How Paper Trading Works — From RFQ to Delivery

Ever wondered exactly what happens between the moment you send an RFQ and when the container lands at your port? Here's the full 8-step process.

1. RFQ — Buyer sends product, GSM, quantity, target price, destination. 2. Mill sourcing — Trading company matches to 3-5 vetted mills. 3. Quote back — Best FOB/CIF price returned to buyer within 24-48h. 4. Sample — If new grade/mill, samples ship via DHL/FedEx. 5. Purchase order — Signed contract with mill on trader's letterhead. 6. Payment — LC opened or T/T advance received. 7. Production & inspection — 3-6 week production, then SGS/BV pre-shipment inspection. 8. Shipment & documents — Container loaded, documents couriered, buyer clears customs.

A good trading company like NIKSO handles the mill negotiation, quality control and logistics so you get finished goods delivered to your port — without having to fly to Canada or manage 5 different mills.