Q: What payment terms do zipper suppliers normally accept?
Payment terms for zippers usually combine a deposit with a balance. A common structure is a deposit at order confirmation, often in the region of 20 to 40 percent, and the balance against the bill of lading or before dispatch. For repeat customers with a record, open account terms of 30 to 60 days are sometimes available, but they are a credit decision, not a standard offer. Ask what the deposit covers: material purchase, dyeing, or tooling. Ask which documents release the balance and whether a copy of the bill of lading is acceptable. Currency and bank charges should be agreed in advance, and the invoice should match the purchase order line by line. For a first order, a letter of credit is possible but adds cost and paperwork; check whether the supplier can comply with the required documents before you open it. Never let the payment schedule run ahead of the inspection result on a first order.