Payment Policy | TOP KNIVES LLC | Wholesale Payment Terms

Payment Policy

Built for wholesale buyers who care about predictable timelines, clear terms, and a payment schedule that protects real production milestones.

Wholesale Payment Terms

Our payment structure is milestone-based: it locks production capacity, keeps dispatch timelines predictable, and reduces last-minute holds.

30-DAY DISPATCH STANDARD (LISTED SKUs)

We do not operate on ready inventory. Our catalog is built on a controlled upstream supply chain: listed models are required to dispatch within 30 days from China. Payment milestones are designed to protect this dispatch window.

Milestone-Based Payment Tiers

Note: exact terms may vary for OEM/private label or special packing/labeling requirements. Final terms are confirmed in the proforma invoice (PI) in writing.

Trial / First Order
Under $3,000

100% payment before production

Fastest way to start. Immediate slot reservation under the dispatch standard.

Standard Wholesale
$3,000 – $10,000

60% deposit to start production

40% balance before shipment release

Best balance of speed and control for recurring wholesale runs.

Large Volume / Repeat Buyer
Over $10,000

50% deposit to start production

50% balance before shipment release

Designed for stable volume buyers planning serious restocks.

Step-up logic: trial order → repeat orders → larger volume. As order history becomes predictable, the workflow becomes simpler and faster.

Release rule: all balance payments must be cleared before shipment is released. This protects dispatch predictability and prevents last-minute schedule disruption.

Why the Balance Is Due Before Shipment

Wholesale is capacity-based. “Balance-before-shipment” is not a restriction—it is a mechanism to protect a predictable dispatch window, especially under a non-inventory, 30-day dispatch model for listed SKUs.

  • Locks production capacity so the schedule doesn’t shift mid-way.
  • Prevents shipment holds that cause downstream delays and extra handling.
  • Keeps restock planning stable for retailers/distributors who rely on repeat cycles.

Accepted Payment Methods

We support multiple options depending on order size and destination. For the smoothest repeat-order workflow, choose one method and keep it consistent.

🏦

Bank Transfer (Wire)

Preferred for medium/large wholesale orders.

💳

Credit / Debit Card

Via online payment gateway (availability may vary).

📱

PayPal

Often used for samples or smaller trial orders.

🌐

Wise

A practical option for certain international transfers.

Security note: beneficiary details are shared after order confirmation through official channels. Always verify the payee name matches the proforma invoice (PI).

Order & Payment Process (Milestones)

1

Quote → Proforma Invoice (PI)

We confirm SKU list, pricing, packaging/labeling requirements, delivery method (DDP/FOB), and dispatch expectations in writing.

2

Deposit Payment → Production Slot Reserved

Production begins after deposit confirmation. This is how we lock the schedule.

3

Production Updates & QC Checks

We provide progress updates (and QC evidence when applicable) to keep decisions fast.

4

Balance Payment → Shipment Release

Balance is due before release. After clearance, the shipment proceeds per the agreed method and window.

5

Dispatch & Delivery

Listed SKUs follow a 30-day dispatch standard (leaves China within 30 days). Transit time depends on method (FOB/DDP), destination, and customs clearance.

Currency & Bank / Processing Fees

Unless otherwise stated on the invoice, prices are quoted in USD.

  • Buyers are responsible for any bank transfer charges from their financial institution.
  • If paying in a different currency, conversion rates/fees may apply depending on your provider.
  • For card/online payments, processing fees may apply depending on the gateway and region. We confirm the final payable amount before you pay.

Cancellation & Refund Rules (Wholesale)

Before production starts

Cancellation may be possible depending on confirmation status. Third-party fees (e.g., processing) may be non-refundable.

After production starts

Manufacturing allocates materials and capacity. Cancellation may incur costs based on work completed and materials committed.

If you need flexibility, start with a trial order. It’s the fastest path to validate spec, packaging, and sell-through before scaling.

Payment Exceptions

We keep payment terms consistent to protect dispatch predictability. Exceptions may be considered only for:

  • Long-term repeat buyers with stable order history
  • Special projects with confirmed documentation and pre-approved arrangements

First-time orders: standard terms apply. This is the fastest way to keep production and dispatch predictable.

Need a Fast Quote With Clear Terms?

Send market + quantity + delivery method (DDP/FOB). We reply with a best-seller mix and a written-confirmed payment schedule.

Payment FAQs

Short answers for wholesale decision-makers.

Why is the balance due before shipment? +

Wholesale runs on reserved capacity and planned release windows. Balance-before-release protects the agreed dispatch window and prevents last-minute holds. This is how we keep execution predictable for repeat orders.

Do you hold inventory? +

No. We operate on a controlled upstream supply chain. Listed catalog models follow a dispatch standard: shipments are required to leave China within 30 days (dispatch), protected by milestone payments.

Does “30-day dispatch” mean delivery time? +

No. “30-day dispatch” means the shipment leaves China within 30 days for listed catalog models. Transit time depends on delivery method (FOB/DDP), destination, and customs clearance.

Can I start with a low-risk trial order? +

Yes. Trial orders are the fastest path to validate specs, packaging, and sell-through. After proven order history, future orders often become smoother and faster to execute.

What happens if the balance is delayed? +

If the balance is not cleared by the planned release date, shipment timing may shift. We recommend paying early to protect your dispatch and delivery window—especially for time-sensitive restocks.

Which payment method is best for wholesale? +

For medium/large wholesale orders, bank transfer is commonly preferred. For smaller trial orders, PayPal or card (where available) can be convenient. We confirm options based on destination and order size.

How fast will production start after payment? +

Production starts after deposit confirmation. The exact timeline depends on SKU selection, packaging/labeling requirements, and production schedule—confirmed in the PI.