200 Mini-Importation Terms You Should Know (and What They Mean)

Blogs and guidebooks on mini-importation now overflow with hundreds of jargon and acronyms — familiar to experts but confusing to beginners — making mini-importation lingo a barrier for beginners.

In this article, we identify 199 terms widely used in every aspect of mini-importation, including procurement, payment, and logistics. These include words, phrases, and acronyms commonly used by suppliers, agents, and logistics companies.

The terms are arranged alphabetically from A-Z and defined in simple concise language for the average person with little to no knowledge of importation.

List of Terms

Address forwarding

A service that provides you with a local address in the country you're buying from (like China). Packages are sent to this local address and then forwarded to your real address.

Agent fee

This is the fee you pay to a procurement or shipping agent who helps you purchase, inspect, or ship goods from foreign suppliers.

Alibaba

A popular B2B (Business-to-Business) platform where you can source products in large quantities directly from manufacturers, mostly in China. See also: _Differences between 1688 and Alibaba_.

Aliexpress

A B2C (Business-to-Customer) platform owned by Alibaba. It allows you to buy smaller quantities of goods, often without needing a minimum order.

Aliwangwang

The chat app used on Alibaba and 1688 to communicate with Chinese suppliers. It helps with real-time negotiation and customer service.

Alipay

A digital wallet and payment platform widely used in China. If you’re paying suppliers directly in yuan, Alipay is often involved.

AOV (Average Order Value)

It is the average amount customers spend per order over a specific period. Knowing this helps you plan pricing, profit margins, and marketing budgets effectively.

Bill of lading

A document issued by a shipping agent or company that serves as a receipt for goods shipped. It's important for customs clearance and delivery.

BOQ (Bill of Quantity)

A document listing the quantities and cost of materials or products being ordered. It’s used to track large shipments or bulk purchases.

Bulk buying

Simply means purchasing products in large quantities, usually to reduce the cost per unit. It’s common in mini-importation for increasing profit margins.

Bundle offers

The concept of selling multiple products together as a package deal. This can help increase sales volume and clear inventory faster.

Buyer's protection

A policy by sourcing platforms like Alibaba or Aliexpress that ensures your money is safe until you confirm receipt of goods in good condition.

Buyer's remorse

When a customer regrets a purchase. As an importer, knowing this helps you plan for returns or avoid selling low-quality products.

B2B (Business-to-Business)

Deals or platforms where businesses sell products to other businesses. Alibaba is a typical B2B platform; particularly for manufacturers to sell products to retailers.

B2C (Business-to-Consumer)

Deals or platforms where businesses sell directly to consumers. AliExpress and Amazon are common examples of B2C platforms.

CAC registration

The process of registering your business with Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission. This can add credibility to your business.

Cargo tracking

The ability to track the movement of your goods from supplier to destination. Many shipping companies offer this in real-time.

CBM (Cubic meter)

A measurement of volume used in sea shipping. Calculating CBM helps determine shipping costs. Learn more: _How to Calculate Your Shipping Fees_.

Chargeback

When a buyer reverses a payment through their bank. It usually happens due to disputes or fraud, and can affect your payment account.

China Post

A state-run courier service in China. It’s often slower but cheaper than mainstream express options.

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

The official currency of China. Most suppliers on local sourcing platforms like 1688 and Pinduoduo expect payment in yuan. Learn more: _How to pay Chinese Suppliers from Nigeria_.

CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight)

A shipping term where the seller covers the cost, insurance, and shipping to the buyer’s port. It’s useful if you want less responsibility upfront.

Commercial invoice

An invoice used for customs declaration. It lists the products, their value, and other shipment details.

Consolidation

Consolidation in shipping is a process where multiple packages are combined into one shipment to reduce shipping costs. Many agents offer this service at extra costs.

Courier service

Companies like DHL, FedEx, or Novoinno that deliver packages quickly. They're faster than sea freight but cost more.

Customs clearance

The process of getting goods approved for entry into a country. Includes document checks, taxes, and inspection. Many shipping companies offer customs clearance as a paid service.

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)

A shipping term where the seller or agent handles all import duties and delivers to your doorstep.

DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid)

A shipping practice where the seller ships the goods, but you (the buyer) are responsible for clearing and paying duties at the destination.

Delivery window

The expected time range in which a delivery should arrive. It helps manage customer expectations.

Demand forecasting

The process of estimating which products will sell well. It helps prevent overstocking or missing out on hot items. See also: _11 Best-Selling Products Worth Importing from China in 2025_.

Door-to-door shipping

A logistics service where your goods are picked up at the supplier’s warehouse and delivered directly to your address.

