Unit price means little without a clear Incoterm. Align commercial and logistics language before you compare factory quotes.
FOB Guangzhou / Shenzhen
Factory delivers to the named port. You control forwarder and insurance. Common for experienced importers.
CIF
Seller arranges ocean freight and insurance to the destination port. Useful when you want fewer vendor touchpoints on the first order.
DDP
Door delivery including duties — convenient, but confirm who owns delay risk at customs.
| Term | Who books freight | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| FOB | Buyer | You have a preferred forwarder |
| CIF | Seller to port | First order simplicity |
| DDP | Seller to door | You want landed-cost clarity |
Carton planning
Confirm pairs per carton, carton dimensions and palletization early. Insoles are light but voluminous; volume weight often drives air quotes.