Importing Piñatas from China The Complete FAQ Guide
Piñatas are great fun! They help elevate celebrations all around the world. The colorful paper container is usually filled with candy. This container can be shaped in many different ways. Animals, random objects, or even heads of characters from cartoons, etc. The originally Chinese tradition of Piñatas has now spread all around the globe. Yes, that is right. The origin of piñatas is not Mexico. It is China. We will explore that and many other fun facts as well as frequently asked questions in this article. If your business sells fun items that could be used for parties or family or friends’ occasions, piñatas could be a worthy choice to import. In the following article, we are going to break down everything there is to know about Piñatas. We are going to show you some tips and tricks as to where and how to order the best products from China.
Why Importing Piñatas From China is Worth It?
Just like with many many other items, Chinese manufacturers are competing against one another in the piñatas market. This is good news. The consumers, this way get to enjoy all the ways sellers will try to make it more attractive to buy from them. Besides there is always the option to stock up on items that might run out later. This could be used as a tactic and later the unique piñatas can be sold for much higher prices. Of course, when importing piñatas you can pick the right match from you from a vast variety of items. By now the tradition of using piñatas at celebrations has reached communities all around the world. This luckily has increased the need for them too. By going through Chinese manufacturers you can do deep research. This will allow you to map consumer habits and then cater to your customer’s exact needs.
What are the Most Popular Types of Piñatas to Import From China?
While piñatas are usually made of the same material, paper mache, there are lots of types to choose from. When you visit the Chinese markets you will find that you can import arguably every piñata ever invented from this market. Here are our top picks for the most popular piñatas imported from China:
- Traditional Piñatas
- Number Piñatas
- Talking Piñatas
- Halloween Piñatas
- Portrait Piñatas
- Animal Piñatas
- Fruit Piñatas
- Mini Piñatas
- Lollipop Piñatas
- Ice Cream Piñatas
- Pull String Piñatas
What Kinds of Documents are Needed for Importing Piñatas?
Regardless of the type of import, you are planning on doing, documentation is crucial. Oversees business transactions such as this is always a meticulous process. One that needs to be planned very carefully. Because if you do so this will prevent you from running into mistakes; Mistakes, that can end up being very costly. You can end up being fined. Besides, your cargo could be held up for extended periods among other obstacles. In order to help you prepare and avoid these potential fees and delays we collected the most important types of documentation, you will need to prepare before you press that final button and start importing from China. To import goods from China safely and according to customs you need to prepare among others:
- Certificate of Origin
- Technical Documentation
- Bill of Lading
- Certificate of Product
- Declaration of Import
- Packing List
- Commercial Invoice
- Insurance Certificates
How Much Duty Will You Pay?
The duty will depend on many things. It is always more expensive to import goods from China when there is a peak period during the year. Of course, your duty will depend on many other factors too. These could be but are not limited to the quantity, the destination location, and the type of business you are conducting. The average rate of duty is hard to nail down. However, the minimum duty is 0% and the maximum given was 60% in recent years. This leaves us with an average of 30%
What are the Origins of Piñatas in China?
Though piñatas are known to originate in Mexico, that is actually not the case. During the 13th century, versions of piñatas were actually very commonly used in China. Here they would cover ox or cow-shaped piñatas with paper and fill them with seeds. During the New Years’ celebration especially, it was a hit. They would then beat the figure with sticks and let the seeds fall out. The wrecks of piñatas then were burned as according to their tradition then, the ashes would bring good luck during the next year. This tradition traveled via markets and soon appeared in Italy and Spain as well. Here they adapted it to their activities and it became a symbol of the celebration of the lent season.
Is It Possible to Get Personalized Pinatas From China?
In short, yes. Due to the demand the market enjoys, the manufacturers in China came up with solutions in order to stay on top of the piñatas game. Therefore most manufacturers in China now offer customizable piñatas. It is very easy to order your customized piñatas. What you need to do is to get in touch with one of the manufacturers first. Once you find the right partner, communicate with them your exact needs. You can choose the shape, size, and what the piñatas should have inside as well as to add logos or other details that would help it boost your business.
What are Piñatas Used for?
As the previous section touched on the subject too, piñatas and their ways of contributing to celebrations have changed a great deal throughout the past 8 centuries. However, there are some common themes that are always translated to each nation and culture when using piñatas. It is always about celebrating something. And it is always about bringing the community together and allowing its members to commemorate a new chapter, wishing all of its members or the person/ topic in focus the best of luck for the future. The most common occasions celebrated with piñatas currently are birthdays, lent, new year, Christmas, and Cinco de Mayo.
How Can I Import Piñatas From China?