Dropshipping

A model where you sell products without holding inventory. In some cases, this means the supplier ships directly to the buyer on your behalf. Other times, you may facilitate everything, including shipping.

Duplicate order

When the same product order is mistakenly placed more than once. Good software systems can help you avoid this.

EORI number

Economic Operator Registration and Identification number, used for trading in the EU. Not mandatory in Nigeria, but useful for cross-border trade.

Escrow service

A trusted third party that holds your money until you confirm the goods arrived as promised. AliExpress and 1688 offer escrow services to their users.

ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)

When your shipment is expected to arrive at the port or final destination.

ETD (Estimated Time of Departure)

The date your goods are scheduled to leave the supplier’s location for yours.

Exchange rate

The value of one currency in relation to another. Mini-importers often watch the yuan-naira rate when sending money to China. You can monitor the yuan-naira rate on the Midddleman app.

Export license

A government-issued document that allows a supplier to legally export goods from their country.

Express shipping

A faster (and more expensive) way to ship goods using courier services. Useful for urgent restocks or premium delivery.

EXW (Ex Works)

Ex Works is a shipping practice where the buyer handles pickup and all shipping arrangements from the supplier's warehouse all the way to the final destination.

E-wallet

A digital wallet for storing funds and making payments online. Platforms like Alipay and PayPal are examples.

Factory price

The base cost of a product from the manufacturer, usually before shipping, branding, or packaging. Factory price usually signifies the best deal for a product.

Flash sales

Short-term discounts used to create urgency and boost sales. Often used for seasonal or trending items.

FOB (Free on Board)

A shipping term where the seller pays for getting the goods onto the ship, and the buyer handles everything after that.

Foreign currency

Any currency that’s not your national currency. Mini-importers usually deal in yuan or dollars when sourcing products.

Freight forwarder

An individual agent or a company that handles the shipping of goods on your behalf, including paperwork and coordination. You can have goods purchased in China sent directly to your freight forwarder, and they’ll handle shipping them to your destination.

Fulfillment center

A facility that stores your inventory and processes orders on your behalf. Useful if you scale up.

Fulfillment service

A service offered by companies or agencies to store, pack, and deliver your goods. Their objective is to take the logistics stress off your hands.

Fulfillment time

How long it takes from when a customer places an order to when it gets packed and shipped.

Goods in transit

Products that have been shipped but haven’t yet arrived. They’re no longer with the seller, but not with you yet.

Gross margin

The difference between your revenue and the cost of goods sold. It helps you measure how profitable a product is.

Group buying

A model where multiple buyers come together to make a bulk purchase, often at discounted rates. Pinduoduo, the Chinese sourcing platform offers a group buying model. See also: _Where to Start Your Mini-importation Journey: Pinduoduo or 1688_.

Guangzhou

A major trade city in China and a hotspot for sourcing fashion, electronics, and general goods. Many importers travel here for product sourcing.

Guaranty

A promise or assurance, usually from a seller or platform, that you’ll get your money back or a replacement if things go wrong with the order.

Guide price

An approximate price given by suppliers to indicate what a product may cost. It's useful during negotiations or bulk inquiries.

Guaranteed delivery

A seller’s or courier’s promise that your goods will arrive by a certain date. Guaranteed delivery is often linked to compensation if the promise isn’t met.

Global sources

They include international B2B sourcing platforms like Alibaba, and are useful for finding suppliers in China and other Asian countries.

Haggling

The act of negotiating the price with a supplier. It’s common on platforms like 1688 or when working with agents.

Handling fee

A small fee added by a seller, shipping agent, or logistics provider to cover packaging, processing, or other admin costs in getting your goods ready to ship.

Harmonized System Code (HS Code)

A standardized code used by customs authorities to identify products for import and export. It helps determine taxes and regulations.

Haulage

This refers to the transportation of goods, usually by road. It’s what happens between ports, warehouses, and your local delivery point.

Home delivery

When goods are brought directly to your customer’s or your personal address, often via courier or logistics service.

Hype product

An item that’s currently trending and in high demand. These are great for flash sales but may lose popularity quickly.

Idlefish (Xianyu)

A second-hand marketplace app owned by Alibaba and popular in China. Some mini-importers use it to source cheaper goods or clearance stock.

Import duty

A tax charged by customs when goods enter the country. It's part of the overall landing cost and can affect your pricing.

Import license

A legal permit required to import certain categories of goods. Not all products need it, but it’s important for compliance.

Import permit

An official document authorizing the entry of specific goods into the country. Often needed for regulated or sensitive products.

