Payment Milestones for Custom Silicone Molds: Deposit, Sample, Balance
Payment milestones for custom silicone molds - deposit, sample approval, balance before ship, revision fees, and RUUIPON terms at MOQ 50 with prototype 3-7 days.
Kyler Yang · Founder5 min read
On this page
Paying 100% upfront before you see a prototype sample is how buyers lock into the wrong Shore A on a 24-cavity gummy tray - then pay again for a re-pour. RUUIPON quotes custom silicone molds at MOQ 50 with prototypes in 3-7 days. This guide breaks payment milestones so your cash tracks deliverables: deposit, sample sign-off, production balance.
Quick answer: Standard structure is 30-50% deposit on PO, sample included in prototype phase (deposit covers tooling + first pour), balance 50-70% before production ship after written sample approval. Revisions after approval are change orders - not buried in "free samples."
Payment Milestones in One Table
| Milestone | Typical % | Trigger | You receive |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO + deposit | 30-50% | Signed quote acceptance | Master start; prototype in 3-7 days |
| Sample delivery | Included in deposit | Courier receipt | 1 tray + dimension report |
| Sample approval | - | Your written OK (email) | Production slot scheduled |
| Production balance | 50-70% | Before ship / at QC photos | MOQ 50 trays + packing list |
| Optional inspection | 0% (third party) | Pre-ship if ordered | QC report at factory |
Standard Milestones Explained
Each payment should map to a tangible deliverable - not "trust us" phases.
- Deposit - funds master model CNC/print, silicone material, vacuum degassing setup, and single-cavity or short-run sample tray.
- Prototype window - 3-7 days after CAD approval and deposit clear. Lead time explained.
- Sample package - tray, Shore A reading, key dimensions vs drawing, photos. Sample checklist.
- Production PO - MOQ 50 locked at approved Shore A, color, and cavity spec.
- Balance - due before export carton closes or per agreed Incoterms (EXW/FOB/CIF).
Full order process: how to order. Cost breakdown: cost guide.
Sample Approval as Payment Gate
Do not release production balance until sample passes your checklist - production silicone batch is locked at approval.
| Check item | Pass criteria | Fail = revision CO |
|---|---|---|
| Shore A | ±3 of quoted spec | Yes - re-pour on same master |
| Cavity dimensions | ±0.2 mm critical features | Yes if master error; no if drawing change |
| Demold test | 10× clean peel your material | Yes - DFM adjust |
| Surface finish | Matte/gloss per quote | Yes - finish spec |
| Color | Pantone or sample chip match | Re-pour - color options |
Revision & Change Order Fees
| Change type | Typical fee | Lead time impact |
|---|---|---|
| Shore A adjustment (same geometry) | Sample re-pour only | +3-5 days |
| Cavity dimension change <2 mm | Master re-cut + sample | +5-7 days |
| Layout change (cavity count) | New master + quote | +7-10 days |
| Buyer CAD error after approval | Full change order | Buyer pays master + MOQ 50 |
| Logo depth change | Master re-engrave | +3-5 days - revision process |
Compare quotes fairly: compare quotes. Lead buffers: lead time buffers.
Production Balance, QC & Ship
- Pre-ship QC photos - tray stack, random cavity caliper, packing nest - sent before balance invoice.
- Balance payment - wire/T/T/PayPal per quote; production ship within 3-5 days of clear.
- Documents - commercial invoice, packing list, silicone material cert on request.
- Transit inspect - on receipt, check for crush before running MOQ 50. Shipping damage.
Export packing spec: packing export. Import payment context: importing from China.
Payment Red Flags on Mold Quotes
| Red flag | Why it hurts | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| 100% upfront, no sample | No leverage on quality | Request 30/70 with sample gate |
| "Free unlimited revisions" | Undefined scope | Get revision CO table in writing |
| Balance before QC photos | Ships wrong spec | Pre-ship photo clause in PO |
| No Shore A lock at sample | Production batch drift | Shore A ±3 in approval doc |
| Deposit <20% | Factory may deprioritize | Fair deposit = serious slot |
DFM before deposit saves revision loops: DFM red flags.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is deposit refundable?
Deposit covers master + sample material - refundable only if RUUIPON fails quoted spec after revision attempt. Buyer-initiated cancel after master cut: deposit applied to costs.
Can I pay sample only first?
Yes on first order - sample fee credits toward MOQ 50 PO when you proceed within 60 days.
Payment terms for repeat MOQ 50?
Returning buyers: 30% deposit / 70% pre-ship on same approved CAD - sample skipped if no geometry change.
PayPal vs wire?
Both accepted; wire typical on production balance for MOQ 50+ trays.
Who pays if sample fails spec?
RUUIPON re-pours at our cost if failure is factory-attributable (Shore A, dimensions, flash).
Prototype in 3-7 days - when does clock start?
CAD approval + deposit clear - not quote date. Prototype to production.
Contact for payment terms?
Quote with milestone table to [email protected] | Contact RUUIPON | WhatsApp +86 135 3006 2969.
Ready to order custom silicone molds?
Free quote for OEM/ODM projects. MOQ 20 · Prototype 3-7 days · FDA/LFGB available.