1. Quotation validity
Quotes are valid 30 calendar days from issue date unless extended in writing. Pricing assumes the volume, decoration, packaging spec and Incoterm stated in the quote. Material costs (steel, glass, plastic) and freight surcharges may be re-quoted if the quote is older than 30 days.
2. Payment terms
- Sample fee: 100% prepaid before sample production.
- First order: 30% deposit on PO confirmation; 70% balance against B/L copy before shipment.
- Returning customers (3+ orders): 30/70 by default; T/T 60-day terms available case-by-case after a credit review.
- Accepted methods: T/T wire transfer (preferred), L/C at sight (over USD 30,000), PayPal for samples only.
- Currency: Invoiced in USD unless otherwise agreed. EUR / GBP available with a 1.5% currency-handling surcharge.
3. Lead time
Lead times in our quotes are calendar days from receipt of approved sample and balance payment (or deposit for first orders). They are working estimates, not guarantees. Realistic ranges:
- Stock-mould stainless drinkware with logo decoration: 25 – 35 days
- Custom-mould development: + 4 – 6 weeks tooling time before mass production
- Peak season (Aug–Nov) may add 7 – 14 days; we'll flag this in the quote
4. Quality terms
Mass production passes a final inspection at AQL 2.5 General Inspection Level II (ANSI/ASQ Z1.4) unless the PO specifies a stricter level. Buyers are welcome to book their own SGS / Bureau Veritas / Intertek / TÜV pre-shipment inspection at their expense; we host the inspector and pull samples per their protocol.
5. Decoration approval
We require written sign-off on:
- Final artwork file (vector preferred)
- Pantone or hex color codes
- Physical pre-production sample with logo applied
Mass production starts only after physical sample approval. We are not liable for decoration mismatch against expectations if the physical sample was approved.
6. Packaging
Standard packaging is individual poly bag inside a brown export carton, 24 units per carton (varies by SKU). Custom packaging (color box, gift box, hangtag, FNSKU label) is quoted separately. Buyers are responsible for providing print-ready packaging artwork.
7. Shipping & risk transfer
Default Incoterm is FOB Ningbo / Shanghai. Other Incoterms (CIF, DDP, EXW) available on request. Title and risk of loss transfer to the buyer at the port/named place per the agreed Incoterm. We are not liable for damage in transit beyond the Incoterm transfer point.
8. Warranty
We warrant manufacturing defects (faulty welds, vacuum failure, missing decoration, materials not as specified) for 12 months from B/L date. Cosmetic damage from normal use, dishwasher abuse (where not rated dishwasher-safe), or misuse is not covered. Our liability is limited to replacement of defective units or refund of their FOB value, at our option.
9. Intellectual property
Buyer warrants ownership or licence of all artwork supplied. BottleForge retains rights to general product designs (silhouettes, lid mechanisms) which may be sold to other customers. Custom mould development that the buyer pays for in full grants exclusive use of that mould for 24 months.
10. Force majeure
Neither party is liable for delays caused by events beyond reasonable control: government actions, port closures, raw material shortages, natural disasters, pandemics. Both parties act in good faith to mitigate and re-schedule.
11. Returns & disputes
Quality disputes must be raised within 30 days of buyer's receipt, accompanied by photo evidence and a defect rate calculation. We respond within 7 business days. If a remedy isn't reached, both parties agree to arbitration at the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC) in Beijing, under CIETAC rules, in English.
12. Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of the People's Republic of China and the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG).
13. Changes
We may update these terms; the version in force is the one on this page at the date of your PO. Past versions available on request.