Sourcing office in Ningbo · Reply within 1 business day EN · USD · martin@fluentsupply.com
FAQ · Plain answers

The questions buyers actually ask.

Lead times, MOQ, payment terms, sample policy. Written down so you don't have to ask twice.

01 · Sourcing

Sourcing & catalog

Can I source something that isn't in the catalog?
Yes. The catalog is a sample of what we actively work on — not the full network. Send us a brief or a reference image and we'll come back with options within two business days.
Do you work with new buyers, or only existing accounts?
Both. There's no minimum spend to send a brief. We do ask that you have a clear use case — we're not a wholesale aggregator and we don't ship to consumers.
Can I visit a workshop before placing an order?
For larger orders, yes — by appointment. We coordinate visits in Ningbo, Yiwu, and Foshan. Tell us the SKU and we'll set it up.
02 · Pricing

Pricing & quotes

Are the prices on the catalog firm?
Indicative. They reflect a recent production run at a typical MOQ. Final price moves with quantity, customisation, and current material cost — we always confirm in the quote.
What's the MOQ?
It varies by SKU and is shown on each product page. Most homewares start between 50 and 500 pieces. Lighting is usually 100+. We'll flag if a workshop will accept a smaller test order.
Do you charge a sourcing fee on top?
No separate fee. Our margin is built into the quoted unit price, and it's the same whether you order 50 or 5,000 — we don't take a percentage of your spend.
03 · Production & shipping

Production & shipping

What are typical lead times?
Sample: 2–3 weeks. Production: 30–45 days for in-stock SKUs, 45–70 days for new tooling. Sea freight to EU/US is roughly 30–45 days door-to-door.
Can you handle freight and customs?
Yes — sea (FCL/LCL) or air. We work with freight forwarders in Ningbo and Shanghai and can quote DDP (delivered duty paid) to most EU and US addresses.
How is quality control handled?
Pre-shipment inspection on every order — AQL 2.5 by default, tighter for hospitality and lighting. You get a photo report before goods leave the warehouse.
04 · Account & payment

Account & payment

Do I need an account to send an inquiry?
No. You can submit a brief as a guest. Creating an account just means your inquiry history and quotes stay together in one place.
What payment terms do you accept?
30% deposit on order confirmation, balance before shipment is the default. For repeat buyers we can move to 30/70 against B/L copy. Wire transfer (T/T) is standard; LC for larger orders.
Can I cancel an order after the deposit?
Before production starts — usually yes, less the cost of any sampling already done. After production starts the deposit covers committed materials and is non-refundable.
Still need a human

Send a brief — we'll write back.

Drop the SKUs you're interested in into your quote cart and send. Reply within one business day.