Start the quote with destination reality
Build a buying plan around specs, tariffs, port terms, insurance, and last-mile delivery limits. Product price alone is not enough. The right first estimate separates product cost, packaging, inland trucking, freight, customs assumptions, insurance, and local delivery.
Key checks for USA
- Clear HS code and duty assumptions
- Factory photos before balance payment
- Damage-proof packaging for furniture and slabs
- Confirm whether the supplier quote is EXW, FOB, CIF, DDP, or only a product price.
- Ask for carton or crate dimensions, gross weight, CBM, and fragile-item notes.
- Keep photo records before final payment and before container loading.
Best first message to send
Send destination city, delivery type, item list, target timeline, preferred trade term, and whether you already have a forwarder. This prevents suppliers from quoting different scopes.