Can I request a quote with only one image?

One owned or authorized image can start the discussion, but it is not enough for a final production quote. JWC may still need size, quantity range, material direction, packaging expectation, target market and must-keep detail notes before assumptions can be reviewed.

Do I need technical drawings before contacting JWC?

No. Rough artwork, reference photos and simple notes can start a review if the artwork is buyer-owned or authorized and open questions are clearly marked.

Should I include a target price?

If you have a budget target, share it as context for material, size, packaging and detail choices. Exact pricing remains quotation-specific.

What if I do not know the MOQ?

Share the expected launch quantity or a range. MOQ depends on project details, so the first brief should show the likely quantity context without treating it as a fixed final number.

Should packaging be in the first brief?

Yes, if packaging affects retail display, gifting, sample review or carton planning. If it is undecided, mark it as undecided instead of guessing.

Should I mention the target market?

Yes. Target market helps route packaging, testing, label, importer and retailer questions, but final requirements should be confirmed through the proper project and market sources.

How much does a custom plush sample cost?

Sample development starts from US$100. The final sample fee depends on the design and is confirmed in quotation.

Is the sample fee the same as the bulk unit price?

No. The sample fee supports development work for a physical sample. Bulk unit price is quoted separately after project specifications and quantity are reviewed.

How should sample-fee credit terms be confirmed?

The sample fee can be credited toward a confirmed bulk order after production is confirmed. Confirm the credit condition in the sample quotation before payment.

What should I confirm before paying a sample fee?

Confirm what is included, what is excluded, how sample changes are handled, whether delivery is separate, and what details are still needed before bulk pricing.

Can sample terms ever be adjusted?

Custom sample terms should be confirmed before development starts. The quotation should state the sample scope, fee terms, and any exclusions for your project.

What if my design is still rough?

A rough concept may need sample feasibility discussion before a meaningful quote. Send artwork, target size, intended use, quantity direction, and any material or packaging references you already have.

What is the difference between a first sample and an approval sample?

A first sample is usually the first physical version for review. An approval sample is the version the buyer may approve as a sample reference for the next project discussion, with any open items named clearly.

What does PPS mean in plush sampling?

PPS is often used as shorthand for pre-production sample, but the exact meaning can vary by project or supplier. Buyers should ask what PPS means before approving it.

Is a reference sample a perfect production promise?

No. A reference or golden sample can help compare the agreed sample direction, but it should not be treated as a promise that every later piece will be identical.

Can I approve production from sample photos only?

Photos can help review shape, expression and visible details. Handfeel, scale, stuffing, color and physical construction may still need physical sample review.

How should I give feedback on a revised sample?

Name the sample version, separate must-change items from preferences, group comments by part of the plush and state what is approved versus still open.

Does sample approval close every later decision?

No. Sample approval helps align the sample reference. Commercial, packing, shipment and other project-specific decisions should still be confirmed in the private project discussion.

Is a repeat order always the same as the previous order?

No. A repeat order can use the previous approved sample and order notes as references, but material availability, color, packaging, quantity, timing and buyer requirements may still need review.

What should I send for a repeat custom plush order?

Send the approved sample reference, current artwork files, previous order notes if available, target quantity, packaging version and a clear list of anything that should stay the same or change.

Does an approved sample guarantee future production will be identical?

No. An approved sample is a reference for review. Repeat production still depends on project details, material availability, workmanship control, packing notes and private acceptance criteria.

When does a repeat order become a new version?

A repeat order becomes a revised version when the buyer changes size, color, face expression, fabric, accessories, packaging, target market, quantity split or other project assumptions.

Should I ask for another sample before a repeat order?

It depends on what changed and how much risk the buyer can accept. If key details changed, a revised sample or reference confirmation may be useful before production discussion.

Do I need to decide packaging before asking for a plush quote?

You do not need every detail finalized, but you should say whether you expect basic packing, brand tags or cards, retail presentation, or gift-style presentation. Box, tag, insert, identifier and label questions can change quote scope.

Is a polybag enough for custom plush?

Sometimes. A simple giveaway or fulfillment item may only need basic individual packing, while retail or gift projects often need tags, inserts, boxes, or branded presentation.

Can this page tell me the final label or identifier rules?

No. Final label, identifier, importer, retailer and market-sensitive details depend on the project, channel and current sources. Treat those as RFQ or private review topics.

Does this page set packaging costs?

No. Packaging cost depends on the plush size, quantity, material, artwork, packaging format, proofing needs, and packing plan, so it should be reviewed with the project details.

Is QC the same as toy safety testing?

No. QC checkpoints help review workmanship, measurements, label placement, packing condition, carton state, and photo records. Toy safety testing and market-document questions should be handled separately based on the product, buyer role, target market, materials, and required documents.

Should every plush order use third-party inspection?

Not every project needs the same route. Some buyers use internal review and shipment sample photos. Others need third-party inspection because of retailer, importer, agency, or internal policy requirements. The stage and report format should be agreed privately.

Can I ask for photos before shipment?

Yes. Photos are useful for reviewing visible details such as product appearance, embroidery placement, label position, packing condition, and carton exterior. They support communication, but they should not replace agreed inspection criteria.

When should QC be discussed?

Discuss QC before production or packing expectations are treated as final. It is especially useful after the approved sample is understood and before shipment review criteria are locked.

Can JWC give final freight cost from a plush size?

No. Plush size helps estimate packing direction, but final freight cost depends on carton dimensions, carton quantity, gross weight, shipment mode, route, forwarder quote, shipping term and destination charges.

