Shipping & Delivery
A practical guide to quotation scope, packing, freight responsibilities, import clearance and receiving custom furniture or cabinetry overseas.
Important: Avrelahome does not assume that every order includes door-to-door delivery, customs clearance, unloading or installation. The named place, Incoterms® rule, freight scope, insurance, risk-transfer point and local responsibilities must be stated in the written quotation or sales contract.
Information needed before freight is quoted
- Destination country, city, postal code and whether the site is residential or commercial.
- Expected product list, package volume and whether products ship flat-packed, knock-down or assembled.
- Port, terminal or final-address preference.
- Door, corridor, elevator and stair dimensions for large items.
- Available unloading equipment, storage area and local receiving team.
- Any project deadline, restricted delivery hours or building rules.
FOB, CIF and DDP are not interchangeable
The exact rule and named place must appear in the quote. The descriptions below are planning summaries, not substitutes for the official rule.
| Term | Planning meaning | Buyer should clarify |
|---|---|---|
| FOB | For sea or inland-waterway shipments, seller responsibilities and risk are divided at the agreed port under the stated rule. | Main freight, insurance choice, import clearance and destination handling. |
| CIF | Seller arranges cost, insurance and freight to the named destination port, while the official rule determines risk transfer and minimum insurance requirements. | Destination charges, import clearance, inland delivery and insurance adequacy. |
| DDP | Seller takes extensive responsibility to the named destination, including import clearance under the rule. | Whether the seller can legally act as importer, local taxes, unloading and site access. DDP availability must be confirmed. |
See the ICC Incoterms® 2020 overview for the official framework.
Export packing should match the product and route
Identification
Room, item and package labels should correspond with the packing list and installation information.
Surface protection
Edges, finished faces, glass, stone and hardware require different protection methods.
Moisture and movement
Route duration, container conditions and internal movement should be considered when the packing plan is confirmed.
Accessory control
Hardware bags, spare parts and instructions should be identified so they are not lost during receiving.
Door, elevator and stair checks happen before production
Oversized cabinetry and furniture can be impossible to move into a finished building. Share entrance width and height, elevator door and cabin size, corridor turns, stair width, landing size and any lifting restrictions. Where access is tight, modular construction and split panels may need to be designed before drawings are approved.
Receiving checklist
- Count packages against the transport document and packing list before signing.
- Photograph the sealed load, visible damage, package labels and unloading condition.
- Note shortages or external damage on the carrier receipt where permitted.
- Move products to a dry, secure storage area and follow the written handling instructions.
- Report discrepancies promptly using the notice period in the sales and transport documents.
Who handles damage depends on the agreed risk point
Do not assume that the factory, carrier, freight forwarder or importer is automatically responsible. Responsibility depends on when damage occurred, the agreed Incoterms® rule, insurance, carrier conditions and the evidence collected at receiving. Keep packaging and submit photos, labels, quantities and transport documents with the claim.
Request a freight-scope review
Send the destination, room or product list and access information through the project inquiry page. We will identify the shipping details that still need written confirmation.