Who this guide is for
Whether you are fitting out a new café, refurbishing a restaurant or hotel, or importing furniture to sell in your own market, buying contract chairs in bulk is a different process from buying a single piece. A well-planned order avoids the usual problems: wrong colours, missing quantities and transit damage. The steps below give a general roadmap for sourcing wholesale restaurant chairs from a Turkish manufacturer.
The ordering process, step by step
- Shortlist by product code: note the models you like from the catalogue, comparing chairs, armchairs and bar stools for each area of your venue.
- Samples or photos: for larger orders, ask for a sample or detailed photos and videos from production to check quality and comfort.
- Colours and fabrics: confirm frame colour, upholstery fabric or wood tone, ideally against a colour code or fabric swatch.
- Quantities: list quantities for each model and colour combination, and consider a small reserve for replacements.
- Quote: send everything in one request and check that the quote clearly states unit price, packing and delivery terms.
- Production: once you confirm the order, agree the production and delivery plan with the manufacturer.
- Packing: decide in advance whether chairs ship assembled or knocked down, and how they are protected.
- Shipping: agree the transport mode, delivery point and who handles customs formalities.
What to include in your quote request
- Product codes and the quantity of each
- Frame colour and fabric or wood finish
- Type of project (café, restaurant, hotel, terrace) and indoor or outdoor use
- Delivery address, or country, city and preferred port for export
- Preferred Incoterm, for example EXW, FOB or CIF
- Packing preference and target delivery date
Packing: flat-pack or assembled?
Knock-down (flat-pack) shipping reduces volume, so more chairs fit in each container, but they need assembling at destination. Assembled chairs arrive ready to use but take more space. Stackable chairs can be nested inside each other, which keeps assembled shipments efficient. In every case, corner protectors, stretch film and strong cartons reduce the risk of damage. To plan container loading, ask the manufacturer for a packing list showing carton dimensions, total volume in m³ and gross weights.
Shipping and Incoterms explained
| Incoterm | Seller's responsibility | Buyer's responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| EXW (Ex Works) | Make goods available at its premises | Loading, export clearance, all transport and risk |
| FOB (Free On Board) | Export clearance and loading on board at the port of shipment | Sea freight, insurance and everything after |
| CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) | Freight and minimum insurance to the destination port | Costs after arrival; risk passes once goods are on board at origin |
The right term depends on whether you work with your own freight forwarder and how familiar you are with customs. Always confirm the Incoterm and the named place in writing on the quote.
Final checklist before you confirm
Agree one summary document with the manufacturer listing model codes, colours, quantities, packing type and delivery terms. This simple step prevents most of the errors caused by details lost in long email or chat threads.
ASF Sandalye manufactures metal chairs at its own facility in Sancaktepe, Istanbul, offers custom colours and fabrics for projects and ships across Turkey and abroad; add models to your quote list or request a quote by WhatsApp or phone.
Common questions
What should I send when requesting a bulk chair quote?
Send product codes, quantities per model, colour and fabric choices, the delivery address or port and your preferred Incoterm. Mentioning the project type and indoor or outdoor use also helps.
Should chairs be shipped flat-packed or assembled?
Flat-pack shipping saves volume but requires assembly on arrival. Stackable chairs can travel assembled quite efficiently, so decide together with the manufacturer.
What is the difference between EXW, FOB and CIF?
Under EXW the buyer collects from the seller's premises, under FOB the seller loads the goods on board at the port of shipment, and under CIF the seller also pays freight and insurance to the destination port. With CIF, risk still passes to the buyer at the port of loading.