Chinese suppliers extend net 60–120 day open-account terms when the risk of non-payment is insured. The standard route is a Sinosure credit limit on your company, requested by your supplier. Show verifiable financials and trade history, pick a supplier that already holds a Sinosure policy, ask for a realistic limit, and pay the first invoices perfectly.
Why suppliers say no — and what changes their mind
A Chinese factory offering you 90 days is lending you its working capital with no security. Most refuse unless one of three things is true:
- You have years of flawless history with them (rare, and slow to build).
- A bank guarantees payment (a letter of credit — costly for you).
- An insurer covers the receivable — Sinosure is by far the most common insurer for Chinese exporters.
Once a Sinosure limit is approved on your company, most of the supplier’s downside is insured, so extending terms becomes an ordinary commercial decision.
Step-by-step playbook
| Step | What you do | What the supplier does |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Qualify | Check eligibility; prepare 2 years of financials | — |
| 2. Choose the supplier | Start with your largest, most established supplier | Confirms it holds (or can obtain) a Sinosure policy |
| 3. Buyer identification | Provide legal entity details | Initiates buyer identification / buyer code |
| 4. Limit request | Agree target limit and tenor (e.g. net 90) | Submits the credit-limit request |
| 5. Decision | Answer underwriting questions quickly | Receives approval and terms |
| 6. Contract | Update purchase terms: open account, due date, any deposit | Declares each shipment to Sinosure |
| 7. Scale | Pay on time; add suppliers on the same buyer code | Requests increases as volume grows |
Negotiation points worth raising
- Deposit: many suppliers move from 30% to 0–10% once a limit is approved.
- Tenor: net 90 is the most common; net 120 is achievable for strong buyers and long transit times.
- Price: premium is paid by the exporter; agree up front whether any of it is reflected in unit prices.
- Due-date definition: days from bill of lading date is standard — be precise.
- Dispute process: agree how quality claims are raised before the due date.
What if my supplier refuses?
Refusals usually come from unfamiliarity or from small exporters without a policy. We contact the supplier’s finance team directly, explain the process and paperwork, or introduce you to exporters in your category that already offer insured terms. See supplier negotiation.
Frequently asked questions
How does Sinosure help importers if it insures the exporter?
The policy belongs to the Chinese exporter, but the credit limit is set on you, the buyer. Once Sinosure approves a limit on your company, your supplier is insured if you do not pay, so it can safely ship first and let you pay 90–120 days later. You get supplier credit without a bank loan, collateral or a letter of credit.
Learn more →Who qualifies for Sinosure-backed payment terms?
Registered companies with verifiable operations, financial statements and a trading history usually qualify — importers, wholesalers, distributors, brands and e-commerce sellers (Amazon, Walmart, Shopify). Stronger profiles have at least 1 year of operations, positive cash flow, no defaults or liens, and a Chinese supplier that is already Sinosure-insured. Check your profile in 2 minutes with our free eligibility check.
Learn more →What if my supplier does not have a Sinosure policy?
Many established Chinese exporters already hold a short-term export credit insurance policy with Sinosure, and many more can obtain one. We approach your supplier, explain the process and coordinate the paperwork. If your current supplier cannot participate, we can introduce you to exporters in the same category that already do.
Learn more →Do I still need to pay a deposit?
Sometimes a 0–30% deposit remains, with the insured balance paid on 90–120 day terms. Many suppliers move to 100% open account once your limit is approved and you have paid a few invoices on time. The exact split is negotiated per supplier.
Can I use my Sinosure credit limit with a different supplier?
A limit is approved for a specific insured exporter, not transferred automatically. However, once Sinosure has assessed your company, a new supplier can request a limit on the same buyer code, and approval is usually faster because your file already exists. We coordinate these additional-supplier applications.
Learn more →See if you qualify for 90–120 day terms
Free 2-minute eligibility check. Instant preliminary result, no obligation.