Incoterms for Knitwear Importers
Incoterms decide who pays for shipping, who carries the risk, and where responsibility passes from factory to you. Get them wrong and a “cheap” quote turns expensive.
An Incoterm is the three-letter code on your quote (FOB, DDP, EXW…) that defines exactly where the factory's job ends and yours begins. Two quotes can look different purely because they're quoted on different Incoterms — so understanding them is the first step to comparing quotes fairly.
The ones that matter for knitwear
- EXW (Ex Works) — you collect from the factory door and handle everything onward. Cheapest headline price, most work and risk for you.
- FOB (Free On Board) — the factory delivers, clears export and loads the goods at the origin port; you take over from there (freight, insurance, import). The most common B2B choice for experienced importers who want freight control.
- CIF — like FOB but the seller also pays sea freight and insurance to your destination port.
- DAP (Delivered at Place) — the seller delivers to your address; you handle import duties and taxes.
- DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) — the seller delivers to your door with everything paid, duties included. Simplest for the buyer; one all-in price.
Rule of thumb: new importers usually prefer DDP (one price, no surprises). Brands with a freight forwarder often choose FOB for more control and better rates at volume.
Why it changes the price
An EXW price looks lower than a DDP price for the same goods — because EXW excludes freight, insurance and duty that you'll pay separately. Always compare quotes on the same Incoterm, or you're comparing a part-price to an all-in price.
What we offer
We typically quote FOB and DDP, so you can pick control or simplicity. Tell us your destination and preference and we'll quote accordingly — see our process or request a quote.
Ready to make it?
Send a tech pack, a reference garment or a brief. We respond within one business day with a capacity check, indicative pricing and a sample timeline — direct with the founder.