Why packing and shipping matter when importing chairs from Turkey
When importing chairs from Turkey, packing and shipping decide two things: whether the goods arrive undamaged and how much freight you pay per chair. A bent leg, a scratched powder coat or a crushed seat cushion costs money and credibility with your own customers. This guide covers the essentials buyers should agree with a Turkish chair manufacturer before an order leaves the factory.
Cartons, protection and stacking
Export packing has to protect against impact, abrasion and moisture over a long journey. Common practice includes:
- Corrugated cartons: double-wall boxes are usual for export.
- Corner and leg protectors: keep painted metal frames from scratching each other.
- Stretch film or poly bags: protect upholstered seats from dust and humidity.
- Clear labelling: model, colour, quantity and carton number visible on the outside.
Stackable chairs can be nested several to a carton, which cuts volume considerably. Non-stackable upholstered models and lounge chairs are normally packed one per carton.
Knock-down or assembled?
Some chairs and lounge chairs can ship knock-down, for example with the seat and back packed separately. This saves space but requires assembly at destination. Assembled shipping needs no labour on arrival but takes more room. Welded metal frames generally travel assembled. The right choice depends on the model, so agree it with the manufacturer at the order stage.
Loading containers and trucks
Goods can move as a full truck, a 20 ft or 40 ft container, or as groupage. Good loading practice:
- Place heavier cartons at the bottom and upholstered items on top.
- Fill gaps with dunnage so the load cannot shift.
- Palletise where useful; pallets speed up forklift unloading.
- Chairs are bulky but light, so a container usually fills by volume before weight.
Incoterms basics: EXW, FOB, CIF and DAP
The Incoterm defines where costs and risk pass from seller to buyer.
| Incoterm | Seller's responsibility | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| EXW | Makes goods available at its premises | Buyers with their own forwarder |
| FOB | Loads goods on board at the port of shipment | Buyers who book ocean freight |
| CIF | Pays freight and insurance to destination port | Buyers wanting port delivery |
| DAP | Delivers to a named place in the buyer's country | Buyers wanting door delivery |
Under CIF, risk passes once the goods are on board at the port of shipment; under DAP, import clearance and duties remain the buyer's responsibility.
First-time importers often find DAP or CIF simpler, while experienced buyers with their own forwarder and customs broker may prefer EXW or FOB to control freight. Whatever you choose, confirm in writing who insures the cargo.
Export documents and getting a quote
Core documents are the commercial invoice, packing list, transport document (bill of lading or CMR) and export declaration. Depending on the destination, origin documents such as A.TR, EUR.1 or a certificate of origin may be needed. ASF Sandalye manufactures chairs, armchairs and lounge chairs in its own facility in Sancaktepe, Istanbul, and ships abroad. Contact us by WhatsApp or phone to discuss packing, Incoterms and shipping for your order.
Common questions
How are chairs packed for export from Turkey?
Usually in double-wall corrugated cartons with corner and leg protectors and stretch film. Stackable models are nested to save volume; upholstered and lounge chairs are typically boxed individually.
What is the difference between EXW and FOB?
Under EXW the seller makes the goods available at its premises and the buyer handles loading and all transport. Under FOB the seller delivers and loads the goods on board at the port of shipment; ocean freight is the buyer's cost.
Which documents do I need to import chairs from Turkey?
Typically a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or CMR and the export declaration. Depending on your country, A.TR, EUR.1 or a certificate of origin may also be required.