FAQ
Use this support center before requesting a quote for inflatable boats, kayaks, SUP boards, rescue boats, propulsion, safety gear, OEM water products, DDP delivery or China-side consolidation.
These answers are written for wholesale and project buyers. They separate public listing signals from the evidence needed before supplier payment.
Pricing & MOQ
Why is the displayed price only an estimate?
Supplier display prices often exclude selected option, MOQ tier, export packing, freight, duty, DDP, OEM work and accessory changes. Treat them as screening estimates until a written RFQ reply confirms the exact scope.
Can I order one sample before a bulk order?
Usually yes, but sample price, courier route, lead time and included accessories must be confirmed separately from the wholesale quote.
Why can MOQ change after I send a product link?
MOQ depends on selected model, current stock, color, logo, carton artwork, battery or motor package and whether the supplier needs a production run.
Can the quote separate sample, trial and bulk pricing?
Yes. Ask for separate sample, small trial and bulk order rows so unit price, accessories, packing, lead time and freight assumptions are not mixed together.
Product Specs
What does “to confirm by RFQ” mean?
It means the public listing is not enough for payment approval. The supplier must confirm the selected option, product size, accessory list, material, packing and route assumptions in writing.
What is the difference between product size and carton size?
Product size describes the inflated or assembled item. Carton size describes the packed shipment and is the number used for freight, warehouse planning and landed-cost estimates.
What specs matter most for SUP boards?
Board size, thickness, drop-stitch/PVC construction, max load, net weight, accessory package, carton size, gross weight, MOQ and OEM graphics matter most.
What specs matter most for RIB, rescue or dinghy products?
Hull size, tube diameter, material, floor or hull type, chambers, passenger/load capacity, motor compatibility, accessory list, carton size and gross weight matter most.
Why does a product page show source evidence instead of supplier data?
Some pages can only extract signals from the source listing title, photos or public fields. Source evidence helps screening, but supplier-written confirmation is still required before payment.
What if a listed size looks impossible?
Treat impossible dimensions as a data-risk flag. Request the original supplier spec sheet, actual carton photo, measuring photo or video before using the product for freight or order approval.
Product Size vs Carton Size
Which size is used for freight quoting?
Freight uses packed carton dimensions, carton count and gross weight. Product size is useful for fit and use-case review, but it is not enough for landed-cost comparison.
Why does volumetric weight matter for inflatable products?
Inflatable boats, SUP boards and safety gear can be light but bulky after packing. Couriers and freight carriers may charge by volume weight when it is higher than actual weight.
What should I do when only product size is available?
Ask the supplier for carton size, gross weight, accessory packing and carton count before comparing freight or DDP routes.
OEM / ODM
When should OEM logo, color or package be discussed?
Discuss logo, color, carton artwork, manual language, barcode and carton mark before sample approval, not after deposit.
Can Raft Inflatable compare OEM options from several suppliers?
Yes. Send the target product, quantity, sales channel, packaging requirement and destination so the quote can separate stock-item supply from OEM production.
Packing & Freight
Does the estimate include freight?
No, unless the quote explicitly says so. Freight needs carton count, carton size, gross weight, cargo type, destination and delivery term.
Why can inflatable products be expensive to ship?
Many inflatable boats, SUP boards and rescue systems are light but bulky. Carriers may charge by volume weight, not only actual weight.
Can multiple supplier orders be consolidated?
Eligible supplier orders can be consolidated after carton count, packed dimensions, product type, labels and destination are confirmed.
DDP / FOB / EXW
Can you quote DDP?
DDP can be reviewed when cargo data and destination are clear. DDP feasibility depends on product type, carton dimensions, customs route, duties and final delivery address.
What delivery term should a new buyer choose?
For first orders, ask for EXW or FOB supplier terms plus a separate freight review. This keeps product price and logistics assumptions visible.
When is DDP risky?
DDP is risky when carton data is missing, cargo is oversized, batteries or motors are included, the delivery address is remote, or duties and importer requirements are unclear.
Payment & Responsibility
When is an RFQ ready for payment approval?
Payment approval should wait until the product option, quantity, price, accessory list, packing data, delivery term, payment recipient and responsibility boundary are confirmed in writing.
Who is responsible if the wrong option ships?
Responsibility depends on the written order summary, selected option proof, supplier confirmation, inspection scope and buyer approval record. Keep all of these in one RFQ thread.
What should be written before deposit?
Write the exact product link or SKU, selected option, quantity, unit price, included accessories, packing rows, delivery term, lead time, OEM scope and claim evidence requirements.
QC & Inspection
What photos should I request before payment?
Request product option photos, accessory layout, carton mark, packed cartons, gross weight evidence, and any QC or test photos relevant to the selected model.
Can third-party inspection be arranged?
Qualified orders can discuss supplier-side inspection, warehouse photo checks or third-party inspection before release. The exact scope must be agreed in the RFQ/order thread.
What should a pre-shipment photo set include?
A practical photo set should include product option, accessories laid out, carton marks, packed cartons, carton count, gross weight evidence and any test or inflation photos relevant to the product.
Damage / Missing Accessories
What happens if accessories are missing?
Keep opening video, carton photos, accessory count and order summary. The claim depends on what was confirmed before shipment and the supplier or logistics responsibility boundary.
Are OEM products returnable?
OEM or custom products usually have limited return options after logo, color, artwork, manual or packaging approval. Confirm the policy before production.
What evidence helps a damage claim?
Keep delivery photos, carton condition photos, opening video, accessory count, product damage photos and the confirmed order summary. Claims are weaker when packing and accessory proof were never requested.
Rescue Boat Procurement
What should I confirm for a rescue boat?
Confirm mission profile, load capacity, floor structure, chamber count, color visibility, accessory kit, motor compatibility, documentation and delivery timing.
Are all inflatable boats suitable for rescue use?
No. A leisure inflatable may not be suitable for flood, patrol or emergency use. Rescue procurement needs written mission-fit evidence before price approval.
Source Listing Signals
Are supplier listing reviews verified buyer reviews on this site?
No. Source listing sales or review signals are treated as marketplace signals only. They are not Raft Inflatable verified buyer reviews.
Why does a product page show risk or “needs review” labels?
Risk labels keep uncertainty visible. They indicate where category fit, title cleanup, selected option, price, packing or supplier data still needs RFQ confirmation.
Can source listing sales signals prove product quality?
No. Sales and review counts can help prioritize what to check, but quality still depends on the exact supplier, selected option, material, packing, inspection evidence and order terms.