Every import order carries payment risk. Buyers usually focus on product, freight, and pricing, yet cash exposure is what turns supplier uncertainty into actual loss.
The Most Common Payment Structure
For many China-based orders, the standard structure is:
- 30% deposit before production
- 70% balance before shipment
This is common because it helps factories buy materials and schedule production.
Controls That Make Standard Terms Safer
- Supplier verification
- Sample approval before deposit
- Written commercial terms
- Pre-shipment inspection
Strong buyers do not eliminate payment risk completely. They reduce it through sequencing.
Final Thought
Verification before deposit, inspection before balance, and clear documentation throughout the order create a much safer commercial rhythm.
Arivon Trade helps importers verify suppliers, structure inspection-backed payment flow, and manage commercial risk during sourcing from China. Contact us if you want a safer operational framework for supplier payments.
