Ordering OEM camping furniture from a Chinese manufacturer involves a structured process from initial inquiry to container shipment. This guide covers the complete procurement workflow: request for quotation, sample evaluation, order confirmation, production monitoring, quality inspection, and shipping. Key commercial terms are explained — MOQ (minimum order quantity), payment terms (T/T, L/C), and shipping incoterms (FOB, CIF, DDP). Based on Kingmax Outdoor's standard OEM process, the typical timeline from first inquiry to goods arrival is 10-14 weeks.
MOQ (minimum order quantity) varies by product complexity and customisation level. Standard products with existing tooling: 500 pieces per SKU. Products requiring new moulds or jigs: 1,000 pieces per SKU. Fully custom designs (new structural design): 2,000-3,000 pieces per SKU. Kingmax's MOQ of 500 pieces is competitive for the industry — many factories require 1,000-2,000 minimum. Mixed-SKU orders are accepted, allowing brands to test multiple products within a single container. First-time buyers can order samples (1-5 pieces) before committing to MOQ.
The sample process has three stages: 1) Pre-production sample — Kingmax produces 1-3 units matching your brief (specs, materials, branding). Standard lead time is 7 business days. Sample cost covers materials and labour. 2) Review and revision — you evaluate the sample and request changes. One revision round is included; additional rounds incur sample fees. 3) Golden sample sign-off — the final approved sample becomes the production reference standard. It is retained by both parties for quality comparison during mass production. Sample cost is typically refunded against the first bulk order.
Standard payment: 30% T/T deposit upon order confirmation, 70% balance against scanned B/L (bill of lading). Alternative terms for established buyers: L/C at sight, 60-day D/P, or 90-day D/A. Shipping incoterms: FOB Ningbo is standard — the buyer arranges ocean freight from port. CIF (cost, insurance, freight) to destination port is available on request. DDP (delivered duty paid) to buyer's warehouse is available for select markets. Kingmax handles export customs clearance, container loading supervision, and all shipping documentation.
Typical timeline for a standard OEM order: Week 1-2 — quotation, sample production, and approval. Week 3 — order confirmation and deposit payment. Week 4-8 — mass production (30-35 days standard). Week 8-9 — final QC, container loading, and shipping documents. Week 9-14 — ocean transit (2-4 weeks depending on destination). Total door-to-door: 10-14 weeks from confirmed order. Rush production (20-25 days) is available at 10-15% surcharge for orders under 5,000 pieces, subject to production line availability.
| Stage | Duration | Key Deliverable | Payment Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Inquiry & Quotation | 1–2 days | Costed BOM, material options | — |
| 2. Sample Production | 7 business days | 1–3 physical samples | Sample fee (refundable) |
| 3. Sample Approval | 3–7 days | Golden sample sign-off | — |
| 4. Order Confirmation | 1–2 days | Proforma invoice, production schedule | 30% T/T deposit |
| 5. Mass Production | 30–35 days | Finished goods | — |
| 6. Final QC & Loading | 3–5 days | QC report, container photos | 70% T/T balance |
| 7. Ocean Transit | 2–4 weeks | B/L, customs documents | — |
