Buy capacity, not promises

For international orders we work primarily against an irrevocable letter of credit at sight, opened through a reputable bank and payable on presentation of shipping documents. This is the most protective route for both sides: we release goods only against a bank undertaking, and your bank releases funds only against the documents named in the credit.

Where a letter of credit is not practical, we accept staged telegraphic transfer: an advance against order confirmation to secure materials and capacity, a milestone payment on completion of manufacture, and the balance against pre-shipment inspection and documents. Terms are stated on the proforma invoice and do not change mid-order. We do not accept payment instructions issued outside the signed contract, and our banking details are never amended by email — any message claiming otherwise should be verified with us directly.

The production programme begins on the later of two events: written approval of shop drawings and finish samples, or receipt of the advance payment. Approval delays move the dispatch date by the same number of days, which is why we push hard for early sample sign-off.

Progress is reported against the programme, with photographs at cutting, finishing and assembly. If a milestone is at risk, you hear it from us in that week's report rather than at the dispatch date. Where a contract carries liquidated damages for late delivery, we will negotiate and sign them — but only against a programme we have verified we can hold.

Standard export documentation includes the commercial invoice, detailed packing list with carton dimensions and weights, certificate of origin, and the bill of lading. Additional certificates, legalisation or consular documents required by your customs authority can be arranged when specified at contract stage — tell us the destination early, because some documents cannot be issued retroactively.

Freight can be booked by us under CFR or CIF terms, or by your own nominated forwarder under FOB. Either way you receive the container number, seal number and loading photographs before the vessel departs.

There is no fixed unit minimum. What matters commercially is the setup: a single bespoke reception desk carries proportionally more engineering and finishing time than a hundred identical units, and the quotation reflects that honestly rather than hiding it.

Mixed loads are normal and encouraged. Most project containers carry several item types packed and labelled by zone or room number. For export efficiency we generally recommend building toward a full 40 FT HC load, since freight cost per unit falls sharply compared with partial shipments.

Report it in writing with photographs within the claim window stated in your contract, referencing the job number and carton labels. Because every consignment leaves with inspection records and loading photographs, transit damage and manufacturing defects can be told apart quickly instead of argued about for weeks.

Manufacturing defects are remade at our cost and consolidated into your next shipment, or air-freighted where a site opening depends on them. Transit damage is pursued through the cargo insurance policy — which is why we recommend insured terms on long routes and multi-modal corridors.

Yes, and we encourage it. You are welcome to inspect in person, send your project manager, or appoint a third-party inspection agency. Give us the inspection date in the contract so the programme allows for it, and we will present the consignment assembled, finished and counted against the packing list.