China Supplier Payment Terms Guide for Importers

Payment terms are one of the most important risk controls when buying from Chinese suppliers. A buyer can choose the right product, find a good quoted price and approve a sample, but still lose money if payment is made to the wrong company, too early, with weak order terms or without a clear inspection and shipment release process.

This guide explains common China supplier payment terms from a practical sourcing perspective. It covers TT payments, deposit and balance structure, payment beneficiary checks, Alibaba Trade Assurance, letters of credit, sample fees, mold fees, tooling ownership, payment timing, inspection before balance, refund risk, bank fee issues and how BSA GROUP helps buyers reduce payment risk during China sourcing.

This is business guidance, not legal or financial advice. Payment risk depends on supplier type, order value, product category, destination market, buyer leverage, bank rules and written contract terms. Importers should use qualified legal, banking or trade finance advisors for high-value or complex transactions.

Why Payment Terms Matter

Payment terms decide how risk is shared between buyer and supplier. If the buyer pays too much too early, the supplier has less pressure to solve quality, delay, packaging, labeling or document problems. If the supplier receives too little before production, they may refuse the order or cut corners. Good terms balance trust, cash flow and control.

Payment terms affect:

supplier motivation;
buyer leverage;
production schedule;
inspection timing;
quality dispute handling;
shipping document release;
refund possibility;
bank fee allocation;
relationship with supplier;
reorder confidence.

Payment terms are not only about price. A cheaper supplier with unsafe payment terms can be more expensive than a slightly higher-priced supplier with better risk control.

Common China Supplier Payment Methods

The most common payment methods used with Chinese suppliers include:

TT bank transfer;
Alibaba Trade Assurance;
PayPal for small samples or small orders;
credit card payment through platforms;
Western Union or similar services for very small payments;
letter of credit;
documentary collection;
escrow-style platform payment;
local RMB payment through a sourcing agent or buyer’s China entity.

For most B2B importers, TT and Alibaba Trade Assurance are the most common. Letters of credit are used more often for larger orders, commodity trade or established supplier relationships. PayPal or card payment is usually more common for samples, small tools, catalog products or first small trials.

TT Payment

TT means telegraphic transfer, commonly used to describe international bank transfer. In China sourcing, many suppliers request TT because it is familiar, direct and widely accepted.

A standard TT structure is:

30 percent deposit before production;
70 percent balance before shipment.

This does not mean 30/70 is always safe. It only means this is a common structure. The buyer still needs to verify supplier identity, confirm payment beneficiary, define product specification, inspect goods before balance and control shipping documents.

TT is useful because:

most factories accept it;
bank record is clear;
it works for large and small orders;
it avoids some platform fees;
suppliers can start production quickly.

TT risk includes:

payment to wrong company;
fake bank account change email;
supplier delay after deposit;
quality issue before balance;
weak refund leverage;
limited buyer protection after transfer;
difficulty recovering money from fraudulent supplier.

TT should be combined with supplier verification, clear purchase order terms and inspection before balance.

30/70 Payment Terms

30/70 means the buyer pays 30 percent deposit before production and 70 percent balance before shipment. It is common for custom, private label and made-to-order goods.

The deposit gives supplier cash to buy materials, arrange production and reserve capacity. The balance is paid after production, often after inspection, before shipment or before original shipping documents are released.

30/70 works best when:

supplier has been verified;
product specification is clear;
sample is approved;
order value is not too small;
production status can be monitored;
buyer arranges inspection before balance;
shipping documents are controlled.

30/70 is weaker when:

supplier is unknown;
product is high risk;
order is urgent;
no inspection is arranged;
buyer pays balance only based on supplier photos;
payment beneficiary is not checked;
supplier contract terms are vague.

Do not treat 30/70 as protection by itself. The real protection is the process around it.

50/50 Payment Terms

Some suppliers ask for 50 percent deposit and 50 percent balance. This may happen for custom products, small orders, seasonal capacity pressure, unstable material price, new buyer relationship or suppliers with limited cash flow.

50/50 gives supplier more cash up front and reduces their risk. It also increases buyer exposure. If the supplier is new, unverified or producing a high-risk item, buyers should be careful.

A buyer may accept 50/50 when:

order value is small;
supplier is verified;
sample is approved;
product is custom and material cost is high;
production lead time is short;
there is clear inspection before balance;
supplier has strong export record.

