Custom toy orders often use deposit and balance payment terms. This checklist helps buyers understand what should be confirmed before deposit, during production and before final balance payment.
Payment milestone checklist
| Stage | Buyer should confirm | Supplier should provide |
|---|---|---|
| Before deposit | PI, product details, logo proof, packaging, lead time and payment details. | Proforma invoice, bank details, quote validity and open issue list. |
| After deposit | Artwork approval, sample plan, production schedule and shipping plan. | Order confirmation, expected sample or production date. |
| During production | First production photos, logo printing check and packaging confirmation. | Product photos, logo close-ups and status updates. |
| Before balance | Quantity, carton count, packing list, final photos and shipping documents. | Pre-shipment photos, invoice, packing list and carton data. |
Before paying the deposit
- Confirm the PI matches the quote and purchase order.
- Check bank account details through the supplier’s trusted contact channel.
- Confirm whether production starts after deposit, artwork approval or sample approval.
- Confirm whether sample fees, mold fees or setup fees are included.
- Save all approved artwork and packaging references in one folder.
Before paying the balance
- Review product and logo photos from mass production.
- Check packaging photos, barcode labels and carton marks.
- Confirm total cartons, carton dimensions, gross weight and net weight.
- Confirm shipping method, pickup date or courier tracking plan.
- Ask whether any replacement parts, spare units or overage are included.
Payment planning for urgent event orders
For trade shows, school events and seasonal promotions, payment timing can affect the whole schedule. If the event deadline is tight, confirm the payment cutoff date, production start date, sample approval date and shipment pickup date in writing.
Related guides
- Custom Toy Proforma Invoice Checklist
- Custom Toy Production Quality Control Checklist
- Custom Toy Carton Size and Weight Planning Guide
- Confirm payment milestones with Jinyu Novelty
FAQ
When does production usually start?
Production usually starts after deposit and artwork approval, but exact timing depends on the product, packaging and whether a sample is required.
What should be checked before balance payment?
Check production photos, packaging, carton data, packing list and shipping plan before releasing the final balance.