Import quota

A restriction on the quantity of certain goods that can be imported into a country. It’s rare but worth noting when dealing with high-demand items.

Importation cost

The total cost of getting your product from the supplier to your warehouse. Includes product cost, shipping, taxes, and clearing fees.

Incoterms

International commercial terms that define buyer and seller responsibilities during shipping. Terms like FOB, CIF, and DDP fall under this.

Inventory

The stock of products you have available for sale. Managing inventory helps avoid stockouts or overstocking.

Invoice

A commercial document issued by a seller listing goods sold, their prices, and payment terms. This is often required for customs clearance.

Insurance fee

An added cost that covers goods in case of loss or damage during shipping. It’s optional but recommended for valuable shipments.

Jet delivery

An ultra-fast shipping option, typically by air. It's expensive but useful for urgent or high-value goods.

JIT model

Short for Just-in-Time. JIT model is a supply chain strategy where inventory is restocked only as needed to reduce waste and storage costs.

Jobber

A middleman or wholesaler who buys goods in bulk and resells in smaller quantities. Some mini-importers act as jobbers.

Joint shipping

When two or more importers consolidate their shipments into one to save on shipping costs.

Junk fees

These are hidden or extra charges added by logistics agents, suppliers, or platforms. Always clarify fees upfront to avoid surprises.

Jumbo cargo

These are very large shipments that require special handling or containers. Jumbo cargo is common among B2B or high-volume importers.

Just-in-time inventory

A method of ordering stock only when you need it. It helps reduce holding costs, but is risky if suppliers delay.

Kitting

The act of bundling individual items into a set that’s sold as one unit. It’s great for increasing perceived value or creating product packages.

Knockoff products

Items that imitate branded goods without proper licensing. Often cheaper but can pose legal and quality issues.

Korea Post

South Korea’s national postal service. It is sometimes used by importers sourcing Korean skincare or gadgets.

KYC (Know Your Customer)

A verification process required by payment platforms like Payoneer and banks. It ensures you’re a legitimate business or individual.

Landing cost

The full cost of getting a product from a supplier to your warehouse, including purchase, shipping, duties, and other fees.

Last-mile delivery

The final part of the delivery journey — from the logistics hub to your customer’s hands. It affects delivery speed and customer satisfaction.

Lead time

Lead time is how long it takes from placing an order to receiving the goods. It’s important for inventory planning and marketing.

Lightweight package

These are smaller parcels that cost less to ship such as jewelry. It’s ideal for beginners in mini-importation to reduce freight charges.

Logistics

The planning and coordination of moving goods from supplier to buyer. In mini-importation, good logistics means faster and cheaper delivery.

Local pickup

An option where you or your customers collect products from a warehouse or distribution center instead of opting for home delivery.

Local warehouse

A storage facility within your country where your imported goods are kept. This helps with faster delivery and better stock control.

Loss leader

A product sold at a loss to attract customers, who may buy other higher-margin items. It’s a great concept for building trust or launching a store.

LPO (Local Purchase Order)

A document issued by a buyer to confirm a business order locally. It’s used to structure agreements with corporate clients.

Linehaul

The long-distance movement of freight between cities or hubs. It’s a part of the journey before last-mile delivery.

L/C (Letter of credit)

A payment method where a bank guarantees the buyer’s payment to the supplier. It’s often used for large, high-trust international transactions.

Market research

The process of studying product demand, competition, and customer behavior. It helps you choose profitable products before importing.

Markup

The amount you add to the cost price of a product to get your selling price. A good markup covers costs and leaves room for profit.

Merchant account

An online account used to collect payments from customers. Useful for running your mini-importation business through an e-commerce store.

Mini-importation

A small-scale import business model that allows individuals to buy products from international suppliers and sell locally, often online.

Mobile payment

Payments done through mobile apps like Alipay, PayPal, or bank apps. They're ideal for transactions with foreign suppliers or local customers.

Mockup

A visual sample or representation of a product, often used for product listings or advertisements before the real item is in stock.

Money-back guarantee

A policy that assures customers they can get a refund if they’re not satisfied. Customer-centric policies like this help build buyer confidence in your store.

MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)

The lowest number of units a supplier is willing to sell. MOQ is important for budgeting and determining whether a product fits your capital.

Multi-currency

A payment option that lets you handle more than one currency. It's important when buying in yuan or dollars and selling in your local currency.

Multi-channel

Being multi-channel as a business means selling across different platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and a website. It expands your customer reach.

NAFDAC clearance

This is the requisite approval from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control if you’re importing consumables, skincare, or health-related products.

