Direct answer
Custom Mahjong orders from overseas suppliers are commonly paid in stages: a deposit to start production, then the balance at a defined point, such as before shipment or against shipping documents. The exact split and timing are agreed per order. Protect yourself by tying each payment to a clear milestone, confirming that the beneficiary matches the company you contract with, verifying any bank-detail change through a known contact, and keeping everything in writing. This is general information, not financial or legal advice.
Key takeaways
- Custom Mahjong orders from overseas suppliers are commonly paid in stages: a deposit to start production, then the balance at a defined point, such as before shipment or against shipping documents.
- The percentages and timing are commercial terms agreed for each project.
- Bank fees and currency conversion affect the total.
On this page
Key takeaways
- Staged payments are common: deposit, then balance at an agreed milestone.
- Link payments to evidence, such as sample approval or inspection results.
- The beneficiary must match the contracting company, or the relationship must be documented.
- Never accept bank-detail changes by email alone. Verify through a known channel.
- Write it all down in the proforma invoice or purchase order.
How staged payments usually work
| Stage | Typical trigger | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Sample payment | Sample scope agreed | Sample work and shipping; see sample cost |
| Deposit | Bulk order confirmed after sample approval | Materials and production start |
| Balance | Agreed milestone, such as inspection passed or documents issued | Remaining order value |
The percentages and timing are commercial terms agreed for each project.
Common payment methods
- Bank transfer (wire / T/T): common for B2B orders
- Letter of credit: used for some larger orders; involves banks and documents
- Platform or escrow-style payments: some marketplaces offer protection with their own terms
Bank fees and currency conversion affect the total. Confirm who pays fees.
Tie payments to milestones
Before paying the balance, confirm what you have received:
- Approved sample and specification
- Production photos or inspection report
- Final packing list and carton details
- Shipping documents, where relevant
See AQL and third-party inspection and the factory checklist before ordering.
Protect against payment fraud
Fake "updated bank details" emails are a known fraud pattern in international trade. Protect yourself:
- Confirm the beneficiary name matches the contracting company on the invoice.
- Treat any request to change bank details as suspicious.
- Verify changes by phone or video with a contact you already know, not through details in the same email.
- Send a small test payment to a new account if in doubt.
What to put in writing
- Total order value and currency
- Payment stages, amounts and triggers
- Beneficiary name and bank details
- Who pays bank fees
- What happens if production is delayed or fails inspection
- Refund or credit terms, if any
Checklist
- [ ] Payment stages and triggers written in the PI or PO
- [ ] Beneficiary matches the contracting company
- [ ] Bank details verified through a known channel
- [ ] Balance linked to inspection or documents
- [ ] Fees and currency agreed
FAQ
What deposit do Mahjong suppliers usually ask for?
It varies by supplier and order. Agree the split in writing for your project.
When should I pay the balance?
At the milestone you agreed, ideally after you have evidence the goods meet the approved specification.
Is paying by wire transfer safe?
It is common for B2B trade. The main risk is paying the wrong account, so verify bank details carefully.
What if the supplier changes bank details?
Stop and verify through a known contact before paying.
Next step
When you order from Lucky Mahjong, payment stages and beneficiary details are stated on the proforma invoice for your project. Confirm any questions with your account contact before paying.
Buyer checklist
- Define the same tile manifest, dimensions and material for every quote.
- Separate setup, samples, accessories, packaging and freight costs.
- Confirm what changes when quantity or colorway count changes.
Production notes
Cost and MOQ guidance describes quote drivers. A supplier must confirm quantities, pricing, timing and delivery terms for the actual project.
Continue your project planning
For a project review, see Custom American Mahjong manufacturing. The cluster overview connects this decision with the rest of the sourcing process.
Planning a custom set?
Send quantity, tile count, target dimensions, artwork status, accessories, packaging, destination and launch date. These details help define a comparable quotation and sample scope.
Discuss a custom project