You’ve sourced the perfect supplier, finalized your fabric mask specifications, and now it’s time to make payment. But how can you do this without risking your money?
Choosing the right payment method is critical to protect your investment when ordering bulk fabric masks from China.
In this post, I’ll share the most secure, reliable, and commonly used methods for international mask buyers, along with real tips from our experience working with 50+ countries.
Is Telegraphic Transfer (T/T) Still a Reliable Option?
For decades, T/T (Telegraphic Transfer)—or wire transfer—has been the go-to method for global B2B transactions.
Yes, T/T remains a solid option, but only with the right terms and safeguards.
What Are the Typical T/T Terms?
Most Chinese suppliers offer:
- 30% deposit + 70% before shipment
- 50/50 split for urgent bulk runs
- For new clients: 100% upfront may be requested, though risky for buyers
To stay secure, use pro forma invoices, bank confirmations, and always verify beneficiary details. For U.S. buyers, international wire via Wise or your local bank’s SWIFT code-enabled transfer is fastest.
What Are the Risks?
- Funds are non-recoverable once transferred unless fraud is involved
- Disputes post-transfer can be hard to resolve
- Fake bank details or scam suppliers pose danger
That’s why we recommend using company-name bank accounts only, and always confirming account holder data via video call or official documents.
Can I Use PayPal or Credit Cards for Large Orders?
While more common in retail, many small-to-mid-size mask orders still go through PayPal or credit card for speed and security.
Yes, but you’ll need to balance convenience with transaction fees.
Why Do Some Buyers Prefer PayPal?
- Buyer protection (dispute system)
- Easy to link with Alibaba, Shopify, or B2B invoice platforms
- No SWIFT fees, instant confirmation
However, for orders over $5,000, fees range from 2.5% to 5.5%, which can be painful. Some suppliers (including us) agree to share fees or offer PayPal only for the sample invoice.
Explore Payoneer or PingPong Payments for cross-border B2B with lower fees.
Are Credit Cards Safe?
Yes, but:
- You’ll need 3D secure verification
- Some suppliers may not accept cards due to chargeback risks
- Limits apply for large orders unless pre-approved
Pro tip: use PayPal credit link or Stripe with transaction protection when ordering via Alibaba or direct invoices.
How Secure Is Alibaba Trade Assurance and Escrow?
Alibaba’s Trade Assurance program is one of the most secure ways to protect bulk fabric mask payments, especially for new buyers.
Yes—it’s designed to minimize supplier risk and maximize refund protection.
How Does It Work?
- Buyer pays through Alibaba platform (card, PayPal, wire)
- Funds are held in escrow
- Released to supplier only after order is delivered and confirmed
This ensures the supplier only gets paid if terms are met (product specs, timelines, etc.). It includes refund rights if products don’t match descriptions.
Visit Alibaba’s official Trade Assurance policy for full terms.
What Are the Drawbacks?
- Suppliers must be enrolled (not all factories are)
- You may pay a slight premium for coverage
- Not ideal for custom designs with subjective elements unless clearly documented
We support Trade Assurance for certain SKUs, especially for clients running first-time custom pleated or 3D mask designs.
What About Letters of Credit or RMB Cross-Border Payments?
For buyers placing high-volume, recurring orders—especially from brands or institutions—Letters of Credit (LCs) remain a gold standard.
Yes, they offer bank-backed security, but setup complexity limits their use to large enterprises.
When Should I Consider LC?
- Order value exceeds $50,000
- Shipment is split into multiple lots or delivery windows
- Institutional buyers or public tenders
The issuing bank holds payment until the supplier submits required shipping documents—like BL, CO, Invoice, and Packing List—ensuring both parties are legally protected.
See a basic LC workflow for reference.
What Are RMB-Based Options?
China’s foreign exchange reforms allow RMB trade with:
- HK offshore accounts (CNH)
- Alipay for Business, WeChat Pay for domestic setups
- Cross-border platforms like LianLian Global
We offer RMB billing for buyers with Chinese business entities or for Hong Kong-based drop-shippers.
Conclusion
To protect your funds and gain peace of mind when importing bulk fabric masks from China, choose payment methods that align with your order value, supplier trust level, and platform coverage. From T/T to Alibaba Escrow to LCs, secure options exist for every buyer level. At Global-Caps, we guide every client toward the safest route for their needs.
