Two suppliers quote the same FOB price and one is 12% cheaper landed. The difference is almost always loading density and packaging cost — neither of which appears in the unit price.
Loading density by configuration
| Configuration | 20GP | 40HQ | Utilisation note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 mm basswood, 120×160 cm | 900-1,100 sets | 1,800-2,200 sets | Standard reference |
| 25 mm basswood, 120×160 cm | 1,200-1,400 sets | 2,400-2,900 sets | Thinner cartons |
| Cordless 50 mm | 850-1,000 sets | 1,700-2,000 sets | Headrail bulkier |
| Motorised 50 mm | 600-750 sets | 1,300-1,600 sets | Motor housing + battery |
Mixed sizes reduce density. If you order 40 different sizes, expect 10-15% less per container than a single-size order, because cartons cannot nest.
Packaging: where corners get damaged
- Inner box with corner protectors — the headrail ends are what arrive bent.
- Master carton, double-wall, 6-10 sets, with a hardware bag and installation sheet per set.
- Optional: individual retail box with your branding, adds 8-12% to carton volume.
Landed cost lines buyers forget
- Freight per set — falls as loading density rises; compare landed, not FOB.
- Duty rate by country and by material (wood vs PVC often differ).
- Inland haulage from port — carton dimensions decide whether you pay for a full truck.
- Damage allowance — poorly packed blinds cost 2-5% in credit notes.
- Working capital — a 30-day production plus 35-day sea freight ties up cash for over two months.
Before you place the order
Ask for: carton dimension and weight list, loading plan for your size mix, photos of the actual packed cartons from the last shipment, and the moisture content record. A supplier who cannot supply these is not shipping their own production.
More detail on our finished blinds range and shipping terms.
Payment terms and who carries the risk
Standard terms are 30% deposit and 70% against the bill of lading copy. That structure protects the supplier more than the buyer, which is why first orders are better on a letter of credit or a smaller trial shipment with balance on inspection. If a supplier insists on full payment before production on a first order, treat it as a signal.
Damage claims: the window is short
Container damage must be noted on the delivery receipt at the time of collection — once the driver leaves, the carrier is not liable. Photograph the container doors before opening, count cartons against the packing list, and report shortages within 48 hours. Inside the carton, check headrail ends and slat corners first; these are where transit damage appears.
Keep three cartons unopened as a reference sample until the order is fully sold. If a claim arises later, that untouched carton is your evidence.
Related guides
Send your size list. We will return a loading plan with carton dimensions so you can calculate landed cost before committing.
Catalogue and current price list · Neutral packing and private label · Consolidation, documents and lead times
