000–3,500+
• 40ft container: $3,000–5,000+

Plus:

• local trucking
• customs clearance
• documentation

Ask for total landed cost, not just FOB.

How to Reduce Your Sourcing Cost by 15–30%

From our experience, these strategies work best:

Compare multiple suppliers

Never rely on one quote.

Negotiate MOQ

Many factories are flexible if you ask.

Combine shipments

Reduce logistics costs.

Inspect early

Fix problems before mass production.

Work with local experts

Local teams spot risks faster.

Prevention is always cheaper than fixing mistakes later.

How VA Sourcing & Solutions Supports Global Buyers

Vietnam offers excellent manufacturing opportunities.

But successful sourcing is not just about finding the cheapest supplier.

It’s about understanding the total cost, managing risk, and controlling quality.

When you calculate everything properly, Vietnam can be one of the most cost-effective sourcing destinations in the world.

If you want a realistic cost estimate for your next project, our local team at Vietnam Authentic can help you evaluate suppliers, calculate total landed cost, and avoid expensive surprises.

At VA Sourcing & Solutions, we help international brands and distributors connect directly with trusted Vietnamese manufacturers.

Our sourcing services include:

• 🔍 Supplier search & verification
• 🧾 Negotiation & sample coordination
• 🏭 Production monitoring & quality control
• 🚢 Export documentation & logistics

We bridge the language, culture, and compliance gaps so you can focus on your business while we handle the factory-to-port journey.