Payment terms are usually the last thing agreed and the first thing that causes a delay. Here is how we structure them, and why.
The standard structure
| Stage | Payment | What it releases |
|---|---|---|
| Order confirmation | 30% deposit | Production slot booked |
| Before shipment | 70% balance | Documents released; container ships |
Why not 100% up front, or 100% on delivery
The deposit covers raw materials and the production slot; the balance is released against documents you can inspect. That split is what makes a first order possible between parties who have not traded before.
What you receive before paying the balance
- Photographs of your units, loaded or at the factory
- The VIN list for the container
- Draft shipping documents for your review
Check the invoice details — buyer name, port, description — before releasing the balance. Amending a bill of lading afterwards costs time and money.
On larger or repeat orders
Once a trading history exists, terms can be discussed — including documentary credit (L/C) at sight if that is how your bank prefers to work. Tell us which instrument you intend to use at the quotation stage, because it affects what we put in the offer.
What we will not do
We will not quote a price that only works if something unspecified changes later. The FOB or CIF figure in the quotation is the figure, and it is firm for 24 hours from issue.
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