What is the safest payment method?

A letter of credit gives strong protection to both sides but adds cost and formality. Choose according to order size and trust.

How do I avoid payment fraud?

Verify any change of bank details by phone with a known contact and never use details received only by email.

Can Ingecons provide references?

Contact us to discuss what can be documented and shared.

Supplier Due Diligence in Ecuador and Safe Payment Terms

Before paying for tropical fruit from Ecuador, verify the supplier's legal identity and export registration, check references and trade history, test a sample, and use payment terms that share risk, such as a letter of credit, staged payments or inspection before loading. Never rely on emails or promises alone.

6 min read · 2026-10-08

Verify the company

Confirm the legal name, tax identification, address and years of operation against official registers, and check that the signatory has authority. Ask for the exporter's registrations and bank details on company letterhead, and verify them through an independent channel to avoid payment fraud.

References and track record

Request references from other international buyers and, if possible, speak to them. Check shipping history through your forwarder. Ask where the fruit physically comes from and who packs it.

Samples and inspection

Start with a sample and, for the first container, arrange an independent pre-shipment inspection of quality, quantity, packing and temperature. Photographs and a loading report are inexpensive protection.

Payment structures

Options include letter of credit, documentary collection, staged payments (deposit plus balance against documents) and open account for established relationships. The more established the trust and track record, the more flexibility you can allow. See Incoterms for how risk transfers.

Contract essentials

Put in writing the specification, quantity tolerance, Incoterm, price, payment schedule, claim procedure, governing law and dispute resolution. Have a lawyer review for first large orders.

Buyer checklist

Company identity and registrations verified
Bank details confirmed through an independent channel
References contacted
Sample approved before the first order
Pre-shipment inspection arranged
Payment terms share risk
Contract covers claims and disputes