01The risk ladder
From riskiest for the buyer to riskiest for the seller:
- Cash in advance: the buyer pays before seeing the goods. No risk for the seller; the buyer relies entirely on the seller. Common for samples, small first orders, or as a partial deposit.
- Letter of credit (L/C): the buyer's bank undertakes to pay when documents that comply with the credit are presented. Balanced for both sides, but costs bank fees and demands document discipline; a small discrepancy can delay payment.
- Documents against payment (D/P): documents travel through the banks; the buyer receives the documents needed to collect the goods once it pays. The bank does not guarantee payment.
- Documents against acceptance (D/A): the buyer accepts a bill of exchange, takes the documents and pays at maturity. The seller extends credit until then.
- Open account: goods ship first and payment follows on the invoice due date. Riskiest for the seller; used in long, trusted relationships.
02Practical advice
On a first trade, a partial deposit plus balance against documents (e.g. 30% advance, 70% against a copy of the bill of lading) is a common middle ground.
Pay only to the bank details written in the contract. Messages announcing that the bank account has "changed" are the most common B2B fraud; always confirm on a phone number you already know.
03How it works on MİTA
MİTA never holds money and offers no escrow; payment goes directly between the companies. The payment method, due date and split are sealed in the sales contract once both sides accept; shipment and payment records open only after a contract.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Check the official text and your adviser for binding obligations.
