First-time buyers often ask the same questions when sourcing acrylic or polycarbonate sheets from China. Below are the answers our export team hears most often — straight from the factory floor at RP River People.
1. What Is Your Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?
For standard sheet sizes (1220 × 2440 mm or 2050 × 3050 mm), our MOQ is 50 sheets per color/thickness. For custom colors or special sizes, MOQ is typically 100 sheets. Trial orders for new customers are negotiable — if you are testing a market, talk to us; we can often split a production run with other orders.
2. How Long Is the Lead Time?
Standard clear sheets: 7–10 working days. Custom colors or ballistic/noise barrier grades: 15–20 working days. Thick cast panels (50 mm and above) or bent/fabricated parts: 25–35 days. If you have a deadline, tell us when you need the goods — we will prioritize the line or suggest a near-standard alternative.
3. Can I Get Free Samples Before Placing a Bulk Order?
Yes. We ship A4-size sample swatches (roughly 3 mm thick) free of charge — you only cover courier cost (usually $25–40 via DHL/FedEx). For thick panels or ballistic grades, we can cut a small block sample. Send us your courier account number or ask for a shipping quote.
4. How Do You Pack Sheets for Sea Freight?
Every sheet ships with a PE masking film on both sides (protects against scratches during shipping and fabrication). Sheets are stacked on a plywood pallet, wrapped in stretch film, and edged with hardboard corners. For sea freight we use fumigated wooden pallets (ISPM-15 certified). A 20GP container holds roughly 800–1000 sheets of 3 mm acrylic; a 40HQ holds about 2000.
5. Air or Sea Freight — When Does It Make Sense?
- Sea freight is the default for bulk orders. Lead time 25–35 days to US/EU, but cost per sheet is lowest.
- Air freight makes sense for urgent replacement orders, small sample batches, or thin sheets (1–3 mm) where the freight cost is still a small fraction of goods value.
- Express courier (DHL/FedEx) for documents, small samples, or under 50 kg.
Acrylic is light but bulky — dimensional weight applies. For a 1 CBM shipment to LA by air, expect roughly $250–350; by sea, $60–90 per CBM. We can book freight on your behalf or ship EXW our factory — whichever you prefer.
Other Questions Buyers Often Ask
- Can you cut to size? Yes — we cut, rout, drill, bend, and polish in-house.
- Do you provide certificates? ISO 9001, REACH/RoHS, UL-752 for ballistic grades, and SGS material reports on request.
- What payment terms? T/T 30% deposit, 70% before shipment. L/C at sight for orders over $50,000.
- Do you accept OEM/private label? Yes — we can pack with your brand and include your catalog.
Ready to Order?
Send us your thickness, size, color, and quantity — plus your destination port — and we will reply within one working day with an FOB or CIF quote. Contact our sales team today.