The headliner is considered an "irreversible interior component." If the edges are delaminated or there are deep, hard-to-clean dark water stains, it will directly lead to a downgrade in the interior grade, even if it does not affect driving. We will not use pins or low-quality glue for cosmetic repairs.

The industry-standard structure protects both sides. Pay 20-30% deposit after signing the contract and verifying the exporter's license—never more. The balance is paid only after your independent inspection report confirms the car matches the contract, ideally against a copy of the bill of lading so the exporter can't ship a different vehicle. For extra protection, tie payments to milestones: deposit on contract, second tranche after inspection passes, final payment when shipping documents are released. Some buyers use escrow services or trade assurance platforms for the first transaction with a new supplier; fees run 1-3% but are worth it for large amounts. Always pay to a corporate bank account matching the exporter's registered name. Keep every agreement in the written contract—verbal promises like 'we'll fix that before shipping' are unenforceable. If an exporter demands 50%+ upfront or full payment before inspection, walk away; that structure leaves you with no leverage.

The purchase price is only part of your total landed cost. Plan for these items: - Inland transport in China: moving the car from the seller's city to the export port, plus transfer and inspection fees. - Export fees: customs declaration, port handling, and terminal charges. Ask for an FOB (Free On Board) quote so these are included. - Ocean freight: RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) is cheapest for regular cars, but EVs often require special containers or dedicated EV shipping due to battery regulations, which costs more. - Insurance: marine cargo insurance, typically 1-3% of the car's value. - Import side: import duty, VAT or sales tax, customs brokerage, port charges at destination, and any homologation or compliance testing fees. As a rule of thumb, add 25-40% on top of the FOB price for a realistic landed-cost estimate, depending on your country's tax rates. Get a written breakdown from both your supplier and a customs broker before committing.