This question concerns importing small electronic goods from China,
Hong Kong, and Taiwan to the US.
I would like to know all the costs and steps (custom clearances, etc)
required to transport the products.

Please list all relevant shipping options (air freight vs ocean,
courier vs fed ex, etc) and how they differ in cost, time and
regulations (custom clearances/permits and taxes/duty/fees).

When ordering samples, do the same customs regulations apply?
At what quantity does personal use change to commercial use?
Are there package sizes that qualify for better shipping terms?


Most of the suppliers state that the goods will be FOB Hong Kong, FOB
Shenzen, FOB Taipei, etc.  I assume (correctly?) that means they will
deliver the product to my shipper as desired, and cover all export
clearance costs and documentation.  From there all costs and docs will
be my/the buyers responsibility.
Please include all relevant vocabulary.

The shipping cities will be either Hong Kong, Shenzen China, or Taipei Taiwan.  
Destination: Los Angeles, CA
example package;
50 pcs - $35USD each
dimensions 24.2 x 13.8 x 11.6in
weight   28.6 lbs

Thanks

I would suggest going to httP://WWW.FTC.COM The Fedral trade comission
which could help with any answers regarding Importing Exporting goods
and services. Also Http://www.Quikcrawler.com/search could help you
search for Importing exporting as well

I am actually export-import consultant but its gonna cost you at least
100 bucks for me to answer this questin in the amount of detail you
are asking.

Just to give you some idea that I am competent enough.....one term you
need to keep in mind is Incoterms. Incoterms deal with insurance and
transfer of ownership amongst other tihings.