BOTIRES buyer guide
FOB vs CIF Tire Quotes: What Importers Should Prepare Before Asking Price
A practical tire importer guide to FOB and CIF quote preparation, including destination, loading quantity, documents and hidden comparison mistakes.
Many tire buyers ask: “Please send CIF price.” That is not wrong, but a useful CIF quote needs more information than a tire size. Without destination, loading quantity, container type and document needs, the quote can look precise while still being weak.
FOB and CIF are not quality levels
FOB and CIF are trade terms. They do not describe tire quality. They describe how cost, freight, insurance and responsibility are handled between buyer and seller. If two suppliers quote different CIF prices, the difference may come from freight assumptions, loading quantity, port, insurance or shipment timing, not only from tire quality.
| Quote term | Buyer should confirm | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| FOB | Loading port, quantity, packing and product details | Comparing FOB without checking container quantity |
| CIF | Destination port, freight date, insurance and container plan | Treating CIF as total landed cost |
| Mixed sizes | Actual loading plan and weight limit | Assuming each size has the same loading quantity |
| Documents | Invoice, packing list, certificate and destination needs | Asking documents after price is agreed |
What to send before asking for CIF
- Exact tire sizes and quantity for each size.
- Destination country and port.
- Container type: 40HQ, 40GP or 20GP.
- Buyer role: importer, wholesaler, fleet, mining, construction or dealer.
- Document or inspection needs.
- Whether this is a trial order or repeat supply plan.
If you do not know the loading quantity yet, start with the container loading calculator. If you are not sure what information matters, use the sourcing checklist before sending the first inquiry.
A better quote request
“Please quote FOB Qingdao and CIF Tema for 12R22.5 TBR, one 40HQ. We are a Ghana tire wholesaler. Please include estimated loading quantity, pattern photos, delivery time and document list.”
This request is stronger than “send CIF price” because it tells the supplier how to calculate the quote and how to avoid sending a full generic catalog.
When to ask FOB first
If you already have a forwarder or you want to compare freight separately, ask FOB first. If you want the supplier to prepare a first full-route estimate, ask CIF, but still request the loading basis. For tire imports, the loading basis is often where quote comparison becomes confusing.
Sources checked
For Incoterms context, see the International Trade Administration’s Know Your Incoterms guide. Always confirm the actual sales contract and local import costs with your forwarder or customs broker.