• How to Buy Restaurant Furniture from China: A B2B Sourcing Guide

    用户头像 Linyu

    Linyu

    With over 16 years in catering & hospitality industry, sales manager of Linyu, specialise in providing one stop solutions to restaurants, hotels and hospitality spaces.

    Buying restaurant furniture from China can give overseas buyers access to a wide range of products, customization options and competitive project pricing. However, a successful order depends on much more than simply comparing unit prices. Buyers also need to confirm specifications, minimum order quantities, materials, payment terms, production lead time, quality inspection and shipping arrangements before placing an order.

    This guide explains the practical steps involved in sourcing restaurant furniture from China for restaurants, hospitality projects, distributors and commercial buyers, based on the typical purchasing and production process used for export furniture orders.

    Start With Clear Restaurant Furniture Requirements

    Before contacting a supplier, prepare as much project information as possible. A clear inquiry helps the supplier understand your requirements and usually leads to a more accurate quotation.You can also review our commercial hospitality furniture range when preparing your initial furniture list.

    Useful information may include:

    • BOQ or furniture list
    • Required quantities
    • Product dimensions
    • Reference images
    • Design drawings, if available
    • Preferred materials and finishes
    • Delivery country or destination

    If you do not have complete technical drawings yet, reference images and basic dimensions can still help the supplier understand the intended style and application.

    Choose the Right Restaurant Furniture Supplier in China

    When comparing restaurant furniture suppliers in China, price should not be the only factor. For commercial projects, it is also important to evaluate whether the supplier can support your required product types, customization, materials, production quantities and export requirements.

    Ask about previous hospitality projects, customization capabilities, production drawings, quality-control procedures and shipping experience. A suitable supplier should be able to explain the production process clearly and confirm what information is required before an order moves into production.

    Confirm MOQ Before Requesting a Quote

    Minimum order quantity can vary by product type and project requirements. For LINYU, the standard MOQ is generally 30 pieces for chairs, 20 pieces for tables and 10 pieces for booth seats. Quantities may be adjusted for suitable project orders depending on the specific requirements.

    Confirming MOQ early is important because it affects product selection, customization options, packaging and overall project cost. If your project includes several furniture categories, discuss the full BOQ with the supplier instead of evaluating each item separately.

    Check Materials and Customization Options

    Restaurant furniture projects often require more than standard off-the-shelf specifications. Before placing an order, confirm the materials, finishes, dimensions and upholstery options available for customization.

    For custom restaurant furniture projects, LINYU works with materials including solid wood, plywood, stone, metal frames, fabric and leather, with custom finish colors available according to project requirements. Customers can also provide reference images or design drawings, and production drawings can be prepared for confirmation before mass production.

    PU leather color options for custom restaurant furniture
    Upholstery production for custom restaurant furniture

    Ask About Samples Before Mass Production

    Samples can help buyers check the design, materials, dimensions and finish before committing to a larger order, especially for customized furniture.

    LINYU can provide samples when required. Sample charges may apply depending on the product and customization requirements, so buyers should confirm the sample cost and preparation time with the supplier in advance.

    Confirm Deposit and Payment Terms

    Payment terms should be confirmed before production begins. For current LINYU orders, a 50% deposit is commonly used, with the remaining balance paid before shipment.

    For qualified projects with clear purchase intent and suitable order quantities, a 30% deposit may be discussed. The exact payment arrangement should always be confirmed as part of the quotation or order agreement.

    Choose the Right Trade Term: EXW, FOB, CIF or DDP

    The trade term determines which shipping costs and responsibilities are handled by the buyer and which are handled by the supplier. LINYU supports common terms including EXW, FOB, CIF and DDP.These terms are defined under the Incoterms® rules published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

    EXW: The buyer arranges pickup from the factory, export procedures and transportation.

    FOB: The supplier delivers the goods to the port and handles export customs clearance, while the buyer arranges the main freight and destination-side costs.

    CIF: The supplier covers the goods, sea freight and insurance to the destination port, while the buyer handles destination customs clearance and final delivery.

    DDP: The supplier arranges shipping, customs duties and delivery to the agreed destination.

    Buyers should choose the term based on their logistics experience, destination country and whether they already work with a freight forwarder.

    Understand Production Lead Time

    Restaurant furniture production usually requires time for material preparation, customization, manufacturing and quality inspection. For LINYU, the general production lead time is approximately 35–45 days.

    The exact schedule depends on the order quantity, product specifications and customization requirements. Shipping time is separate from production time and varies according to the destination country and selected shipping method.

    Quality Inspection Before Shipment

    Quality inspection should be completed before the goods leave the factory. Depending on the product, LINYU checks key details such as dimensions, colors, structure and packaging to make sure the finished furniture matches the confirmed order requirements.

    After inspection, real product photos and videos can be sent to the buyer for confirmation. Once the goods are confirmed, the remaining balance is paid before shipment is arranged.

    Packing and Shipping

    Proper packaging is especially important for international furniture shipments because chairs, tables, booth seating and other commercial furniture may travel long distances before reaching the project site.

    LINYU uses export-standard packaging and arranges shipment after the order and balance payment are confirmed. Buyers who already have a freight forwarder can use their own logistics arrangement. If a buyer does not have a freight forwarder, LINYU can assist through a cooperative logistics partner.

    Export cartons packed for restaurant furniture shipment

    What If the Furniture or Packaging Arrives Damaged?

    Inspect the packaging as soon as the shipment arrives. If visible damage is found, take clear photos before unpacking or handling the goods further. These records can help identify what happened and support the follow-up process.

    Product quality issues should be reported to the supplier with clear photos, videos and relevant order information. Damage caused by improper unloading or handling should also be distinguished from inherent product quality issues when evaluating responsibility.

    Planning a Restaurant Furniture Project?

    If you are planning to source restaurant furniture from China, preparing clear project information can make the quotation and production process much more efficient.

    Before requesting a quote, you can browse our restaurant furniture catalogue to review available chairs, tables, booth seating and other furniture options.

    Send us your BOQ, required quantities, dimensions, reference images or drawings, material requirements and delivery country. Our team can review your requirements and provide a project-based quotation.

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