For buyers
What to expect when you buy from Sownar.
The practical details: quantities, packaging, container loading, lead times, payment and samples. Every figure here is indicative and confirmed per enquiry.
The enquiry guide
Indicative terms
All figures indicative, confirmed per enquiry.
- Minimum order
- Typically one 20 ft container. Trial quantities sometimes possible; ask.
- Packaging
- Per request, confirmed with your quotation. Marking to your instruction.
- Container loading
- Commodity-specific; see each commodity page. Roughly 18–22 t per 20 ft for seeds and grains, less for light products such as hibiscus and ginger.
- Lead time
- Two to four weeks from confirmed order to vessel departure, depending on commodity, season and testing.
- Payment
- Confirmed irrevocable letter of credit, agreed per contract.
- Samples
- Drawn from the intended lot. Courier and sample costs agreed in advance, usually credited against the first order.
- Incoterms
- FOB standard; CFR and CIF on request.
- Response time
- Within one business day.
Checklist
What you receive
- Written quotation with specification, Incoterms, lead time and validity
- Confirmation of packaging, marking and container plan
- Pre-shipment sample where agreed
- Laboratory certificates for the agreed parameters
- Draft documents for review, then the final set
- Loading photos, container and seal numbers
- Bill of lading and vessel details
- A named contact throughout
Questions
Enquiries, payment and shipping
How do I request a quote?
Use the enquiry form on the Contact page or email business@sownargroup.com. Tell us the commodity, the quantity, the destination port and the specification you need, and we reply within one business day with availability and an indicative price.
What is your minimum order quantity?
It depends on the commodity and the season. As a guide, most buyers work in full-container quantities (one 20-foot container upward). Smaller trial quantities can sometimes be arranged; ask and we will tell you what is realistic.
Which Incoterms do you work with?
FOB is the usual basis. CFR and CIF can be quoted on request for most destinations.
How long does shipment take?
Preparation and documentation typically take two to four weeks from confirmed order, depending on the commodity, season and testing required. Sea freight time then depends on the destination. We give a lead time with every quote and update you if it changes.
What payment terms do you accept?
A confirmed irrevocable letter of credit, agreed per contract. We will discuss what works for the size of the order.
Enquiry
Ready to enquire?
Commodity, quantity, destination and specification is all we need to start.
