How a first order works

How does a first order with Ironstone work?

1. You send the specification your own quality checks use, or the technical data sheet of the product you buy today.
2. We quote against it line by line on a written quotation: product, specification basis, price CFR your port of entry (cost and freight: ocean freight to your named port included), packing, cargo-ready date, and the terms below in writing.
3. You pay 30% by T/T with the order.
4. The factory produces your lot, and its laboratory tests the lot against the specification you ordered.
5. You receive the lot test report before the container ships. You may appoint an inspector (SGS, Bureau Veritas, or your own choice) to sample, test and witness loading; you pay the inspection fee.
6. The container loads and ships.
7. You pay the 70% balance against the shipping documents: bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, the lot test report, safety data sheet, and certificate of origin.
8. The cargo arrives, and your clearing agent already holds the full document set. We work on T/T throughout; we do not use letters of credit.

Can we start smaller than a container?

Yes. Start with samples. Product samples are free; you pay the courier shipping. A sample lets your laboratory or a key customer test the material before any order or deposit. A first commercial order is a full container, because sea freight is priced per container; where several of our products load from the same port, they can share one container under one document set.

What protects the 30% deposit?

Two things: a written commitment, and the order of the steps. The commitment is on the quotation. Every Ironstone quotation states a cargo-ready date, and if we cannot ship conforming material within 30 days of that date, you may cancel the order and we refund your deposit in full. The sequence does the rest. The deposit puts your lot into production, and the lot cannot ship until its test report against the specification you ordered exists and has been sent to you. If that report fails your specification, the lot is reworked or replaced before the remaining payment is due. You may add an inspector you appoint, reporting to you, before loading. The 70% balance is paid only against the shipping documents, after the vessel has sailed. If material we shipped does not meet the specification we agreed, we replace it or refund it. And the smallest first step carries no deposit at all: samples are free, and your laboratory tests them before any order exists.

How long does it take?

Two timelines. Production lead times quoted by our suppliers are one to two weeks, depending on the product and quantity. Ocean transit depends on the route; to Onne, Nigeria, port-to-port transit is typically five to seven weeks. Both are confirmed on each quotation.