B2B machinery buyers are increasingly layering payment security methods — partial deposits tied to inspection milestones, escrow-style arrangements, and traditional L/C — rather than relying on a single payment structure for larger orders.
What's changed compared to a standard 30/70 deposit split?
Buyers are more often requesting that the balance payment be tied to a passed pre-shipment inspection rather than simply "before shipment," reducing the window where a defect could surface after money has already changed hands.
How does milestone-based payment actually work?
A typical structure splits payment into deposit, mid-production check, and pre-shipment inspection sign-off, giving buyers two checkpoints to catch issues before the balance is released.
When does a letter of credit still make sense?
L/C remains the preferred structure for larger orders or first-time supplier relationships, since it gives both sides a bank-verified condition for payment release rather than relying purely on trust.
What role does trade insurance play?
Trade credit insurance and cargo insurance are increasingly used alongside payment-milestone structures rather than as a substitute for them — insurance protects against loss after the fact, while milestone payments and inspection reduce the chance of a defective shipment happening in the first place, so the two work best combined rather than as alternatives.
See our FAQ page for the payment methods and inspection process we support.