Ningbo, China · OEM/ODM Manufacturing

Ordering & Shipping

A clear, step-by-step guide to how we work together — from your first enquiry to delivery at your door. Every order follows a structured process so expectations are aligned at every stage.

Order & Delivery Process Overview

Every project follows the same five-stage sequence. Stages may overlap slightly depending on the project, but no stage is skipped. This keeps production on schedule and ensures the final product matches what was agreed.

  1. 01 Requirements & Quotation
  2. 02 Sampling & Approval
  3. 03 PI & Order Confirmation
  4. 04 Production & QC
  5. 05 Shipment & Delivery
01

Requirements, Product Match & Quotation

The process begins when you contact us with your product needs. We review your enquiry, confirm whether a suitable product exists in our range or whether custom development is needed, and then prepare a quotation.

What to share with us:

Product type, target quantity, any design references or dimensions, packaging requirements, and your destination country.

1

Initial Enquiry

Send us your product requirements by email or contact form. Include product type, approximate quantity, any design references, and your target market.

2

Product Assessment

We review your enquiry and confirm whether we manufacture a matching product or can develop one to your specifications. We may ask follow-up questions to clarify requirements.

3

Quotation

Once requirements are clear, we prepare a quotation covering unit price, MOQ, sample cost, lead time, and available trade terms. Quotations are based on agreed specifications.

02

Sampling & Sample Confirmation

Sampling applies when a new product is being developed, when customisation affects structure or dimensions, or when a buyer requires a physical reference before placing a bulk order. Sampling is not always required for repeat orders of previously approved products.

Sample product being reviewed at Harbor Pet Products facility

Sample Brief

Agree on specifications, materials, dimensions, and colour before sampling begins.

Sample Production

We produce the sample to agreed specifications. Typical lead time is 16-20 days, excluding shipping.

Sample Delivery

Sample is shipped to you for review. Sample cost and shipping are confirmed in advance.

Approval or Revision

You review the sample. If revisions are needed, we discuss changes and produce a revised sample before bulk production proceeds.

Note: Sample costs and revision arrangements are confirmed per project. Bulk production does not begin until the sample is approved.
03

PI & Final Order Confirmation

Once the quotation is accepted and the sample (if required) is approved, we issue a Proforma Invoice. The PI sets out all agreed terms. Production begins after the PI is confirmed and the agreed deposit is received.

Product specifications & quantities
Unit price & total order value
Packaging & labelling requirements
Trade term (EXW / FOB / DDP)
Production lead time
Payment terms & deposit amount

What the PI Covers

The Proforma Invoice is the binding document that records all agreed order terms. Both parties review and confirm the PI before production begins. Any changes after PI confirmation must be agreed in writing.

Production Start

Production begins once the PI is confirmed and the agreed deposit payment is received. The production lead time stated in the PI runs from this point.

MOQ, Sampling & Production Lead Times

Reference figures for planning purposes. Final terms are confirmed per product and project in the quotation.

Custom Order MOQ ~300 Units

Typical minimum for custom orders, depending on product type. Does not automatically apply to all wholesale orders.

Sample Lead Time 16-20 Days

From sample brief confirmation to sample completion. Excludes shipping time to your location.

Bulk Production Lead Time 25-35 Days

From production start (deposit received and PI confirmed) to goods ready for shipment.

Important: Lead times are reference figures and may vary by product, order size, and production schedule at the time of ordering. All timelines are confirmed in the Proforma Invoice before production begins.

04

Payment Terms & Production Start

How payment is structured and when production begins

Standard Payment Structure

30%

Deposit

Paid upon PI confirmation to initiate production. Production does not begin until the deposit is received.

70%

Balance

Paid before shipment, upon presentation of shipping documents or pre-shipment inspection confirmation.

Payment Details

Accepted Methods: T/T (Bank Transfer). Other methods subject to confirmation.
Currency: USD. Other currencies subject to confirmation.
Invoice: Commercial invoice and packing list provided with each shipment.
Flexibility: Payment terms are confirmed per order in the PI. Variations may be discussed for established buyers.

Production begins only after the PI is confirmed by both parties and the agreed deposit payment is received. The production lead time stated in the PI runs from this date.

05

Packaging, Freight & Shipment

Packaging is agreed as part of the order. We coordinate with your freight forwarder or arrange shipping on your behalf, depending on the trade term.

Pre-Shipment

  • Production completion & internal QC
  • Packaging inspection
  • Balance payment confirmation
  • Shipping documents prepared
  • Goods released for shipment

Packaging Options

Standard Export Packaging

Corrugated carton packaging suitable for sea or air freight. Carton dimensions and gross weight confirmed per product.

Custom Retail Packaging

Branded boxes, colour printing, and custom inserts available. Specifications and costs confirmed at quotation stage.

Amazon-Ready Packaging

Drop-test protective packaging and FNSKU labelling for FBA shipments. Label information required before production.

Bulk / Pallet Packaging

Pallet configuration available for container shipments. Pallet dimensions and stacking confirmed with freight forwarder.

Freight Forwarding

Under EXW and FOB terms, you arrange your own freight forwarder. We provide carton dimensions, weights, and packing lists to support your booking. Under DDP arrangements, we coordinate shipping on your behalf.

We work with buyers shipping by sea (LCL or FCL) and air freight. Port of loading is Ningbo or Shanghai, depending on the shipment.

Trade Terms: EXW, FOB Ningbo & DDP

We offer three trade terms to suit different logistics arrangements. The applicable term is confirmed in the quotation and PI.

Ex Works

EXW

Goods are made available at our factory in Ningbo. The buyer arranges and pays for all transport from our facility, including export customs clearance.

Buyer Covers

  • Export customs & documentation
  • Inland transport from factory
  • Sea or air freight
  • Import customs & duties
  • Delivery to final destination

Best For

Buyers with an established freight forwarder in China who manage their own export logistics.

Free On Board · Ningbo

FOB

We deliver goods to the port of Ningbo and complete export customs clearance. Risk and cost transfer to the buyer once goods are on board the vessel.

Buyer Covers

  • Sea or air freight from Ningbo
  • Marine insurance (recommended)
  • Import customs & duties
  • Delivery to final destination

Best For

Buyers who arrange their own sea freight and import clearance but prefer us to handle export formalities.

Delivered Duty Paid

DDP

We arrange shipping, export and import customs clearance, duties, and delivery to the agreed destination address. Available on request, subject to confirmation for your destination country.

Buyer Covers

  • Unloading at destination (unless agreed otherwise)

Best For

Buyers who prefer an all-inclusive landed cost with no logistics management on their side.

DDP availability and pricing depend on destination country and shipment size. Subject to confirmation.

06

Delivery Follow-Up & After-Sales Support

Our responsibility does not end when the goods leave our facility. We follow up on shipment status, provide documentation, and address any issues that arise after delivery.

Shipping Documents

Commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading provided promptly after shipment. Additional certificates available on request.

Shipment Tracking

We provide tracking information and vessel details. For FOB and EXW shipments, your freight forwarder manages tracking from the port.

Quality Issues

If goods arrive with quality discrepancies from agreed specifications, we investigate promptly. Photo and video documentation of issues is required.

Repeat Orders

Established buyers benefit from streamlined reordering. Previously approved products can move directly to production without repeat sampling.

Ready to Start?

Send us your product requirements and we will get back to you with product information and a quotation.

Send an Enquiry →

Quick Reference

MOQ ~300 units (custom orders)
Sample Lead Time 16-20 days
Bulk Lead Time 25-35 days
Trade Terms EXW ยท FOB Ningbo ยท DDP
Payment 30% deposit ยท 70% balance