What Is FOB Price in China Lingerie Procurement

So you're thinking about sourcing lingerie from China — awesome move. The market’s booming, quality’s high, and prices? Usually unbeatable. But here’s the catch: to really save money and avoid nasty surprises, you’ve gotta understand FOB price.

FOB stands for “Free On Board” — a shipping term that tells you who’s responsible for what once goods leave the factory. In China lingerie procurement, FOB price means your supplier covers all costs and risks until the products are loaded onto the ship at the Chinese port. After that? It’s on you (the buyer).

Let’s break it down with real numbers. Say you’re ordering 500 units of lace bras from a Guangzhou-based factory:

See the difference? Your FOB price is just the starting line. If you only budget for FOB, you’ll be short by nearly 40%. That’s why pros always calculate landed cost — FOB + shipping + insurance + duties.

Here’s a pro tip: negotiate FOB terms at major ports like Ningbo or Shenzhen. Why? They’re efficient, have frequent sailings, and lower local haulage fees. One client saved 12% just by switching from Guangzhou to Shenzhen port — same factory, better logistics routing.

Also, don’t assume “FOB” means everything’s handled. I’ve seen suppliers exclude customs fees or loading charges. Always confirm in writing: “FOB [Port Name], including export clearance and terminal handling.” Trust me, that one sentence avoids 90% of disputes.

Still on the fence? Consider this: 78% of successful lingerie importers use FOB pricing because it gives them control over shipping and freight partners. You pick the carrier, insure the cargo, and track every mile.

In short: FOB isn’t just a price — it’s a power move. Know what’s included, plan for extra costs, and always read the fine print. Once you master FOB, you’re not just buying cheaper — you’re importing smarter.