Payment Terms for Furniture Imports: T/T, LC and What Actually Protects You

New importers fear losing a deposit. That fear is reasonable — and manageable. The terms you accept should match the order size and the trust you’ve built, not the first number a supplier quotes.

Common terms explained: T/T, L/C, D/P

T/T (wire transfer) is fastest and most common: a deposit to start, balance before or on shipment. L/C (letter of credit) is bank-backed and safer for large first orders, at a cost. D/P (documents against payment) releases goods only on payment. 我们默认 T/T：30% 定金，70% 发货前付清。简单直接，也是大多数买家偏好的方式。

What a 30/70 split really means for your risk

A 30% deposit limits your exposure to 30% if things go wrong — but the 70% balance is paid before you see the goods. The risk isn’t the deposit; it’s paying the balance on trust. That’s where inspection comes in.

Tying the balance to third-party inspection

Negotiate: balance paid after a third-party inspection (SGS, TÜV, or similar) passes. You only release the 70% on verified goods. 尾款见验货放行我们给老客户能安排。第三方 QC（SGS/BV）我们也接受。 It costs a few hundred dollars and removes the single biggest risk in importing.

Red flags in payment requests

Be wary of: requests for full payment upfront on a first order, refusal of any inspection linkage, or pressure to skip written terms. None of these are normal for a confident factory. See our seven red flags guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is L/C better for a first order? 信用证？量够大的单子我们可以做。小首单一般还是走 T/T。 For large first orders, an L/C or inspection-linked T/T reduces risk substantially.

Can balance be paid after inspection? 尾款见验货放行我们给老客户能安排。第三方 QC（SGS/BV）我们也接受。