Paying a supplier in China shouldn’t feel like a gamble. But for many buyers, choosing the wrong payment method can lead to delays, hidden costs—or worse, scams.
The best payment methods when ordering accessories from China are Telegraphic Transfer (T/T), PayPal, Trade Assurance (on platforms like Alibaba), and Letters of Credit (L/C)—each offering different balances of security, speed, and cost.
As a manufacturer of accessories like hair bands, scarves, and hats, I’ve worked with every payment method. Here’s how to choose the one that protects your money and helps your business grow.
What is the best payment method in China?
With so many options, it’s tempting to just go with what’s familiar. But each method suits a different kind of deal.
The most commonly accepted and effective payment method in China for B2B accessory orders is Telegraphic Transfer (T/T), usually with 30% deposit and 70% balance before shipment.
Why is T/T the go-to choice?
| T/T Term | Benefit | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 30% deposit, 70% before shipment | Lowers upfront cost, protects supplier | Buyer must trust supplier's reliability |
| 100% prepayment | Faster production start | High risk for new suppliers |
| 70% balance after BL copy | Safer for buyer | Requires trust or agreement |
We usually offer T/T (30/70) terms to new clients once samples are approved. For repeat customers with solid order history, we can offer flexible terms—sometimes even balance after shipment.
Other methods we support:
- PayPal (for small orders or sampling)
- Trade Assurance (platform orders)
- L/C at sight (for large importers)
- Western Union (rare, not recommended for B2B)
How do I pay for goods from China?
Once you pick the method, the next step is payment execution—safely and clearly.
To pay for goods from China, confirm the pro forma invoice (PI), review bank details, verify the beneficiary name, and send payment using your bank or online platform. Always confirm with the supplier after transfer.
What’s a standard B2B payment process?
- Receive Quotation → Confirm unit price, MOQ, and terms
- Pro Forma Invoice (PI) → Includes bank info, product list, and schedule
- Pay Deposit → Usually 30% via wire transfer
- Receive Production Updates → Photos/videos during production
- Final QC & Packing → Before final balance
- Balance Payment → Pay remaining 70% to receive shipping documents
At AceAccessory, we always double-confirm payment details via official email and company stamp, and we never change our bank info mid-order.
Key safety steps for paying Chinese factories:
- Use only business accounts (avoid personal PayPal or private bank accounts)
- Verify account name matches the factory or trading company
- Use platform escrow (Alibaba Trade Assurance) for your first deal
- Ask for SWIFT confirmation or payment screenshot to avoid delay
Is it safe to pay with PayPal on Alibaba?
PayPal feels safe—but is it right for B2B accessory sourcing?
Paying with PayPal on Alibaba is rare and not always available, as Alibaba prefers Trade Assurance and bank transfer. PayPal can be safe for small orders or sampling but includes high fees and limits.
Pros and Cons of Using PayPal:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Buyer protection (disputes/refunds) | High transaction fees (3–5%) |
| Fast transfer | Currency conversion loss |
| Good for small samples | Not used for large bulk orders |
| No banking details required | Not accepted by all suppliers |
We accept PayPal for:
- Sample payments under $500
- Urgent custom mold fees
- New buyers with small trial orders
But for production orders above $1,000, we always recommend T/T. PayPal freezes or reverses payments too easily, which can delay shipments and cash flow.
What is the best payment method for importer?
If you’re a serious importer, you need a method that balances protection and speed.
For importers, the best payment method depends on your order size and risk tolerance. T/T is the industry standard, while L/C is best for large orders. Escrow services like Alibaba Trade Assurance offer security for first-time deals.
Which payment method should you choose?
| Order Type | Best Payment Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sample / Small Trial | PayPal or Trade Assurance | Fast and flexible |
| Regular Production | T/T (30/70 or 50/50) | Common in accessory manufacturing |
| High-Value Orders | L/C at sight | Reduces risk, but slower setup |
| First-Time Supplier | Trade Assurance / Escrow | Adds buyer protection layer |
| Urgent Orders | 100% upfront (negotiated) | Faster but higher risk |
For example, a Canadian belt importer using L/C required over 12 days to finalize paperwork. In contrast, our regular US clients using T/T had production running within 48 hours of deposit.
We also recommend using dual methods:
- T/T for production
- PayPal or Trade Assurance for sample approval and testing
Payment tips for importers:
- Request a stamped PI and verify bank SWIFT code
- Keep proof of transfer and bank fee receipts
- Build payment history to unlock better terms (e.g., 60-day credit lines)
- Never wire to personal accounts—even for urgency
Conclusion
Choosing the right payment method isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protecting your investment. Whether you’re placing your first order or scaling up with a trusted supplier, match your payment method to your business goals and risk profile.
