12 points to avoid losing money on furniture from China
Check these before paying for an order. They cover most of the problems people run into when buying furniture from factories.
- 01A contract with a clear counterpartyCheck which company you sign with and that the contract includes a specification, prices, lead times and liabilities.
- 02A specification for every itemDimensions, frame material, filling, fabric with reference, colour, hardware. Anything not written down is left to the factory.
- 03Samples before the batch startsAsk for fabric and finish samples and, for large orders, a reference piece.
- 04Photos and video from productionA frame before upholstery tells more than a finished sofa. Ask for footage at each stage.
- 05Staged paymentDon't pay everything upfront. A normal scheme: a deposit for production, the balance after inspection.
- 06Inspect every itemSpot checks miss defects. Agree that everything gets inspected.
- 07Packaging for a long tripCorner guards, crates for fragile items, moisture protection. Saving on packaging ends in chips.
- 08Dimensions for your spaceCheck doorways, lifts and stairs: a sofa that doesn't fit through the door is a common story.
- 09Production and delivery timesClarify them before the contract and allow for Chinese holidays.
- 10Customs and documentsFind out in advance who clears the cargo and which documents you'll receive.
- 11Cargo insuranceAsk whether the cargo is insured in transit and what happens if it's damaged.
- 12Warranty and repeat ordersAgree how defects are handled and keep the fabric and factory details for future orders.
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