How you pay decides how much protection you have if something goes wrong. For an imported asphalt plant, the goal is simple: tie each payment to a milestone you can verify, and use bank instruments where the amount justifies them.
The main options
| Method | How it works | Protection for buyer | Cost and effort |
|---|---|---|---|
| T/T in advance (100%) | Full payment before production | Lowest | Low |
| T/T deposit + balance before shipment | Deposit at contract; balance after inspection | Medium | Low |
| T/T deposit + balance against B/L copy | Balance when goods are shipped in your name | Medium–high | Low |
| Letter of credit (L/C) | Your bank pays against agreed documents | High | Bank fees; precise documents |
| Documents against payment (D/P) | Documents released through banks when you pay | Medium | Bank fees |
| Advance payment guarantee | Supplier’s bank guarantees your deposit | High for deposit | Guarantee fee |
A milestone schedule that works
| Milestone | Payment | What you verify |
|---|---|---|
| Contract signed | Deposit | Signed contract matches quotation |
| Manufacturing progress (optional) | — | Photos, video, production updates |
| Pre-shipment inspection passed | Balance (T/T) or L/C documents prepared | Your or a third-party inspector’s report |
| Goods shipped | Balance against B/L (alternative) | Bill of lading in your name or to order |
| Installation and acceptance (optional) | Small retention, if agreed | Plant running to contract |
Letters of credit in practice
- Irrevocable L/C at sight is common; payment follows document presentation
- Under UCP 600 rules, banks check documents, not goods — so build inspection into the documents if you want it checked
- Keep the document list short and achievable; every extra requirement is a possible discrepancy and delay
- Agree the latest shipment date and L/C expiry with enough time for production and documents
- A confirmed L/C adds a second bank’s payment promise — useful when the issuing bank’s country is high risk for the seller
Protecting your money
- Pay only to a company account in the contract company’s name — never a personal account
- Confirm bank details by phone or video with a contact you know before every payment; email-based fraud is common
- Keep changes in writing — scope, price or schedule changes go into signed amendments
- Match documents — invoice, packing list and B/L must agree with the contract
See also how to verify a Chinese machinery supplier and Incoterms for machinery imports.
What Roadmixa offers
Payment terms are agreed in each contract. A deposit with the balance before shipment after your inspection, and letters of credit, are both possible. Ask about terms for your project.