The buyer should push back when:

supplier cannot show business license;
payment receiver does not match company;
supplier refuses inspection;
supplier cannot provide clear invoice or proforma invoice;
supplier asks payment to personal account;
product is expensive or regulated;
communication is inconsistent.

If 50/50 is unavoidable, reduce other risks: split production, start with smaller order, inspect earlier or use platform protection where possible.

100 Percent Payment Before Production

100 percent payment before production is high risk for custom B2B orders. Some suppliers request it for very small sample orders, stock goods, low-value accessories or when buyer has no purchase history.

It may be acceptable for:

sample fee;
low-value ready stock;
courier shipping fee;
catalog product under low amount;
repeat supplier with good history;
platform order with buyer protection.

It is risky for:

custom production;
private label goods;
large order;
new supplier;
expensive electronics;
regulated products;
seasonal deadline orders;
products needing inspection.

When a supplier insists on full payment, ask why. If the order is small, it may be normal. If the order is large, the buyer should negotiate staged payment or consider another supplier.

Balance Payment Before Shipment

Many Chinese suppliers require balance before shipment. This is common because suppliers want payment before goods leave their control. But buyers should avoid paying balance before checking goods.

A better process is:

production finished;
supplier sends finished goods photos;
buyer or sourcing agent arranges pre-shipment inspection;
inspection report is reviewed;
supplier fixes issues if needed;
buyer pays balance;
supplier releases goods to forwarder;
shipping documents are prepared.

If the supplier refuses inspection before balance, ask why. A serious factory should allow reasonable inspection if it was agreed before order. The inspection cost is usually paid by the buyer, but the right to inspect should be clear.

Payment Beneficiary Risk

One of the biggest China sourcing risks is paying the wrong beneficiary. The payment receiver should be checked against supplier identity.

Check:

supplier legal company name;
business license name;
bank account name;
beneficiary address;
SWIFT code;
bank name;
invoice issuer;
proforma invoice company;
contract company;
email domain and contact person.

If the supplier is a factory, the bank account may be under the factory company name. If the supplier is a trading company, the account may be under the trading company. If the payment account is a personal account, offshore company, unrelated Hong Kong company or another third-party company, ask for explanation.

Sometimes there is a legitimate reason, such as group company structure, export agent arrangement or foreign currency settlement. But the buyer should not assume. Ask for written explanation and verify before paying.

Related service: supplier verification service.

Fake Bank Account Change Risk

Email hacking and fake bank account change messages are serious risks in international trade. A buyer may communicate with the real supplier for weeks, then receive a payment instruction from a compromised email or fake lookalike email.

Before sending payment:

confirm bank details by a second channel;
call the supplier contact or use verified messaging;
compare bank information with previous invoice;
check whether email address changed;
check sender domain carefully;
be cautious with urgent bank change request;
ask for stamped proforma invoice;
verify beneficiary name before transfer.

For repeat orders, never accept bank detail changes casually. Treat every bank account change as a risk event.

Proforma Invoice Review

The proforma invoice is more than a payment request. It is often the document that defines what the buyer is paying for.

Review:

supplier company name;
buyer company name;
product description;
model number;
quantity;
unit price;
total amount;
payment terms;
Incoterm;
production lead time;
packaging details;
bank account details;
validity date;
signature or stamp if used.

The PI should match quotation, product specification and supplier verification. If the PI is vague, ask supplier to revise before payment. Vague PIs create dispute problems because it is harder to prove what was agreed.

Purchase Order and Payment Terms

For larger or repeat orders, the buyer should issue a purchase order or have a signed order confirmation.

The purchase order should include:

product specification;
approved sample reference;
material;
color;
size;
logo;
packaging;
label requirements;
inspection right;
defect standard;
shipment terms;
payment terms;
delivery deadline;
document requirements;
penalty or remedy terms if used.

Payment terms should not stand alone. They should connect to quality and shipment milestones. For example: 30 percent deposit after PI confirmation, 70 percent balance after passed pre-shipment inspection and before shipment release.

Alibaba Trade Assurance

Alibaba Trade Assurance can reduce certain transaction risks when orders are placed through Alibaba and terms are clearly written inside the platform order. It may help with payment record, order terms and dispute process.

Trade Assurance is useful when:

supplier is found on Alibaba;
buyer wants platform record;
order terms are clearly written;
inspection or quality requirements are included;
product specification is detailed;
payment is made through the platform.

