Quick Answer: The price on a wooden toy quotation is only half the story. Trade terms decide who pays for shipping, insurance, and customs. Payment terms decide when your money leaves your account. ESATOYS — the export brand of Wenzhou Times Arts & Crafts Co., Ltd. — has worked with EU and US buyers for 24 years. Here is how to read both before you sign a PO.

Why trade terms matter

EXW, FOB, and CIF are not just letters. They define where your responsibility starts and ends.

• EXW (Ex Works): You pay for everything after the goods leave the factory. This includes inland transport, export clearance, shipping, and insurance. It looks cheap, but the hidden costs are yours.

• FOB (Free On Board): Your supplier delivers the goods to the port and clears export. You pay for sea freight, insurance, and destination charges. This is the most common term for wooden toy orders.

• CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): Your supplier pays for sea freight and insurance to your destination port. You still handle import clearance and inland delivery.

For most EU and US buyers, FOB is the clearest choice. You know what you pay and who controls the freight.

Why payment terms matter

A wooden toy order usually involves a deposit and a balance. Common terms are:

• 30% deposit, 70% before shipment

• 30% deposit, 70% against copy of bill of lading

• 50% deposit, 50% before shipment for custom or private label orders

The deposit protects the supplier. The balance protects you. Never pay 100% upfront for a new supplier, especially on a custom order.

What to confirm before you pay

Ask your supplier to put these in the quotation or contract:

• Trade term and named port

• What is included in the price

• Deposit percentage and balance trigger

• Payment method: T/T, L/C, or platform payment

• Bank charges: who pays them

• Production lead time after deposit

• Shipping document release conditions

If the supplier only says “FOB” without a port, ask for the exact port name. If they ask for 100% upfront, ask why.

Red flags in payment and trade terms

• A price that is much lower than other quotes, with unclear trade terms

• Requests for payment to a personal account

• No written contract or proforma invoice

• Balance payment before any QC or inspection

• Sudden changes to bank details by email

Always verify bank details by phone or video call before sending money. Email fraud is common in international trade.

How ESATOYS works with buyers

ESATOYS is the export brand of Wenzhou Times Arts & Crafts Co., Ltd. We have 24 years of experience serving brands, importers, and retailers in Europe and North America. We quote clear trade terms, confirm payment schedules in writing, and support third-party inspection before balance payment. We support EN71, ASTM F963, and CPSIA compliance where applicable. FSC-certified wood is available on request.

Next step: Send us your wooden toy idea, target market, and order quantity. We will reply with a clear quotation, trade term, and payment plan — usually within 24 hours on business days.

Contact ESATOYS via www.evatoys.com