Net weight

The weight of the product alone, without packaging. It helps calculate shipping charges and is needed on customs forms.

Nigeria customs

The government body in charge of clearing imported goods. They calculate duties, inspect cargo, and ensure imported goods meet national regulations.

NIPOST

Nigeria’s postal service. While slower than private couriers, it can be a cheaper delivery option for local shipments.

Non-disclosure agreement

A legal document where parties agree not to share confidential information. It can be used when partnering with manufacturers or designers.

Notification of shipment

A message or document informing you that your goods have been dispatched. It often includes tracking information.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

A factory that makes products for other brands. If you’re customizing products with your own label, you’re likely working with an OEM.

Online store

A website or platform where you showcase and sell your products. Online stores can be built on Shopify, WooCommerce, or even Instagram Shops.

Order ID

A unique identifier for each order. It's used in tracking, processing, and resolving customer complaints.

Order fulfillment

The complete process from when a customer places an order to when they receive the product. Fast fulfillment boosts your store’s reputation.

Order tracking

The process of following a shipment’s journey through a tracking number. It's transparent and reduces the customer's need for support.

Order confirmation

A message sent to confirm that a customer’s order has been received. It keeps your buyers informed and reassured.

Overhead cost

A category of ongoing business expenses that aren’t tied to a specific product. Examples are rent, tools, staff, and subscriptions.

Overweight fee

An extra charge for shipments that exceed a courier’s weight limit.

Onboarding

The process of getting a supplier, agent, or platform user familiar with how you work. It helps avoid communication issues down the line.

Out-of-stock

A term used when a product is temporarily unavailable.

Packing list

A document included in your shipment that details everything in the package. It’s helpful for customs and inventory checks.

Payoneer

A digital payment service that helps you receive international payments. It's common among importers who deal with global platforms.

Payment gateway

A technology that enables secure online payments. Examples include Flutterwave, Paystack, and Stripe.

PayPal

A global digital wallet that allows you to send and receive money. PayPal is widely accepted by suppliers on global sourcing platforms.

Pinduoduo

A Chinese e-commerce platform known for group-buying deals. Some mini-importers use it to find trendy, affordable products.

POD (Print on Demand)

A fulfillment method where items (like T-shirts) are printed only after a customer orders. It reduces waste and storage needs.

Port of entry

The place where your goods officially enter the country. Ports like Apapa (Lagos) are common for sea freight.

Pre-order

A sales tactic that involves selling an item before it's in stock. It helps gauge interest and generate early cash flow, but you must manage timelines well.

Product link

A direct URL to a product on platforms like 1688, Alibaba, or Taobao. Agents use it to help you place orders.

Procurement

The act of sourcing and buying goods, either yourself or through an agent. It includes negotiation and quality checks. See also: _Finding the Right Supplier on 1688 and Pinduoduo_.

Quality assurance

The process of ensuring products meet expected standards.

Quality check

The physical inspection of goods before or after shipping. It's mainly done by agents or suppliers to ensure product quality.

Quantity discount

A price reduction offered when buying in bulk. The more units you buy, the lower the cost per item.

Quotation

A price estimate given by a supplier or agent. Quotations generally include cost per unit, shipping, and other applicable fees.

Quick delivery

Fast turnaround time from order to delivery. It can be a strong selling point for customers used to instant gratification.

Quarantine inspection A government-mandated check on goods — especially food, plants, or animals — to ensure they meet health and safety standards before being released for sale.

Query resolution

The process of handling complaints, issues, or questions from customers or agents.

Refund policy

A set rule for returning money to a customer if they’re unhappy with a product. A clear policy reduces confusion.

Reseller

Someone who buys products in bulk and sells them to others, either at retail or wholesale prices.

Restricted item

A product that requires special permission to import. Examples are drugs, weapons, and certain electronics.

Return policy

The terms under which a buyer can return a product. It helps manage expectations and reduce disputes.

Reverse logistics

The process of moving goods from the customer back to the seller due to returns or defects.

Reviews

Feedback from customers about their purchase experience. Positive reviews improve credibility, while negative ones highlight areas for improvement.

Risk assessment

The evaluation of potential problems such as product failure, delivery delays, or customs issues, before importing.

RMB (Renminbi)

Another name for the Chinese Yuan. This is the currency you’ll likely deal with when sourcing from Chinese platforms.

ROI (Return on Investment)

A measure of how much profit you make relative to what you spent. It's a deciding factor in whether a product or campaign is worth it.

Route optimization

The process of improving delivery routes to reduce time, fuel, or costs.