Trade Assurance is weaker when:

order terms are vague;
buyer pays outside the platform;
product specification is not documented;
dispute evidence is weak;
quality issue is subjective;
buyer did not follow platform process.

Do not assume Alibaba protection works automatically. The buyer should write product details, quality requirements, shipment date, packaging and inspection terms clearly in the order.

Related service: buy from Alibaba service.

PayPal and Credit Card Payments

PayPal and credit card payments may be useful for small samples, small stock orders and first test transactions. They are faster and familiar for many foreign buyers.

Advantages:

convenient for small orders;
faster than bank transfer;
easier for sample fee;
sometimes provides dispute channels;
useful before supplier relationship is built.

Limitations:

many factories dislike fees;
not always accepted for large orders;
dispute rules may not fit custom B2B goods;
exchange rate and fee may be higher;
supplier may increase price to cover fees.

For large custom orders, PayPal or card payment is usually not the main long-term method. It can be a starting point, not a full sourcing control system.

Letter of Credit

A letter of credit is a bank instrument used in international trade. It can reduce payment and shipment risk when properly structured, but it is more complex than TT. It is often used for larger orders, commodity trade, established importer systems or suppliers familiar with LC procedures.

LC can help when:

order value is high;
buyer and supplier want bank-mediated payment;
documents can be clearly defined;
shipment terms are stable;
both sides understand LC process.

LC may be difficult when:

supplier is small and inexperienced;
order is custom and documentation is complex;
buyer needs flexibility;
bank fees are high;
documents are easy to mismatch;
production changes are frequent.

LC is document-based. It does not automatically guarantee product quality. If the documents comply but the product has quality issues not controlled by inspection or contract, the buyer may still face problems. Use LC with professional banking advice for serious transactions.

Documentary Collection

Documentary collection is another trade payment method where banks handle shipping documents according to payment or acceptance instructions. It is less common for many small importers than TT, but it may appear in established trade relationships.

It can support document control, but it does not provide the same bank payment undertaking as a confirmed LC. Buyers should understand the difference before accepting it.

For most small and medium importers sourcing from China, documentary collection is not the first method. TT with strong verification and inspection, Trade Assurance for platform orders, or LC for larger structured orders are more common.

Sample Fees

Sample fees are normal in China sourcing. Suppliers may charge for product sample, logo sample, mold sample, packaging sample and courier cost.

A sample fee is reasonable when:

product has real cost;
supplier customizes logo or packaging;
sample requires production;
courier cost is high;
supplier receives many casual inquiries.

Before paying sample fee, confirm:

sample cost;
courier cost;
sample lead time;
material;
color;
model;
logo method;
whether sample fee is refundable after bulk order;
whether sample matches production version.

Do not over-negotiate small sample fees with a serious supplier if the project is real. But do verify supplier identity before paying sample fees to unknown companies.

Mold Fee and Tooling Payment

Mold fee or tooling fee is common for custom plastic, metal, silicone, packaging, hardware, electronics housing and private label development. Tooling payment is more sensitive than normal product payment because it affects ownership and future production control.

Clarify:

mold cost;
payment schedule;
mold ownership;
who keeps the mold;
mold life;
maintenance responsibility;
whether mold can be moved;
whether supplier can use mold for other customers;
sample approval process;
what happens if sample fails;
whether 2D or 3D drawings are included;
whether design files belong to buyer.

Many disputes happen because buyers pay mold fee but do not define ownership. A supplier may say the buyer paid development cost, not full ownership. For important tooling, use clear written terms.

Related guide: China Sample Approval Guide.

Deposit Timing

Deposit should be paid after enough information is clear.

Before deposit, confirm:

supplier identity;
payment beneficiary;
product specification;
price;
quantity;
sample approval if needed;
packaging;
labeling;
lead time;
inspection plan;
Incoterm;
shipping method;
document requirements.

Paying deposit before these points are clear gives supplier control too early. It also makes later changes harder because the supplier may claim production has started.

Inspection Before Balance

Inspection before balance is one of the strongest practical controls for importers. It does not solve every risk, but it gives the buyer information before paying the remaining amount.

Inspection should check:

quantity;
workmanship;
color;
size;
logo;
packaging;
labels;
accessories;
carton marks;
function;
safety markings if visible;
product specification;
buyer-specific requirements.

