Payment terms are one of the least discussed parts of a wholesale relationship until a buyer hits one they weren’t expecting. Here’s what the common structures actually mean.

Prepaid

Full payment before the order ships. Most common for first orders with a new supplier, on both sides, it removes the risk of a buyer disappearing after goods ship, or a supplier failing to deliver after being paid in full.

Deposit plus balance

A partial payment (commonly a percentage of the order) upfront to begin production or processing, with the remaining balance due before shipping or on delivery. This is more common for larger or custom orders where some commitment is needed before work begins.

Net 30 (or net 60, net 90)

Payment due a set number of days after the invoice date, typically extended to buyers with an established order history rather than offered upfront to a brand-new account. It shifts cash flow risk toward the supplier, which is exactly why it’s earned rather than default.

Why most new wholesale relationships start prepaid

It’s not a vote of distrust, it’s simply the lowest-risk starting point for both sides before a track record exists. Buyers who reorder reliably tend to see terms loosen over time as that history builds. A modest first order from our tableware range is the usual way that history starts.

What buyers can do to move toward better terms faster

Consistent, on-time payment on early orders, clear communication if a payment will be delayed rather than going silent, and steadily growing order volume are the practical things that move a relationship from prepaid toward more flexible terms.

Common questions

Can payment terms differ by order size with the same supplier? Yes, it’s common for a supplier to offer different terms depending on order value or category, not necessarily a single fixed policy across every order.

What currency are wholesale orders typically priced in? Most international wholesale from Japan is priced in USD or JPY depending on the supplier, worth confirming upfront since exchange rate movement between order and payment can matter on larger orders.

Want to know our specific terms for a first order? Request our catalog and we’ll cover this directly.