Sea freight

Shipping goods by sea. It’s slower but more affordable than air shipping, especially for heavy or bulk orders.

Self-collection

A delivery option that allows customers to pick up their order themselves from a pickup point or warehouse.

Shipping fee

The cost charged to move goods from the supplier to your destination. It varies based on weight, size, and shipping method.

SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)

A unique identifier for each product in your inventory. SKU is used to track stock, variations, and sales.

Sourcing agent

A person or company that helps you find products and suppliers in another country, usually China. They also help negotiate prices and check quality.

Supplier

The manufacturer or distributor that provides retailers with products to resell.

Supply chain

The full process of acquiring goods and delivering them to a consumer. It includes sourcing, producing, storing, and delivering goods.

Swift code

A code used in international banking to identify a specific bank. You may need a swift code when making direct payments to suppliers abroad.

Taobao

A Chinese shopping platform like AliExpress, but mainly for locals. It’s known for its wide range of products and low prices.

Third-party logistics (3PL)

An outsourced service that handles storage, packing, and shipping products.

Token payment

A small amount paid to reserve a product or show purchase intent. Applications of token payments include pre-orders and custom orders.

Tracking number

A unique code that lets customers track the status of a shipment in real-time.

Trade assurance

A service on Alibaba that protects buyers and sellers from fraud and default using return and refund policies.

Trademark

A legal registration for a brand name or logo. Importing trademarked items without permission can lead to legal trouble.

Transaction fee

A small fee taken by payment processors for handling customer payments.

Transit time

The duration it takes for goods to move from the supplier to you (the mini-importer).

Trend analysis

The study of market data to identify popular products worth investing in.

Turnaround time

The time it takes to complete a task such as processing an order or replying to a customer query.

Unbranded goods

These are products without any company logo or brand name. They’re easier to customize or resell under any brand.

Unit cost

The total cost of producing or importing one item.

Unit economics

A breakdown of how much profit or loss you make on a single unit of product. It includes cost, revenue, and associated expenses.

Upsell

A sales technique where customers are encouraged to buy a more expensive version of a product or add complementary items.

Utility fee

Any extra charge related to operations — like electricity, internet, or office rent — that affects your overall profit.

Unboxing experience

A feeling derived from how a product is packaged and presented when opened. A good experience can lead to positive reviews and repeat customers.

Value-added tax (VAT)

A consumption tax added to goods and services.

Verification badge

A symbol or tag that shows a supplier or buyer is verified. It’s often used on Alibaba and 1688 to establish trust between buyers and sellers.

Virtual dollar card

An online card (not physical) you can fund with your local currency to pay international suppliers in dollars.

Virtual warehouse

A digital inventory system where products are listed and tracked, even if you don’t physically hold them yourself.

Vendor

Another name for a seller or supplier. In mini-importation, vendors can be foreign manufacturers or local resellers.

Visual search

The ability to upload an image and find similar products online. Platforms like 1688 and AliExpress use this feature to ease sourcing.

Voucher code A code that gives customers a discount at checkout.

Voice of customer

Feedback collected from active customers. It drives product improvement and overall business strategy.

Warehouse

A storage facility where products are kept before delivery. You can use your own, rent one, or work with a fulfillment center.

Waybill

A shipping document that details where the goods are going, who is sending them, and what’s inside. It’s used in tracking deliveries.

WeChat Pay

A popular integrated digital wallet in China. Some suppliers use it for transactions, especially if they don’t accept Alipay.

Weight-based pricing

A shipping method where the cost is calculated based on the weight of the item. It’s common in both local and international logistics.

White label

Products made by one company that can be rebranded and sold by another.

Wholesale

The act of buying in large quantities at lower prices. Wholesale is the foundation of mini-importation — buy low, sell high.

Work-in-progress (WIP) inventory

Goods that are not yet finished or ready to sell. They’re in some stage of production or packaging.

Warranty

A guarantee from the seller or manufacturer that the product will function as expected for a limited period.

Yield management

A strategy to adjust pricing based on demand, season, or trends.

Yiwu market

A massive wholesale market in China known for its wide range of affordable products. Many mini-importers source goods from here.

Zero inventory model

A business model where you sell products you don’t physically hold. Dropshipping and print-on-demand are examples.

Zipper bags (packaging type)

Reusable, resealable plastic bags used for packaging. They’re mainly used for cosmetics, jewelry, and small accessories.

Zone-based pricing

Shipping rates based on geographical zones. It helps you calculate delivery costs more accurately.

Zoning fees

Charges related to moving goods between different areas or zones, applicable in local delivery or warehousing.