Harmo AutoDEALER BUYING GUIDE · HARMO AUTO
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How to Compare Car Export Quotes from China: EXW Nansha, FOB and CIF
Start with the same model year, trim and quantity. Then compare how much each quote costs to reach the same point, which charges are still open and who handles each step.
What does EXW Nansha mean on Harmo Auto?
Our displayed EXW Nansha prices are vehicle-only references for pickup in Nansha. They give you a starting point before freight. Ask for a written quote for the exact trim and quantity, and confirm the pickup address and the services you want included.
If you have a freight forwarder, you can ask them for a separate quote and pay them directly. Confirm who will load the vehicle at pickup, arrange transport to the port and handle China-side export clearance. Under standard EXW, those tasks fall to the buyer. If you want Harmo Auto to coordinate any of them, agree the scope and charges in writing.
When should I ask for FOB or CIF?
- FOB, named port of shipment. For a sea shipment where you want to book the main freight, the seller handles export clearance and delivers the vehicle on board at the agreed China port. Risk passes once the vehicle is on board.
- CIF, named destination port. The seller handles export clearance and arranges and pays for sea freight and minimum cargo insurance to the named destination port. Risk still passes when the vehicle is on board at the port of shipment. Confirm the coverage and any destination charges separately.
FOB and CIF are rules for sea and inland waterway transport. For road, rail or a container handed over at a terminal, ask which trade term fits the actual handover. Under these terms, the buyer remains responsible for import clearance at destination.
Worked example: compare the same vehicle to the same port
These amounts are illustrative. Both options cover one vehicle of the same model year, trim and condition, moving to the same destination port. Ask for equivalent cargo insurance before comparing the totals.
| Cost item | EXW + your forwarder | CIF quote |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle / CIF quote | $18,400 | $20,150 |
| Pickup, China-side export handling and loading | $450 | Included |
| Sea freight to the named port | $1,050 | Included |
| Cargo insurance | $90 | Included |
| Comparable total for these items | $19,990 | $20,150 |
The difference on these items is $160. In this example, both totals exclude destination terminal charges, local clearance, duties, taxes and delivery after the port. Ask your destination broker for those figures before you compare the full cost of getting the vehicle to your yard.
What to confirm before accepting a quote
- Confirm the model year, exact trim, condition, quantity and price validity.
- Ask for the named handover point or port and a list of the services included in the quoted price.
- Confirm who arranges and pays for each outstanding charge, including any destination handling.
- Agree the inspection evidence, document list, expected ready date and payment terms in writing.
For an exact vehicle quote, open the model page and choose Request a quotation under your preferred trim. Add your quantity, destination and preferred handover or shipping arrangement.
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