Incoterms
FOB, CIF and DDP for shoe importers.
The Incoterm decides who pays when the carton leaves the plant. It is not a shipping slogan, and it is not a freight rate copied from a blog.
The Incoterm decides who pays when the carton leaves the plant. It is not a shipping slogan, and it is not a freight rate copied from a blog.
Most first-time importers ask for a “shipping price” as if it were a pair of laces. Freight is a function of Incoterm, port, carton volume and the calendar. Until those are named, a number is entertainment.
| Term | Seller typically covers | Buyer typically covers |
|---|---|---|
| FOB | Export packing, inland to the named Chinese port, export clearance, loading on board | Main freight, insurance, import clearance, duty, delivery inland |
| CIF | FOB items plus main freight and a baseline insurance to the named destination port | Import clearance, duty, delivery inland, any insurance above the baseline |
| DDP | Through to the named place, including duty, if that place is written in the contract | Unload at the named place unless the contract says otherwise; local delivery beyond that place |
Payment terms are confirmed with the quotation. They are a different conversation from Incoterms. Mixing them — payment terms plus DDP in the first email — is how both sides quote a different job.
Sea transit to the EU and US is typically 25-40 days. Typically means industry convention, not a promise we will put on a booking. It also does not include sampling, material booking, bulk production or the four QC gates. Those sit earlier, on the sample-to-shipment sequence.
Ready stock is not a faster Incoterm. It is inventory that already exists, confirmed per style on inquiry. If that is the route, read ready stock vs custom first, then choose FOB, CIF or DDP for the cartons you actually buy.
| Decision | Why it belongs in the quote |
|---|---|
| Generic carton vs branded box | Volume and weight change freight, not just the unboxing |
| Mixed size run in one carton | Retailers often specify this; it changes packing labour |
| Who books the forwarder | FOB with your forwarder is a different job from CIF we book |
| Named place for DDP | Without a place, DDP is a slogan |
Destination country, preferred Incoterm, and whether you already have a forwarder. Packing can include logo printing, custom labels, branded boxes, polybags and hangtags — that volume changes both the carton and the freight. A human replies within 12 working hours. Guangzhou office, Shicheng plant in Jiangxi. The seller on the documents is Steed Sports (Guangzhou) Co., Ltd.
If the quotation still looks like one unexplained number, read how to read a footwear quotation before you compare it to anyone else.
FOB and CIF are standard; DDP can be discussed for full-container orders. Port and terms are confirmed per order. Sea transit to the EU and US is typically 25-40 days.