Importing piñatas from China is easy. Of course, your budget and time limitations will have an impact on how much and how soon you can get them. Just like with any other import, piñatas too can be transported via air freight, ocean freight, road freight as well as door-to-door shipping once, inland. The exact way of transport for you will always be dependent on your business. The proximity of your business’ location to the manufacturer as well as the type of location. Airfreight is always the fastest however it is costly. If you are not restrained by budgetary factors and are in a hurry to open or transform your business for the new season, go ahead and book your next import via air freight. However if you have budgetary limitations, but are in no rush, perhaps shipping via sea freight or land could be an ideal choice. These shipments can take up to 2-4 weeks. However, they are much cheaper alternatives.
If you are new to the importing procedures, especially ones from China it could be a good idea to hire a sourcing agent. They are extra cost, but they will save you a lot of time and money while being able to conduct visits and quality checks at your chosen manufacturer. They are also familiar with customs and are able to prevent you from lots of hassle after receiving unwanted or low-quality piñatas. Not to mention that sourcing agents will take over all responsibilities and you will have much less to worry about. They are a worthy investment. Consider them if you are busy running your business and have no time for extra worries regarding overseas imports.
What is the Symbolic Meaning of Piñatas?
Piñatas and their meaning have changed a lot over the years. It once used to be a star shape that had 7 points symbolizing sins such as gluttony, pride, lust, envy, wrath, sloth, and greed. As well as brighter colors used to mean temptations in life that eventually will end up leading to sins. The act of breaking the piñatas symbolized one’s power of will and spirit. Being blindfolded was too symbolic an act. It meant that the person had faith. And lastly, the act of breaking the piñatas open and finding the sweets or other treats inside meant the rewards in heaven after our lifelong hardships. However, nowadays piñatas can be many things. They can be known as cartoon characters, famous people, animals, or just random objects like barrels.
What are the Most Common Incoterms When Importing Piñatas From China?
Incoterms are always important. They help you identify and find exactly what you are looking for. When it comes to importing piñatas, you should use FOB and CIF incoterms as they will help you not have to be deeply engaged during the logistics processes of your order. The simpler the better. This will save you time and allow you to focus on your physical store while your shipment is on its way.
How Do You Get the Best Prices When Importing Pinatas From China?
When you are about to invest a large sum of money in new shipments it is always a good idea to look into possibilities for carving off of the amount spent. The easiest ways to save money are if you make bulk purchases, buy directly from the manufacturer, use your bargaining opportunities or if you utilize your freight options.
Should I Order From B2B Websites or the Manufacturer?
This is an easy choice. Ordering straight from your manufacturer is always the best idea. The reason being is that there is no middle party raising your costs. Besides, you can conduct the quality checks, and ask all your questions directly from the people who make you piñatas.
How Do I Find the Quality of Pinatas?
This is hardly easy. The most beneficial way is to not go around doing the “dirty work”. Do spend time on thorough research. This is time-consuming but will reward you that much more! Ask for assistance from the manufacturer, check past reviews of previous clients and see what certificates, licenses, and how many years of experience your client has to mention a few ways.
What are the Restrictions When Importing Pinatas From China?
Especially nowadays there are plenty of restrictions. Not only imposed on piñatas but goods in general. The restrictions could regard the quantity you are allowed to import at one time. It could also be based on your location.
What Can You Fill Piñatas With?
The sky’s the limit when it comes to filling your piñatas. You can fill them with anything at all. Like toys, candy, fruits, balls, sweets, packets, and mini-sized items of all sorts.
What are The Best Piñatas Manufacturers in China
There are plenty of manufacturers in China. Here are our top 20 piñatas manufacturers in no particular order:
- Tota Industries
- Fuzhou Nicrolandee Arts & Crafts
- Ningbo BeilunZhichang Arts & Crafts
- Handfull Enterprise
- Sino-Harvest Industry
- Sino-Thinker Industry
- Joy Party
- Hangzhou Sunbeauty
- Yiwu BOBO
- Linqu Jinhao Arts & Crafts
- Fuzhou Cangshan Shunli Arts & Crafts
- House Parti
- Hubei Online Industrial Limited
- Qingdao Etit
- Jinhua Qiya Arts & Crafts
- Minosa Gift
- Qingdao Hunda New Party World Toys
- Qingdao Drucker
- Qingdao Henghua
Conclusion
No matter what kind, piñatas are widely popular around the globe. Investing in them could be a worthy idea. However, it is always good to do thorough research before you commit to larger financial commitments. Know your customers and their habits. Be sure that there is enough demand in your area. Perhaps try and ask for a sample so you can test them out yourself and see their quality. If you are busy but budget is not your concern, hire a sourcing agent to do all of this for you and find what you need exactly. If you need to make careful financial decisions, ask for samples, check out reviews from previous customers or just simply pick up the phone and start a conversation with your selected piñatas manufacturer.
