We are thinking about ordering equipment from China, which would be send to BKK port.
Since Thailand has a freetrade agreement with China, there should be no charges except 7% VAT.

Is it advisable to there by oneself to pick it up, or should an agent be used?

Use a Thai freight-forwarder and have them pick it up in China and deliver it to you. Do not use a forwarder in China, unless they have an actual office in Thailand. 

 

Your terms from the seller should be FOB Chinese port. 

 

If you have the seller handle the freight, make sure they quote it DDP. 

Freetrade agreement doesn't mean= no duties. Ask the vendor in China for the HS code of the goods. Then contact a Thai forwarder or customs broker and ask to check the duties and what docs you need to get from the vendor to applied preferred tariff for origin China.

11 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

If you have the seller handle the freight, make sure they quote it DDP. 

 

This ^^^.

 

Or ask if they can ship "Thailand Special Line" (same, same but different), either will ensure all the charges / fees are handled before you get involved.

An acquaintance ordered an e-bike from a Chinese seller, the seller to arrange the shipping.  Turned into a nightmare of freight, handling, docking, warehouse charges, missing documents, the list goes on.

End result was no e-bike, big bucks down the drain, massive frustration.

Thanks for the advise! We ordered DDP from a company that has send here before.
Crate arrived at door step today , only to sign one paper. 

Really happy with that!

What is DDP and does anyone have contact info for a Thai freight forwarder?  I'm interested in purchasing a large woodworking tool from Alibaba (wood lathe), but not sure on the procedures to insure everything goes smoothly.

3 hours ago, Kiniyeow said:

What is DDP

Deliver Duty Paid

3 hours ago, Kiniyeow said:

 

and does anyone have contact info for a Thai freight forwarder?  I'm interested in purchasing a large woodworking tool from Alibaba (wood lathe), but not sure on the procedures to insure everything goes smoothly.

P.J.Transpack (Thailand) Co.,Ltd 

 

thank you sir!