A first order from a new country carries two risks: paying for goods that never arrive, and receiving goods that are not what you approved. Both are solvable with terms that are standard in this trade. Here is how the sequence works with an Indonesian rattan manufacturer.
Step 1: the brief and the quotation
Catalogue prices are ex-works reference figures based on USD 1 = IDR 18,000 and are explicitly not a binding offer. Final pricing depends on your specification, customisation, order quantity, packaging and exchange rate movement. The official quotation issued against your inquiry is the valid price for the order.
Step 2: understand what ex-works means for you
Ex-works is the price of the goods at the factory gate. Freight, export clearance, insurance beyond what is provided, import duty and delivery in your country sit outside that figure. A USD 25 box is not a USD 25 landed cost. Ask for the packed carton dimensions and weight early, because volume decides freight and volume is what a woven product has plenty of.
Step 3: sampling
A sample is produced to your brief so you approve the actual basket rather than a photograph. Sample and courier terms are confirmed with your quotation. Use the sample to check the things a photo hides: the interior finish, whether the base holds shape empty, how the rim behaves under load, and colour under your own lighting rather than the supplier's.
Step 4: payment via Letter of Credit
Letter of Credit is accepted. Payment releases only once the goods are shipped and the required documents are provided, with the bank verifying that both sides met their obligations. For a first order with a supplier you have not worked with, this removes the advance payment risk entirely. It costs bank fees and takes paperwork; for a container of goods that is a reasonable trade.
Step 5: production and visibility
Production runs 2 to 4 weeks from approved sample and confirmed order, depending on volume and finish, through a network of dedicated artisan workshops with centrally supplied raw materials. Weekly updates on order status are provided, so progress is reported rather than requested.
Step 6: inspection and shipment
Goods return to a central warehouse for final inspection, finishing, quality control, packing and shipment, so the consistency check happens in one place rather than across separate workshops. Complimentary shipping insurance covers the goods until they safely arrive in your country.
A realistic first-order timeline
| Stage | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Brief to quotation | 1 business day |
| Sample production and courier | Confirmed with quotation |
| Bulk production after approval | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Inspection, packing, shipment | After production completes |
| Ocean freight to destination | Depends on lane and carrier |
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to pay an Indonesian supplier in advance?
You do not have to. Letter of Credit is accepted, which releases payment only once goods ship and documents are provided, with a bank verifying both sides.
Does the price include shipping?
No. Prices are ex-works, meaning the goods at the factory. Freight, import duty and local delivery are separate. Shipping insurance until arrival in your country is included.
What happens if goods are damaged in transit?
Complimentary shipping insurance covers the goods until they safely reach your country.
Can I inspect before shipment?
Final inspection, finishing and quality control happen at a central warehouse before packing and shipment, and weekly production updates are provided throughout.
Is the company a registered exporter?
Yes. Exporindo is an Alibaba.com Channel Partner in Indonesia, and the production partner is legally registered with the Indonesian Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.
Get a quotation for your specification
Send the model, dimensions, finish and quantity you need. A binding quotation comes back within one business day, and a sample is produced to your brief before any bulk run starts. See the full catalogue at rattanhandicraft.exporindo.id or start a consultation.