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Paying for Custom Manufacturing: Cards, PayPal and Bank Transfers Explained

Deposits, balances and buyer protection — a plain-English guide to paying a supplier overseas safely, and which method fits which order size.

One of the first questions every new client asks: how should I pay? Here's the honest breakdown.

Credit card (via PayPal checkout)

Fastest and most familiar. You get an encrypted checkout link, pay with Visa, Mastercard, Amex or Discover — no PayPal account needed — and your card issuer's protections apply. Card fees exist, so for very large orders other methods are cheaper.

PayPal

A middle ground — quick, widely trusted, and buyer protection is included. Great for first orders and sample runs while trust is building.

Bank transfer (T/T)

The industry standard for production orders over ~$1,500. No card fees, full paper trail with a formal invoice, and it's how most long-term clients pay deposits and balances.

How we structure payment

A 30% deposit confirms the order; the balance is due before shipment. Every order comes with an itemised invoice, and inspection photos are shared before the final payment — you approve the quality first, then pay the balance.

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