Your production cost is only part of your landed cost. Freight, insurance and duties can add up quickly, and the delivery term you choose decides who bears them. Here is how the three most common terms work for apparel.
FOB: You Handle Everything After the Factory Gate
FOB (Free On Board) means the factory's responsibility ends when the goods are loaded onto the vessel or at the named port. From that point, freight, insurance, customs and inland delivery are yours. FOB gives you control over logistics and is a common starting point for experienced importers with their own freight forwarder.
CIF: The Factory Arranges Sea Freight and Insurance
CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) means the factory covers the cost of the goods, marine insurance and freight to the destination port. The risk still transfers to you at the port of loading, but the logistics are handled by the seller. CIF is convenient for sea shipments, but you still need to arrange customs clearance and inland delivery.
DDP: One Price, Delivered to Your Door
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) is the most convenient term for many first-time importers. The factory covers freight, insurance, import duties and delivery to your address. You receive one predictable price, and the risk stays with the seller until delivery. The trade-off is less control over the logistics choices and typically a higher per-unit price. Zuohan Clothing offers FOB, CIF and DDP, so we can quote the same order under the term you prefer.
Air, Sea or Express?
- Sea (LCL or FCL). The cheapest way to move large volumes. Lead time is longest, typically several weeks depending on the route. Best for bulk orders you can plan ahead.
- Air freight. Faster than sea, more expensive per kilo. Best for seasonal reorders or medium-size shipments where time matters.
- Express (courier). Fastest and most expensive per kilo. Best for samples, small trial orders and urgent replacements. DDP is commonly quoted with express because the courier handles most formalities.
Documents Every Apparel Shipment Should Include
Confirm your factory provides complete export documentation: packing lists, size and color breakdowns, and compliance documents. For a US-bound order, these support customs clearance and, where applicable, US labeling compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which term is cheapest?
It depends on your volume and logistics setup. FOB with your own forwarder is often cheapest per unit, but DDP can be cheaper overall for small orders because it avoids surprise fees.
What is the difference between LCL and FCL?
LCL (Less than Container Load) shares a container with other shipments; FCL (Full Container Load) is your own container. FCL is usually more economical once your volume fills most of a container.
Who pays US customs duties?
Under FOB and CIF, you pay duties at import. Under DDP, the seller includes them in the price. Confirm the term in writing, because this is where cost surprises happen.
Can I mix shipping modes for one order?
Yes, for example sea for the bulk and express for urgent samples or a few sizes that sold out.
Do you provide tracking?
Yes, courier and air shipments come with tracking, and sea shipments are tracked through the shipping line or forwarder. Ask for updates at agreed intervals.
Get all three quotes for your order. Send us your product, quantity and destination, and we will quote FOB, CIF and DDP so you can compare landed costs directly.