What is CBM used for?

CBM is a shipment-volume planning input. It helps a buyer or forwarder estimate space, but it does not by itself confirm freight rate, customs duty, VAT or landed cost.

When can carton quantity be estimated?

Carton quantity becomes more reliable after the plush size, stuffing feel, packaging layers, packing method and quantity are clearer.

Is carton planning the same as import cost planning?

No. Carton planning prepares shipment inputs. Import cost planning may also include freight, insurance, duty, VAT, broker charges, local handling and Incoterms responsibility split.

Should I mention Incoterms before shipment planning?

Yes, if shipment responsibility is being discussed. Incoterms help define who handles tasks, costs and risks, but final freight and import charges still need review by the buyer, forwarder, broker or importer.

Import process · Stage 09 Ship it — see the full step-by-step process →

Incoterms for Plush Imports: EXW, FOB, CIF and DDP vs Landed Cost

A low unit price is not your landed cost. Here is what the common Incoterms mean for a plush order, where cost and risk transfer, and how to compare quotes on the same basis.

Compliance, import & target-market questions Guide Last reviewed June 2026

In short

Incoterms (ICC Incoterms 2020) define who pays for and who bears the risk of each step between the factory and your door. For plush, the common terms are EXW (you arrange almost everything from the factory), FOB (the supplier delivers to the export vessel), CIF (the supplier covers freight and insurance to the destination port) and DDP (the supplier delivers cleared for import). The headline unit price means little until you add freight, insurance, duty, customs and last-mile to reach landed cost. Always confirm the Incoterm in the contract and price quotes on the same basis.

Why Incoterms matter for plush buyers

Plush is light but voluminous, so freight and packing assumptions move the real cost more than buyers expect. Two suppliers quoting the “same” price on different Incoterms are not comparable: one number may stop at the factory door, another at your warehouse. Knowing the term tells you what is included and where your responsibility begins.

Where the seller’s cost and risk end under EXW, FOB, CIF and DDP across the journey from factory to buyer. — Where seller cost and risk end under each Incoterm — simplified; confirm the exact handover with your forwarder.

The four terms you will see most

EXW (Ex Works)	Supplier makes goods available at their premises. You arrange and pay export handling, freight, insurance, import clearance and delivery. Maximum control, maximum work for the buyer.
FOB (Free On Board)	Supplier delivers goods onboard the vessel at the named export port and clears them for export. Risk passes to you there; you handle main freight, insurance and import. Common for sea shipments.
CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight)	Supplier pays freight and minimum insurance to the named destination port. Risk still passes at the origin port. You handle import clearance, duty and last-mile.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)	Supplier delivers to your named place, cleared for import, bearing duties. Most is included for the buyer, but the supplier prices in those costs and risks.

Landed cost: what to add to the unit price

Export packing and origin handling.
Main freight (sea or air) — significant for bulky plush.
Insurance.
Import duty and any taxes or VAT (depends on HS code and country).
Customs clearance and broker fees.
Last-mile delivery to your warehouse.

A note on containers

FOB and CIF were written around goods loaded over a ship’s rail. For containerized cargo, the ICC actually recommends FCA, CPT or CIP, because risk on a container is better defined at handover to the carrier. Many plush deals still use FOB by habit; if you ship containers, ask your forwarder whether FCA fits better.

How to compare quotes fairly

Ask every supplier to quote on the same Incoterm (FOB at the same port is a common baseline).
Add the remaining landed-cost steps yourself, or ask your forwarder for an estimate.
Compare total landed cost per unit, not the factory-gate number.
Confirm the agreed term and named place in writing in the contract.

What JWC can help with

JWC can share packing, carton and CBM context that affects freight, and coordinate documents for the agreed term. JWC does not set your duty rate or act as your customs broker; import classification, duty and clearance are confirmed with your importer, broker or forwarder.

Plush Incoterms FAQs

Is FOB always cheaper than CIF or DDP?

Not necessarily. FOB looks lower because it excludes freight, insurance, duty and last-mile. CIF and DDP bundle more in, so the headline is higher but covers more steps. Compare total landed cost, not the term label.

Which Incoterm is best for a first plush order?

Many buyers start with FOB at a named Chinese port and use their own forwarder, which keeps freight transparent. EXW gives the most control but the most work; DDP is simplest but the convenience is priced in. The right choice depends on your logistics experience and volume.

Who pays import duty?

Under EXW, FOB and CIF the buyer (importer of record) handles import clearance and duty. Under DDP the supplier does. Either way, the duty rate depends on the HS code and destination country — confirm it with your broker.

Should I use FOB for container shipments?

The ICC recommends FCA, CPT or CIP for containerized cargo because risk transfer is clearer at carrier handover. FOB is still widely used; if you ship full or part containers, ask your forwarder whether FCA is a better fit.

Next Resources to Read

Shipping prep

Carton, CBM & Freight Planning

Prepare carton, CBM and freight inputs before shipping.

Plush Import Questions

HS code, invoice, duty and landed-cost questions.

Importing Plush from China: Pitfalls

Avoid common sourcing and import mistakes.

Notes & sources

This guide is general trade education, not legal or customs advice. The Incoterm definitions summarized here follow the ICC Incoterms 2020 rules; the binding text is the ICC publication. Duty, tax and clearance depend on your HS code and destination — confirm with your importer, customs broker or freight forwarder.

Primary reference: International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Incoterms 2020 at iccwbo.org.