Importing wholesale products is one of the key stages of business growth. With the right approach, it ensures competitive prices, stable supplies, and market expansion. However, international importing is not always a simple process. It requires proper document management, a reliable logistics partner, customs compliance, and risk control. In this blog, we present a practical, real-world checklist that helps businesses minimize mistakes and ensure smooth importing — whether from Europe, China, India, or any other region.
1. Start with a thorough supplier verification
When making wholesale purchases, it’s important to evaluate not only product pricing but also the supplier’s credibility. Key indicators include:
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Company history and market reputation
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Legal information (registered address, business license)
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ISO or other certifications
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Customer reviews
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Payment terms — do they offer secure options (LC, escrow, small prepayments)?
Supplier misselection — especially when importing wholesale from China — can lead to substantial losses: low-quality goods, delays, incomplete orders, or even counterfeit products.
2. Ensure product compliance and quality
Your product must comply with both your internal requirements and the regulations of Armenia and the region.
Check whether:
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Certifications are required (CE, ISO, MSDS, Food Safety, Test Reports)
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The product violates any copyright or trademark rights
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Pre-shipment quality inspection is available
Best practices:
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Order a sample
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Use a third-party inspection service, especially for large shipments
This step eliminates up to 80% of quality-related issues.
3. Plan the logistics route correctly
Logistics is one of the most critical aspects of wholesale importing. Poor route choice may cause major delays or unnecessary costs.
Main freight options:
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Air Freight — fast, reliable, but expensive
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Sea Freight — most cost-effective for wholesale
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Truck / Road Freight — most common for Europe → Armenia
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Rail Freight — China → Europe → Armenia with good cost/time balance
You’ll achieve the best results with a logistics partner that offers:
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Real-time tracking & visibility
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Multiple route options
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Customs support
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Insurance
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Consolidation services
4. Check all customs documents
This is one of the riskiest stages where businesses often make mistakes, resulting in extra fees or customs delays.
Required documents typically include:
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Invoice (accurate, real prices)
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Packing List
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CMR / Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
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Certificate of Origin (not mandatory for all goods, but often reduces customs duty)
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Product certificates for regulated items
Pay close attention to HS codes — the wrong code = extra payments or customs issues.
5. Calculate actual costs — not just product price
Many businesses mistakenly calculate only the factory price. In reality, the total cost of importing includes:
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Product cost
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Transportation cost
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Insurance
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Customs duties & VAT
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Repackaging / Labeling
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Unloading
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Final delivery to warehouse
Only after calculating the full cost structure can you determine whether the import is profitable.
6. Insurance is mandatory, not optional
Many businesses try to save on insurance, but this is the step that can protect your entire investment.
Cargo insurance protects you from:
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Damage
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Loss
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Theft
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Breakage
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Unexpected external incidents
It is especially essential for sea freight due to higher risks.
7. Ensure packaging meets international standards
Proper packaging prevents impacts, breakage, and returns.
Check whether:
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Goods have sufficient external packaging
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Required markings are present (fragile, arrows, pallet type)
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Palletization is required
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Additional shrink-wrap or protective sleeves are needed
Correct packaging prevents 90% of transport-related product damage.
8. Tracking & Visibility — the most important factor
A wholesale shipment is not only a financial asset but also a time-sensitive resource.
Tracking provides:
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Full visibility
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Immediate delay notifications
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SLA compliance
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Early risk detection
Top logistics companies offer real-time visibility for shipments from both Europe and Asia.
9. Plan customs clearance in Armenia in advance
If not organized properly, this final stage can delay the entire process.
Check whether:
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The product requires special permits
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Certifications or laboratory tests are mandatory
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There are any restrictions or bans
The best solution is to work with a logistics provider offering customs support.
10. Final delivery to your warehouse — without delays
Many companies think that once the cargo arrives in Yerevan, the process is complete.
In reality, last-mile logistics also requires coordination:
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Unloading
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Final address delivery
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Regional delivery (if needed)
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Storage conditions
Wholesale importing is complex but manageable with the right approach and a clear checklist. For businesses, what matters is not only the product price but also:
✔ Supplier reliability
✔ Proper logistics planning
✔ Customs compliance
✔ Accurate cost calculation
✔ Cargo insurance
✔ Tracking & Visibility
A reliable logistics partner becomes the most valuable part of the process — reducing risks and speeding up the entire supply chain.
