How should I pay for my first glass sliding door hardware order from China?

Placing a big order with a new supplier feels risky. You worry about sending money overseas and not getting what you paid for. But there are safe, standard ways to pay.

For a first order, the best methods are Telegraphic Transfer (T/T) with a 30% deposit and 70% balance payment, or Alibaba Trade Assurance if ordering on that platform. These methods offer security for both you, the buyer, and us, the supplier, making them industry standard.

I know that navigating international payments can seem complex, especially the first time. You want to protect your investment, and we want to build a relationship based on trust. The good news is that the common payment structures are designed to do exactly that.

Let’s look at the most common questions my clients, like Jacky from Canada, ask me about first-order payments. Understanding these details will give you the confidence to place your order securely and start a great partnership with a supplier like us at opensliding.

Can I pay partially upfront and partially on delivery?

Worried about paying 100% upfront to a new factory? It’s a huge leap of faith. The great news is you don’t have to. Partial payment is the standard for B2B orders.

Yes, absolutely. The most common arrangement is a partial payment upfront, typically a 30% deposit via Telegraphic Transfer (T/T). The remaining 70% is then paid after production is finished and before the goods are dispatched, or against a copy of the Bill of Lading.

This split payment structure is the backbone of international trade for a reason—it’s fair to both sides. As a factory, that initial 30% deposit shows us that you are a serious buyer. It gives us the capital to purchase the raw materials, like high-grade steel and aluminum, needed to start manufacturing your glass sliding door rollers. It secures your spot in our production schedule. For you, the buyer, you’ve only committed a fraction of the total cost, minimizing your initial risk. The real security for you comes before the final 70% payment. At this stage, you can ask for proof that your order is complete and meets your standards. I often send photos, production videos, or even do a live video call from the factory floor. For larger orders, many clients arrange a third-party inspection. Only after you are satisfied do you transfer the balance. This process ensures you get exactly what you ordered.

The 30/70 T/T Split: A Win-Win

Are online payment methods accepted?

You are probably used to the simple click-and-pay convenience of online shopping. But B2B transactions are different, and using the wrong platform can lead to high fees or poor protection.

Yes, many suppliers accept online payments, but they are best for specific situations. PayPal is excellent for small sample orders. For larger production orders, Alibaba Trade Assurance is a fantastic, secure option if you’re ordering through the Alibaba platform.

When you’re just testing the waters with a new supplier, you don’t want to go through the process of a bank wire for a small sample order of wardrobe sliding wheels. This is where PayPal shines. It’s fast and easy. However, for the main order, it’s less ideal. The transaction fees for sellers are quite high, and many suppliers, including us, may need to account for that in the pricing. Also, its buyer protection is more geared toward consumer goods, not custom B2B orders. For your main order, a much better online tool is Alibaba Trade Assurance. It acts as an escrow service. You pay Alibaba, not the supplier directly. Alibaba holds the funds until you confirm that you have received your order and that it meets the quality standards you agreed upon in the contract. This gives you incredible leverage and peace of mind for your first large order.

When to Use PayPal³ vs. Alibaba Trade Assurance⁴

Can I request escrow services for security?

Sending a large deposit to a company you’ve never worked with can be stressful. You need a safety net to ensure your money is secure until you get what you’ve paid for.

Yes, you can and should use an escrow-like service for your first big order. The most popular and integrated escrow service in our industry is Alibaba Trade Assurance. It is designed specifically to protect international buyers when ordering from Chinese suppliers.

Think of Alibaba Trade Assurance as a trusted middleman. When you place your order with us through Alibaba, you pay into the Trade Assurance account, not directly to my company’s bank account. Your money sits securely with Alibaba. This triggers us to begin production on your sliding door systems. Once we finish, we notify you and ship the goods. The crucial part happens next: the money is only released to us after you confirm that the goods have arrived and they match the quality, specifications, and quantity detailed in our online contract. If there’s a problem—for example, if the finish on the cabinet hinges isn’t right or the rollers aren’t the specified material—you can open a dispute. Alibaba will then step in to mediate. This system removes the biggest fear of first-time importers: paying for goods and receiving something substandard, or nothing at all. It forces accountability on the supplier and gives you powerful recourse.

How do first-order payments affect future credit terms?

Your first order is just the beginning. As you plan for the future, you’re likely wondering if you can get better payment terms, like paying after you receive the goods.

Your first order sets the foundation for our business relationship. A smooth, on-time payment for the initial order builds trust. This trust is the key to unlocking more flexible credit terms, like a lower deposit or even balance payment after delivery, on future orders.

Think of it like building any relationship. The first transaction is all about building confidence. When you pay your 30% deposit and 70% balance promptly as agreed, you demonstrate that you are a reliable and serious partner. On our side, when we deliver your high-quality Partition Room Sliding Door Rollers on time, we earn your trust. After one or two successful orders like this, the dynamic changes. We know you, and you know our quality. At that point, I am much more open to discussing better terms for my long-term partners. For established clients with a good payment history, we can often adjust the terms. This could mean a smaller deposit, say 20%, or in some cases, we can agree on payment of the balance against the Bill of Lading (B/L) copy, which allows you to pay while the goods are in transit. For our most trusted, high-volume partners, we have even offered terms where the balance is paid 15 or 30 days after they’ve received the goods. But this level of trust is earned, and it always starts with a successful first order.

Conclusion

Choosing the right payment method, like a T/T deposit or Alibaba Trade Assurance, is key to a secure first order and builds trust for better terms on future business.