The buyer should tell the supplier before order that balance payment depends on production completion and inspection arrangement. If this is mentioned only after goods are finished, the supplier may resist.

Related service: quality control inspection service.

Payment Terms and Incoterms

Payment terms and Incoterms are different. Payment terms define when and how money is paid. Incoterms define responsibilities for delivery, risk transfer and cost allocation.

Common Incoterms in China sourcing include:

EXW;
FOB;
FCA;
CIF;
DAP;
DDP.

A buyer may use 30/70 TT with FOB, DAP or DDP. The payment structure does not tell who handles customs, freight or import duty. The Incoterm must be stated separately in quotation and invoice.

Payment Terms and Landed Cost

Payment terms affect cash flow and landed cost planning. A product with 30 percent deposit may require cash months before inventory is sold. A custom mold may require extra upfront payment. A delayed balance payment may delay shipment. Bank fees, exchange rate differences and platform fees also affect final cost.

Include these in landed cost planning:

deposit amount;
balance amount;
sample fee;
tooling fee;
testing fee;
inspection fee;
bank fee;
platform fee;
exchange rate buffer;
freight payment timing;
duty and tax timing;
storage or delay cost.

Small Order Payment Strategy

Small orders have a different logic. If the order is too small, suppliers may refuse complex terms because administration cost is high. A buyer asking for LC, long contract negotiation and strict balance terms on a very small order may not be taken seriously.

For small orders, a practical strategy is:

verify supplier basics;
use Alibaba order when possible;
start with sample;
pay small amount only after clear PI;
avoid personal accounts;
use ready stock if testing product-market fit;
inspect by photos or third-party check depending on value;
avoid heavy customization before trust is built.

The goal of a small order is often supplier testing, not maximum margin. Keep risk controlled and learn quickly.

Large Order Payment Strategy

Large orders need stronger controls. The buyer should not rely on chat records only.

For larger orders:

verify supplier deeply;
check factory or arrange audit;
use detailed purchase order;
control specification;
define inspection standard;
split payments by milestone;
consider LC if suitable;
confirm shipping document process;
avoid last-minute bank changes;
keep full compliance and order file.

For high-value orders, the buyer may also split production or shipment into batches. This reduces risk if the supplier has quality or delivery problems.

New Supplier Payment Strategy

A new supplier should not receive the same trust as a long-term supplier. Even if communication is good, the buyer needs proof.

For new suppliers:

start with business license check;
verify payment beneficiary;
ask for export references if available;
order samples;
confirm production capability;
avoid large first order;
use inspection before balance;
keep communication in writing;
do not accept personal bank account without strong reason.

New supplier risk is normal. The goal is not to distrust everyone. The goal is to build trust through steps.

Repeat Supplier Payment Strategy

Repeat suppliers can receive better terms over time, but buyers should still control changes.

For repeat orders:

confirm same company and bank account;
confirm no material change;
confirm price and lead time;
confirm old quality issues were solved;
inspect at least periodically;
keep updated documents;
review payment history;
watch for bank detail changes.

Good suppliers may offer better terms after trust builds. Examples include lower deposit, longer balance timing or monthly settlement for stable buyers. But buyers should earn this through consistent orders and professional communication.

Negotiating Better Payment Terms

Suppliers accept better terms when they trust the buyer, understand the order and believe future business is real.

Negotiation points:

show clear product specification;
show realistic order plan;
offer fast deposit after terms are agreed;
use repeat order potential carefully;
offer inspection process up front;
propose milestone payment;
reduce supplier uncertainty;
avoid aggressive bargaining without order value.

Instead of saying "your terms are bad", say "For our first order, we can do 30 percent deposit and 70 percent after passed inspection before shipment. If the first two orders run smoothly, we can discuss faster payment release or larger volume."

Payment Red Flags

Be careful when a supplier:

asks payment to personal account;
changes bank account suddenly;
refuses to provide company documents;
uses PI under unrelated company;
pressures buyer to pay urgently;
refuses inspection before balance;
offers unrealistically low price;
cannot explain Incoterm;
cannot provide clear product specification;
refuses written terms;
asks full payment for large custom order;
has inconsistent company names across documents.

Red flags do not automatically prove fraud, but they require investigation before payment.

Payment Dispute Prevention

Disputes are easier to prevent than solve. Once money is transferred and goods are produced, the buyer has less leverage.

