A first large China order is where small mistakes become expensive. MOQ increases, packaging commitments, inspection failures, freight changes, and refund disputes can all appear after the buyer has already paid a deposit.
This checklist helps buyers slow down before approving a larger order.
MOQ and product checks
- Confirm whether MOQ is driven by product, material, packaging, or labels.
- Approve sample, artwork, color, size, material, and packaging in writing.
- Ask whether a smaller pilot run is possible.
- Calculate landed cost, not only unit price.
For inventory exposure, read our internal article on whether 5,000 units is too much for a first order. DDPexpert’s product sourcing support guide is useful for planning the first controlled run.
Inspection and payment checks
- Set defect standards before production.
- Book inspection before balance payment.
- Require photos for labels, packaging, cartons, and key functions.
- Connect balance payment to approved inspection evidence.
For inspection planning, use the sample-to-bulk color evidence guide. DDPexpert’s China quality inspection guide gives a deeper inspection framework.
Freight and refund checks
- Confirm EXW, FOB, DAP, or DDP terms.
- Ask who is importer of record.
- Match invoice, packing list, carton data, and freight quote.
- Write refund, delay, replacement, and credit terms before deposit.
For shipping term risk, see our internal DAP versus DDP shipping risk guide. For freight comparison, DDPexpert’s freight forwarder from China resource is the right deep link.
Final recommendation
Before the first large China order, make the supplier, product, packaging, inspection, freight, and refund terms auditable. A bigger order deserves a stronger evidence file.
