To optimize costs, calculate the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), including unit price, shipping, and potential defect rates. Negotiate tiered pricing where a 20-30% discount is often achievable for container-load orders. Consider CKD (Completely Knocked Down) or SKD (Semi-Knocked Down) shipping if you have local assembly capabilities to reduce import duties. Furthermore, look for suppliers who offer consolidated shipping, allowing you to mix different SKUs (e.g., filters, brake pads, and spark plugs) in one container to meet Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ) while maintaining low inventory levels.