Prevent disputes by:

writing clear product specification;
confirming payment beneficiary;
using detailed PI and PO;
approving sample before production;
defining inspection criteria;
keeping chat and email records;
taking production photos;
arranging inspection before balance;
holding balance until issues are addressed;
avoiding rushed payment changes.

If a dispute happens, evidence matters. Screenshots, PI, PO, inspection report, photos, videos and bank records help show what was agreed and what was delivered.

RMB Payment Through a China Agent

Some importers use a China sourcing agent, China company, warehouse partner or local payment service to pay suppliers in RMB. This can be useful when suppliers quote better RMB prices, cannot receive foreign currency easily, or when the buyer purchases from 1688 and domestic Chinese suppliers.

RMB payment can help with:

1688 supplier payments;
small factory payments;
domestic logistics fee;
sample fee;
packaging fee;
local warehouse fee;
consolidation order;
multiple supplier collection;
faster supplier settlement.

But RMB payment also needs control. The buyer should know who is paying, who receives the money, what exchange rate is used, what service fee applies and what invoice or receipt will be kept. If a sourcing agent pays on behalf of the buyer, the buyer should still keep supplier name, product list, amount, payment date and order reference.

Do not let RMB payment become a blind spot. It should make purchasing easier, not less transparent.

Hong Kong Accounts and Offshore Payment Requests

Some Chinese suppliers use Hong Kong accounts or offshore company accounts for international trade. This can be normal for trading companies, group structures or foreign currency settlement. It can also create risk if the account is unrelated to the supplier you verified.

When a supplier gives a Hong Kong or offshore beneficiary, check:

relationship between mainland company and offshore company;
whether the PI issuer matches the account holder;
whether contract company matches bank beneficiary;
whether supplier can provide written explanation;
whether invoice and shipping documents will match;
whether tax or customs documents create issues;
whether the account was used in past orders.

The key question is not whether the account is in Hong Kong. The key question is whether the beneficiary is clearly connected to the supplier and order. If the explanation is weak, delay payment and verify.

Milestone Payment Structure

For larger custom projects, one deposit and one balance payment may not be enough. A milestone payment structure can connect payment to real progress.

Possible milestones include:

deposit after order confirmation;
tooling payment after drawing approval;
sample payment after sample production;
second payment after sample approval;
production payment after material purchase confirmation;
balance after passed inspection;
final release after documents are ready.

Milestone payments are useful for complex OEM, ODM, tooling, product development and multi-stage packaging projects. They help both sides because supplier receives cash as work progresses, while buyer avoids paying too much before proof of progress.

However, milestone terms must be simple enough to operate. If every small action requires a payment negotiation, the project slows down. Use milestones only when order value or complexity justifies them.

Payment Terms by Product Type

Different product categories need different payment caution.

For ready-stock products, payment may be faster because goods already exist. The buyer should still confirm quantity, photos, packaging, model, shipping date and supplier identity. If order value is small, full payment may be acceptable after basic checks.

For private label products, deposit and balance should connect to sample approval, logo artwork, packaging artwork and inspection. Once logo or packaging is wrong, resale value can drop sharply.

For electronics, payment terms should connect to compliance documents, functional testing, charger or battery documents, and inspection. Paying balance before checking function and labels is risky.

For toys and children’s products, payment should not move too fast before compliance documents, labels, warnings and inspection are clear. Product liability risk is higher.

For apparel and textiles, payment control should include fabric, color, size, label, care instruction, packaging and carton marks. AQL inspection is important because defects can be widespread.

For tooling and custom molds, separate tooling terms from product order terms. A buyer may pay for mold development before mass production, but ownership and sample approval must be written.

Payment Terms for Multi-Supplier Consolidation

When a buyer purchases from several Chinese suppliers in one shipment, payment control becomes more complex. One supplier may finish early, another may delay, and the warehouse may need to consolidate cartons before export.

For multi-supplier orders, track:

supplier name;
order value;
deposit paid;
balance due;
production status;
delivery address;
warehouse receipt status;
carton count;
inspection status;
missing documents;
payment release date.

The buyer should avoid losing visibility after paying multiple deposits. A sourcing agent or warehouse can help collect goods, check quantity, photograph cartons and report missing items before final shipment.

A separate warehouse consolidation guide can be added later when that Resources cluster is published.

