How to Import Restored Film Cameras from China: MOQ, Shipping & Customs
Importing restored cameras is simpler than most retailers expect. Here is the process end to end, from first inquiry to a shipment at your door.
Step 1: inquiry and quotation
You start by telling the supplier which of the ten camera families you want, in what quantity, and at what condition range. A wholesale quotation comes back shaped around that request — per-unit pricing depends on each unit’s individual grade, because no two vintage cameras are identical.
Step 2: deposit and unit selection
A deposit confirms the order. Units are then selected and prepared for you: each camera is tested against a fixed checklist (shutter speeds, film advance, meter, light seals, optics) and documented individually. You receive unit-level information before the balance is due — this is the step that protects you from surprises.
Step 3: balance and shipment
After you review the unit information, the balance completes and the order is packed for shipment. Typical options:
- Express courier (DHL/FedEx/UPS): 5–8 days door to door, best for small and first orders.
- Air freight: cost-efficient for larger batches, usually with customs clearance handled by a broker.
A first order of five to ten units ships comfortably by express courier; many retailers start exactly there.
Step 4: customs, briefly
Used cameras are ordinary consumer goods. In the US, shipments under the $800 de minimis threshold generally clear without duties; above that, standard tariff treatment applies. In the EU, VAT is collected on import at your local rate, and a commercial invoice from the supplier makes clearance routine. Your supplier should provide accurate invoices describing the goods truthfully — ask for this explicitly.
What to require from any supplier
- Unit-level test and condition documentation before balance payment
- Photos of the actual units you are buying, not catalog images
- Honest cosmetic notes with defect close-ups
- A clear payment structure (deposit to start, balance before shipment)
Frequently asked
What is the minimum order? With ReShutter Supply, a first order can be a single camera — we would rather prove the process on one unit than win an order you are not ready for.
How long does the whole cycle take? Typically two to four weeks depending on how many units need preparation and which shipping lane you choose.
Ready to stock these models?
We supply restored units of all ten camera families individually graded and priced, with unit-level documentation before shipment.
Request Wholesale Quote