Importer file

Importing saunas from China: buyer checklist

Importing saunas is easier when the commercial file and technical file are prepared together. A buyer should compare supplier evidence, model scope, heater route, packing, CBM, documents, and after-sale responsibilities before confirming a sample or mixed container.

Review model pages Check wood and options Ask for worksheet

Import sequence

Stage	Buyer action	Factory evidence
Supplier check	Review company identity, workshop photos, product range, and export experience.	Business file, factory photos, product pages, certificate notes.
Model shortlist	Choose model codes, capacity, material, heater, and target market.	Model comparison sheet and option notes.
Quote review	Compare FOB basis, packing, MOQ, payment, lead time, and destination assumptions.	Itemized quote, CBM estimate, and validity date.
Pre-shipment	Confirm inspection photos, packing list, labels, manual, and spare parts.	Production and packing evidence file.

Documents to request

Commercial invoice and packing list.
Model and accessory specification sheet.
Heater and electrical route notes for destination market.
Wood material or certificate file when red cedar or hemlock is important.
Manual, carton mark, label, and warranty note.
Inspection photos or video before loading.

Common importer mistakes

Comparing a low unit price without CBM, packing, and heater scope.
Changing wood or glass after the first quote without updating drawings.
Ordering too many similar SKUs before testing the market.
Ignoring manual language, labels, spare parts, and replacement glass plan.

Container planning table

Question	Why it matters	Recommended file
Is this sample or distributor start?	MOQ and packing differ.	Sample plan or SKU launch list.
Which destination country?	Voltage, label, and documentation change.	Market route sheet.
How many models?	Loading plan and spare parts depend on SKU mix.	Mixed-container worksheet.
What after-sale support is expected?	Manual and parts must be prepared early.	Service handoff list.

Importer checklist before deposit

Before deposit, the buyer should have enough information to know what is being purchased, how it will be packed, and what evidence will be available before shipment.

Confirm the supplier name, brand name, factory address, and contact route.
Match every quoted item to a model code or product link.
Record whether price includes heater, controller, stones, roof, glass, accessories, and packaging.
Ask for pre-shipment photos that show the actual model, packing, labels, and accessory boxes.

Buyer field	What to record	Reason
Commercial file	Price, MOQ, payment, lead time, incoterm, validity.	Defines the transaction basis.
Technical file	Model code, size, wood, heater, voltage, glass, bench.	Defines the actual product.
Shipping file	CBM, weight, crate count, container plan, destination.	Supports freight and landed-cost review.
Proof file	Production photos, packing photos, documents, inspection notes.	Reduces risk before balance payment.

How this import guide should be used

Use this guide as a pre-order checklist. A buyer can send the target model list, destination country, quantity, preferred wood, heater voltage, logo/manual needs, packing request, and target delivery date. The factory can then return a cleaner quote basis with fewer hidden assumptions and a clearer pre-shipment evidence plan.