Stainless export quotations commonly use Incoterms. The key difference is where cost and risk transfer:

• EXW (ex works): buyer bears all costs and risk from the factory; minimum seller obligation; suits buyers with their own forwarder. • FOB (free on board): seller handles export clearance and pre-shipment costs; risk transfers when goods are on board; most common. • CIF (cost, insurance, freight): seller pays ocean freight and insurance to the destination port, but risk still transfers at shipment; used when the buyer wants a landed-cost quote. • CFR: like CIF without insurance. • DDP (delivered duty paid): seller bears all costs, duties and risk to destination — maximum seller risk; suits small lots or turnkey customer requests.

Guidance:

1) First cooperation or larger value: prefer FOB with L/C or T/T for clear risk. 2) Buyer requesting landed cost: CIF/CFR — check insurance coverage and destination charges. 3) DDP must include import duty, clearance and last-mile costs to avoid a loss-making quote. 4) Quote clearly: Incoterms version (2020), port of loading/destination, insurance included or not, payment terms.

Wrong terms cause cost disputes — confirm the delivery responsibility boundary before quoting.