Buying guide · Logistics
MOQ and shipping terms for preserved flowers from China
VivaPetal quotes EXW, FOB and DAP only — EXW (Kunming) by default, DAP last — and confirms the minimum order quantity per reference on the quotation, with non-custom samples despatched in 2–3 working days (as of October 2026). This guide sets out what to expect on each, in plain English, so you can read a quotation and ask the right questions.
What minimums to expect
Minimum order quantity (MOQ) is confirmed per reference rather than set as one site-wide number. A boxed reference like rose heads packs 50 per box; hydrangea packs 10 whole heads per box; moss ships in 5 kg cartons; fillers and stems run by bunch or by weight. The practical minimum is usually low enough to test a colour range before you commit to volume — tell the supplier what you want to trial and let them advise it.
Why it varies: preservation and dyeing are set up per colour and per run, so a custom colour carries a higher minimum than a stock shade. Common colours and sizes are often held in stock, which lowers the threshold further.
EXW, FOB, DAP — in plain English
These three incoterms decide who pays and who handles the freight at each step. They are the most common terms on a Chinese preserved-flower quote:
EXW is the usual default; DAP is the last option. Tell the supplier where the goods are going and they will confirm the workable term and propose the best one before you commit.
Which term to choose
If you already work with a freight forwarder, EXW or FOB lets you keep control and often cost. If you want a single price to your door and no logistics to manage, DAP is the easy route even at a higher cost. There is no wrong answer — the point is to know which one is on the quote so you compare like for like.
Lead times and seasonality
Lead time depends on the reference, the colour and whether it is held in stock or made to order. Give your supplier the list and your deadline and they should quote a realistic date per line rather than a generic range. Planning matters around Christmas, Valentine's and Mother's Day, when production slots fill early — a fixed delivery date told in good time is what secures the slot.
Documents and freight options
Every shipment goes out with a commercial invoice and an itemised packing list. If your market needs more for customs — a certificate of origin, phytosanitary paperwork or similar — ask for it with the enquiry and the supplier will say plainly whether they can issue it. Freight is express, air or sea; express and air suit small, urgent orders, sea suits volume where transit time is acceptable.
For the documents and the buying terminology in one place, see the resources page.
Common questions
MOQ & shipping questions
No — MOQ is confirmed per reference. Boxed, bagged and bunched references each carry their own practical minimum, and stock colours are usually lower than custom colours. Send the list you want to trial and the supplier will advise the minimum per line.
If you have no forwarder, DAP gives you a single price to your door with no logistics to manage. If you do have a forwarder, EXW or FOB keeps you in control and often costs less. The key is knowing which term is on the quote so you compare offers like for like.
Air and courier charge the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight — length × width × height in cm divided by the carrier's divisor, usually 5000 or 6000. Preserved material is light for its size, so most cartons bill on volume. You get the carton dimensions and the chargeable weight with the quote.
On most references, yes, and it is the sensible way to build a first palette. Each reference carries its own minimum and cartons are packed by reference, which keeps the piece count checkable. Send the full list and the supplier will confirm which lines can share a carton.
Turn this into a quote
Send your list, destination and preferred term
References, quantities, destination and whether you want EXW, FOB or DAP. You'll get specifications, packing details and shipping options within one business day.