Buyer guide ·
30/70 payment terms and quality inspection: protecting your order
How 30% deposit / 70% balance payment terms work in import orders, and the checkpoints (samples, pre-production approval, pre-shipment inspection) that protect buyers.
Most factory orders run on deposit-and-balance terms. Our standard is 30% deposit to confirm the order and 70% balance before goods are released for delivery. Here is why, and how quality checkpoints fit in.
Why a deposit?
The deposit lets the factory buy materials and book production for your order. Without it, custom or large orders do not get scheduled.
Checkpoints that protect you
- Written specification: dimensions, materials, finishes, packing and labelling agreed in writing on the quote.
- Sample or pre-production approval: approve a physical sample or production photos before mass production.
- In-line checks on longer runs.
- Pre-shipment inspection: quantities, appearance, function, measurements and packing checked against the specification before loading.
- Balance on release: the balance is due before goods are released for delivery, after inspection.
What to agree up front
- Acceptable tolerances and defect levels
- What happens if goods fail inspection (rework, replacement, credit)
- Packing standard for the journey
Repeat buyers
Once a product and relationship are established, account terms can be discussed. Apply for a trade account.