Evidence Buyers Should Keep

Good payment control requires evidence. If a supplier later disputes price, specification, delivery date or defect responsibility, the buyer needs organized records.

Keep:

supplier quotation;
proforma invoice;
purchase order;
bank transfer record;
payment receipt if provided;
supplier business license;
beneficiary verification record;
product specification;
sample approval photos;
packaging artwork;
inspection report;
shipment photos;
commercial invoice;
packing list;
bill of lading or tracking record;
dispute communication if any.

Save these records by SKU and supplier. Do not rely only on chat history because chat records may be hard to search months later. A simple folder system protects future reorders and helps new team members understand what happened.

Refund Risk

Refunds from Chinese suppliers can be difficult, especially after materials are purchased or production has started. Some suppliers may agree to remake, discount, repair or credit future orders instead of cash refund.

Before payment, understand:

whether deposit is refundable;
what happens if sample fails;
what happens if production is delayed;
who pays for rework;
who pays for rejected goods;
whether balance can be withheld;
whether future credit is acceptable;
what proof is needed for claim.

For custom goods, deposits are often not fully refundable because supplier may buy material or start work. The buyer should reduce risk before deposit, not rely on refund after problems.

Payment Terms Checklist Before Deposit

Before deposit, confirm:

supplier business identity;
payment beneficiary;
PI details;
product specification;
sample status;
quantity;
price;
payment split;
Incoterm;
lead time;
packaging;
labeling;
inspection right;
balance timing;
shipping document requirements;
refund or remedy terms if relevant.

If several of these are unclear, delay payment.

Payment Terms Checklist Before Balance

Before balance, confirm:

production finished;
inspection completed or intentionally waived;
issues fixed or accepted;
final quantity;
carton data;
packaging photos;
label photos;
commercial invoice draft;
packing list draft;
shipping method;
forwarder handover plan;
no suspicious bank changes.

Paying balance should be a controlled release, not a reflex.

How BSA GROUP Supports Payment Risk Control

BSA GROUP can help buyers manage payment-related sourcing steps in China.

Support may include:

checking supplier company information;
reviewing payment beneficiary consistency;
asking supplier for stamped PI;
confirming order terms before deposit;
coordinating sample approval;
preparing inspection requirements before balance;
arranging supplier verification;
coordinating factory audit when needed;
collecting carton and shipping documents;
communicating with suppliers about payment milestones;
organizing sourcing records for buyer review.

BSA GROUP does not replace a bank, lawyer or trade finance provider. But in practical sourcing work, many payment losses happen because basic supplier and order checks were skipped. A structured sourcing process reduces those avoidable risks.

FAQ

What is the most common payment term with Chinese suppliers?

30 percent deposit and 70 percent balance before shipment is common for made-to-order goods. It should still be combined with supplier verification and inspection before balance.

Is TT payment safe?

TT is common, but safety depends on supplier verification, beneficiary check, written terms and inspection process. A bank transfer alone does not protect the buyer from poor quality or fraud.

Should I pay a Chinese supplier before inspection?

For custom or larger orders, it is better to inspect before paying the balance. The inspection right should be agreed before deposit.

Is Alibaba Trade Assurance enough protection?

It can help, but only if the order terms are clear and payment stays inside the platform. Vague product requirements weaken protection.

Can I pay a supplier’s personal bank account?

This is risky. Ask why the account is personal and verify carefully. For B2B orders, payment should usually go to a company account connected to the supplier or explained arrangement.

What if supplier changes bank account?

Treat it as a risk event. Confirm through a second channel and verify before transferring money.

Should mold fee be paid separately?

Often yes. But tooling ownership, sample approval, mold storage, mold life and whether supplier can use the mold for others should be written clearly.

Can BSA GROUP help check payment risk?

BSA GROUP can help check supplier identity, payment beneficiary consistency, order documents and inspection timing, so buyers have more control before deposit and balance payment.

Final Recommendation

Payment terms should be designed as part of the sourcing process. Do not negotiate payment only after price is agreed. Before deposit, verify the supplier, confirm the payment beneficiary, define the product specification and write clear order terms. Before balance, inspect goods, review documents and confirm shipment release.

The safest payment term is not only a number such as 30/70. It is a complete process: verified supplier, correct beneficiary, clear PI, approved sample, controlled production, inspection before balance and organized records.