Import quotation terms
How EXW, FOB and CIF Work for Prefab Cabin Buyers
Overseas buyers can request EXW factory price, FOB China port quotation or CIF destination port quotation depending on how they want to manage freight and local import costs.
Quotation Term Options
The trade term changes what is included in the quotation. Buyers should confirm the preferred term before comparing prices.
EXW Factory Price
EXW is the factory price basis. It does not include China port charges, sea freight, destination port charges, customs, inland transport, local installation or local approvals.
FOB China Port
FOB includes agreed China-side export handling to the named China port under the confirmed quotation. Sea freight and destination-side costs are normally handled separately.
CIF Destination Port
CIF includes sea freight to the named destination port under the confirmed quotation basis. Destination port charges, customs, inland transport and site work are still buyer-side costs.
Freight depends on project details
Shipping cost is checked after the product scope is clear.
Shipping cost depends on destination port, quantity, product dimensions, container loading, packing method and current freight rate. Space Capsule Cabins, Finished Modular Homes, Outdoor Kitchens and modular support units may use different packing logic.
For a useful freight estimate, send product type, model or layout, quantity, destination port, preferred trade term and expected delivery time. Current freight rates can change, so CIF quotations should be checked close to the order period.
Buyer-Side Local Costs
Local costs may include customs, tax, inland transport, foundation, crane or lifting, installation labor, utility connection, wastewater connection, engineering review and local approval.
What to Send for EXW, FOB or CIF
Use these details when asking Sunhomee to compare quotation terms.
| Detail | Needed For |
|---|---|
| Product type and model | Confirms dimensions, loading method and base quotation boundary. |
| Quantity | Determines production scope and container loading plan. |
| Destination port | Required for CIF and useful for freight comparison. |
| Configuration | Kitchen, bathtub, jacuzzi, BBQ, sauna, terrace, office and special equipment may change packing and price. |
| Delivery schedule | Helps check production timing and current freight availability. |
EXW, FOB and CIF Shipping FAQ
These answers help prefab cabin buyers compare trade terms and prepare destination details before requesting a freight estimate.
Which shipping term is better for first-time prefab cabin importers — EXW, FOB or CIF?
For most first-time importers, CIF is usually the easiest starting point, because Sunhomee arranges ocean freight and insurance to your destination port, leaving you to handle import clearance, destination port charges, local delivery and on-site arrangements.
Choose FOB if you already have your own freight forwarder for the ocean freight stage. Choose EXW only if your forwarder can also handle pickup from the factory, China-side export process and the full international shipping workflow.
Whichever term you choose, the total logistics cost is ultimately paid by the buyer. The main difference is who arranges each step, when each cost is paid, and how much coordination the buyer needs to handle.
What costs are not included in an EXW prefab cabin quote?
An EXW quote covers the prefab cabin at Sunhomee's factory only. It does not include China-side inland transport to the port, export process, ocean freight, marine insurance, destination port charges, customs clearance, import duties, taxes, inland delivery to the site, unloading, or local installation.
On the project side, EXW also does not include foundation and civil works, such as piling, foundation, water, power, sewage, drainage, access roads, permits, local approval, furniture, or operating items. Optional items such as kitchen, sauna, decking, canopy, terrace or other accessories are quoted separately based on specification.
Buyers should compare total landed and installed cost, not only the EXW product price.
What is the difference between EXW, FOB and CIF when importing prefab cabins from China?
EXW covers the cabin ready at the factory only. Under EXW, the buyer or the buyer's forwarder arranges pickup, export process, international freight, import clearance and destination-side delivery. FOB covers the cabin plus China-side inland transport to the port of departure, export clearance and loading onto the vessel. CIF covers the cabin, ocean freight and insurance to the named destination port, but import duties, taxes, customs clearance, destination port charges, inland transportation and site work remain buyer-side costs.
Why is the EXW price lower than the FOB or CIF price?
EXW looks lower because it only covers the cabin at the factory before logistics are bundled in. FOB adds China-side export logistics, and CIF further adds ocean freight and insurance to the destination port. The number rises as more services are included, so buyers should compare total landed cost instead of EXW product price alone.
Why should buyers compare total landed cost instead of product price only?
A prefab cabin quote should be compared by total landed and installed cost, not only by product price. Buyers should calculate product supply, freight, port charges, taxes, inland transportation, unloading, local installation, foundation, utilities and local approval costs.
How is freight estimated?
Freight is quoted per destination port, container loading plan, shipping season and booking time. Sunhomee can help estimate EXW, FOB or CIF options after the buyer confirms destination port, product model and quantity.
Can buyers use their own freight forwarder?
Yes. Buyers can arrange shipping through their own freight forwarder, or ask Sunhomee to help coordinate shipping options for convenience. Sunhomee can provide product information and coordinate with the buyer's forwarder where applicable.
Next step for a shipping estimate
Please provide destination port, product model, quantity and preferred trade term so Sunhomee can compare EXW, FOB or CIF options.
Ask for EXW / FOB / CIF Estimate Get a Prefab Cabin Quote Talk to Sunhomee on WhatsApp