In short: A Chinese factory quote usually packs five things into one dense email or PDF: unit price, MOQ, EXW terms, sample cost and lead time, and payment terms. Misreading any one of them is the most common reason first-time Irish importers overpay or get an unpleasant surprise at production. Below is a worked example of a real-style quote sheet, broken down field by field, so you know exactly what you're agreeing to before you pay a deposit.

Last updated: July 31, 2026

What does a typical Chinese factory quote include?

Most quotes arrive as a simple table or a WeChat message with these fields: product name and spec reference, unit price and the pricing term (usually EXW, sometimes FOB), MOQ (minimum order quantity), sample cost and sample lead time, production lead time after deposit, payment terms (deposit % and balance timing), and packaging details.

Here's a worked example, using a silicone kitchen tool as the sample product:

What does EXW actually mean for an Irish importer?

EXW (Ex Works) means the price only covers the product at the factory door. You (or your sourcing agent) arrange and pay for everything after that: inland trucking to the port, export documentation, ocean or air freight, Irish customs clearance, and VAT. First-time importers often compare EXW prices between suppliers without accounting for this, and end up comparing apples to oranges. Always ask for a landed cost estimate to Ireland, not just the EXW number, before deciding.

Why is the MOQ higher than I expected?

MOQ is usually set by the factory's most efficient production run size — for injection moulding, that's often tied to mould capacity per colour or per material batch. If a factory's MOQ doesn't fit your order size, you generally have three options: negotiate a slightly higher unit price for a smaller run, combine colours or SKUs to hit the MOQ, or find a trading company that pools smaller orders across multiple buyers.

Is the sample cost refundable?

Sometimes, but don't assume it is. Always ask directly: "Is the sample fee credited against my first order?" Get the answer in writing before paying. Even when it isn't refundable, a paid sample is worth it — it's the only reliable way to check quality and fit before committing to a full production run.

What should I check before paying a deposit?

Confirm the unit price includes the exact spec you asked for (material, printing, packaging) — not a generic version. Confirm MOQ is per colour/variant, not a combined total, if you're ordering multiple SKUs. Confirm what "before shipment" means for the balance payment — before or after QC sign-off. Confirm the quote's validity period — raw material and freight costs shift, and quotes typically expire in 15-30 days.

FAQ

What's a normal MOQ for a first order with a new Chinese factory?

It varies enormously by product category, but 500-3,000 units is common for simple consumer goods. Categories with mould costs (plastics, silicone, metal stamping) tend to have higher MOQs than sewn or printed goods.

Can I negotiate MOQ down for a first order?

Often, yes — especially if you frame it as a trial order with the intention of scaling. Some factories will accept a smaller first run at a higher unit price to build the relationship.

Why did the unit price go up when I asked for a smaller quantity?

Because the factory's cost per unit rises at lower volumes (fixed setup and mould costs are spread across fewer pieces). This is normal, not a sign of bad faith.

Does EXW pricing include export customs clearance in China?

No. Under EXW, the buyer (or their agent) is responsible for export clearance and everything after pickup. FOB shifts export clearance and inland transport to the seller — worth asking about if you don't have freight support yet.

How do I know if a quote is genuinely competitive?

Compare landed cost (unit price + freight + duty + VAT to Ireland), not EXW price alone, across at least two to three suppliers. A sourcing agent with China-based teams can usually get you a like-for-like landed cost comparison faster than emailing factories directly.

How Epic Sourcing helps

Reading a factory quote correctly is the difference between a smooth first order and a costly misunderstanding. Epic Sourcing's bilingual teams on the ground in China and Vietnam review quotes on your behalf, confirm what's actually included, and convert EXW pricing into a real landed cost for Ireland before you commit a deposit. Our HS Codes & Import Classification guide and FCL vs LCL Shipping guide are useful next reads for building out your full landed-cost picture, and our end-to-end sourcing service handles quote review as standard. Get in touch and we'll sanity-check your next quote for free — no pressure, no obligation.