What Payment Terms Do Chinese Camping Furniture Manufacturers Offer European Buyers
Payment terms affect more than just how and when money moves—they impact trust, risk, and your ability to operate smoothly. But which ones are common when sourcing from China?
Most Chinese camping furniture manufacturers offer 30/70 Telegraphic Transfer (T/T), Letter of Credit (L/C), and—rarely for new buyers—Open Account (OA). Increasingly, many also accept Euro settlement to serve EU buyers better.
When negotiating with a Chinese supplier, knowing what terms are standard, what you can ask for, and how to protect your payment is critical. Here's what you need to know.
How Can European Buyers Secure the Best Payment Terms from Chinese Camping Furniture Manufacturers?
When sourcing from China, payment terms are usually discussed early. These agreements set the tone for the whole transaction and can define the balance of power.
The most common terms include T/T with deposit and balance, L/C for large or risky orders, OA for trusted partners, and Euro settlements to reduce currency risk.
T/T Payment Terms for Camping Furniture Orders from China
Structure: Typically 30% deposit before production and 70% against the Bill of Lading (B/L) copy.
Pros:
- Simple and quick.
- Low bank fees.
- Commonly accepted.
Cons:
- Buyers carry more risk—suppliers may underdeliver after receiving the deposit.
- If quality issues arise, recovering payments is difficult.
L/C Terms for European Buyers Sourcing Outdoor Furniture from China
Structure: Issued by the buyer’s bank, guaranteeing payment once the supplier meets agreed conditions.
Pros:
- Safer for both sides.
- Ensures shipment and documentation are verified.
Cons:
- More paperwork.
- Higher bank costs.
- Some suppliers may avoid it due to complexity.
Open Account Payment Terms for European Buyers Outdoor Furniture Orders
Structure: Buyer pays 30–60 days after goods are shipped.
Pros:
- Excellent for cash flow.
- Favored by large retailers and distributors.
Cons:
- Extremely risky for suppliers.
- Rarely offered to new buyers.
Euro Currency Settlement: Preferred by European Buyers of Camping Furniture
Some Chinese suppliers now accept payments in Euros.
Pros:
- Avoids currency conversion losses.
- Easier budgeting for EU importers.
Cons:
- Slightly higher banking transfer fees.
- Not yet available from all suppliers.
Comparison of TT, LC, and Euro Payment Terms in Camping Furniture Trade
| Term | Typical Use Case | Pros for Buyer | Cons for Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| T/T (30/70) | Most common for camping furniture | Simple, fast, familiar | Buyer carries risk before balance is paid |
| L/C | Larger orders or new suppliers | Secure, reduces fraud risk | Expensive, slow, more complex |
| OA | Large European chains | Good for cash flow | Not offered to new buyers |
| Euro Payment | All order types | Avoids FX losses | May include higher transfer fees |
TT, LC, Euro Payment Tips from a Camping Furniture OEM Supplier in China
Most suppliers will propose 30/70 T/T. But buyers can improve terms by building trust over time.
Start with T/T, use L/C for large orders, request Euro settlements, and link final payments to testing and inspections.
Begin With 30/70 T/T and Negotiate Gradual Improvements
Most factories expect 30% upfront. Once the relationship grows, you can request:
- Lower deposits (20–25%).
- Split final payments.
- Final payment after goods arrive.
Use L/C for OEM Camping Chair Orders Over €100,000
If your order exceeds €100,000, or if it's your first time with a factory, L/C at sight protects you from non-delivery or misrepresentation.
- Ensure all documents are specified (B/L, CO, test reports).
- Use local banking support to manage the process.
Choose Euro Payment for Camping Furniture to Reduce FX Risk
Avoid USD volatility. Ask your supplier to settle in EUR. Many factories serving Europe already hold EUR accounts.
- Better for price comparison.
- Avoids FX conversion costs and losses.
Link Final Payment to EN 581 and REACH Compliance
Tie the final balance to:
- Passing EN 581 tests for outdoor furniture safety.
- Meeting REACH chemical compliance for fabrics and finishes.
This reduces the chance of quality or legal issues.
Risk Management Tips for European Buyers of Camping Furniture from China
Risks are part of international trade, but smart planning can reduce your exposure.
Third-party inspection, contracts with payment clauses, escrow services, and split shipments all help lower risk.
Use Pre-Shipment Inspection Before Final Payment
- Hire third-party QC firms like SGS, TUV, or AsiaInspection.
- Ensure compliance before shipping.
- Use photos, reports, and live inspection if possible.
Define Payment Clauses in OEM Camping Furniture Contracts
- Define quality benchmarks and product specs.
- Include penalties for delays or failed compliance.
- Specify timelines for inspection, shipping, and payments.
Use Escrow or Trade Assurance for First-Time Orders
- Platforms like Alibaba or Made-in-China offer escrow-type services.
- Payments are held until confirmation of goods.
- Adds a layer of protection for first-time orders.
For Large Orders, Split Payment by Container
- For big orders, divide into smaller lots.
- Pay per container or shipment.
- Reduces single-point failure risk.
Buyer Checklist for Payment Terms in China Outdoor Furniture Orders
Sourcing should follow a structured process. Rushing into full payment can expose your business.
Follow these steps to ensure safety, control, and flexibility.
- Ask suppliers about their standard terms. T/T 30/70 is likely.
- If the order is large, propose L/C or milestone-based payments.
- Request settlement in Euro to simplify budgeting and reduce FX costs.
- Add clauses about compliance—like EN 581 and REACH—to contracts.
- Plan your cash flow to match retail or seasonal cycles.
Euro vs USD Payment for European Buyers of OEM Camping Chair Products
Markets and norms vary. Buyers must adjust based on region.
European buyers prefer Euro settlement and often push for OA. Chinese factories still prefer USD and T/T.
Europe (Germany, France, Italy)
- Euro preferred.
- OA more common among large distributors.
- EN 581 and REACH mandatory for import compliance.
China (Suppliers)
- Prefer USD payments.
- T/T standard.
- Accept Euro to win European clients.
North America (Secondary Mention)
- USD-only.
- L/C more common for larger retailers.
- OA rare unless U.S. buyers have regional offices in Asia.
Conclusion
Payment terms are more than technicalities—they define your cash flow, control, and exposure to risk.
Start with T/T, use L/C for large orders, push for Euro settlement, and always protect payments with compliance checks.
👉 Looking for suppliers offering flexible payment terms and compliance guarantees? Visit www.kingrayscn.com or email Lisa Wang (marketing@kingrayscn.com) for OEM/ODM solutions tailored to the European market.
