
Understanding the “Hidden” Costs of International Sourcing
Many first-time buyers only look at the EXW (Ex-Works) price. To build a sustainable business model in 2026, you must understand the Total Landed Cost. This is the only number that matters for your ROI calculation.
Cost Breakdown: Importing a 20ft Container (Example)
| Expense Category | Typical Item Included | Estimated Impact on Unit Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Factory Price | Machine cost + Export Packing (Crating) | 70% – 80% |
| 2. Ocean Freight | Port-to-Port shipping + Fuel Surcharge | 10% – 15% |
| 3. Import Duties | HS Code 9504.30 (Arcade/Vending) | 0% – 25% (Depends on Country) |
| 4. Port Handling | THC (Terminal Handling), ISF Filing, Bond | 2% – 5% |
| 5. Last-Mile Delivery | Trucking from Port to your Venue/Warehouse | 3% – 8% |
Optimization: How to Reduce Your Landed Cost
FCL over LCL: Shipping a Full Container Load (FCL) can reduce your per-unit shipping cost by up to 40% compared to Less-than-Container Load (LCL).
Customs Classification: We provide accurate HS Coding (9504.30) and commercial invoices to ensure you don’t overpay on local taxes.
Volume Discounting: Sourcing multiple units of the M9 Ultra or Bounce Fun series allows us to consolidate crating, saving significant space in the container.
ROI Projection: The Galastar Advantage
Even when including all shipping and duty costs, direct sourcing from Galastar typically results in a 35% lower capital expenditure compared to local resellers. This allows you to achieve a “Break-Even” point significantly faster.
Ready to Finalize Your Order?
Maintenance Planning: Understanding Our Global Parts & Support Ecosystem
Return to Hub: The 2026 Guide to Importing Arcade Machines from China


