In multi-family projects, cabinet pricing is never just a number. It’s a combination of cost allocation, risk ownership, and supply-chain responsibility.
If you work with cabinet manufacturers—especially overseas—understanding how pricing is structured will directly impact your total landed cost, delivery reliability, and exposure to policy risk.
Let’s break it down clearly.
1. Cabinet Pricing by Delivery Terms (Incoterms)
1️⃣ FOB (Free On Board) — Factory to Vessel
Seller (Factory) is responsible for: Cabinet manufacturing, export packaging, inland transport to port, and loading goods onto the vessel. (Risk transfers once cargo is on board).
Buyer (Builder) is responsible for: Ocean freight, insurance, U.S. customs clearance, duties, and inland transportation.
👉 Lowest unit price, highest responsibility and risk.
2️⃣ CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) — Product + Ocean Freight
Seller (Factory) is responsible for: Manufacturing + Ocean freight to U.S. port.
Buyer is responsible for: U.S. customs clearance, import duties, and inland transportation.
👉 More predictable shipping cost, but import risk remains with buyer.
3️⃣ DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) — Fully Landed Delivery
Seller (Factory) is responsible for: Everything from manufacturing to delivery at your jobsite (including duties & customs).
Buyer responsibility: Receive the goods.
👉 Highest price, lowest risk, simplest execution. Important note: DDP only works when the supplier has legitimate U.S. import capability.
Delivery Terms Comparison
| Term | Unit Price | Buyer Risk | Supply Chain Control | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOB | Lowest | Highest | High | Large / experienced builders |
| CIF | Medium | Medium | Medium | Builders with import experience |
| DDP | Highest | Lowest | Low | Project-focused, risk-averse teams |
2. Cabinet Pricing by Purchase Volume & Model
1️⃣ Full Container Direct Purchase (FCL)
Buy directly from the factory (20GP / 40HQ). This offers the lowest cost per unit but requires stable volume. Best for mid-to-large multi-family builders with standardized product programs.
2️⃣ Per-Unit Purchasing with Volume Discounts (Wholesale)
Cabinets purchased per unit or per project via a U.S. importer. Volume accumulates over multiple projects. Best for mid-sized builders needing speed.
3️⃣ Fully Custom Cabinets
U.S. Custom: Faster lead time, highest cost.
Overseas Custom: Lower production cost, longer lead time.
Best for design-driven or high-end projects.
Purchasing Model Comparison
| Purchase Model | Price Level | Lead Time | Flexibility | Builder Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FCL Direct | Lowest | 30-45 days | Low | Mid–Large builders |
| Volume Wholesale | Medium | 2-7 days | Medium | Mid-size builders |
| U.S. Custom | Highest | 60-90 days | High | Premium projects |
| Overseas Custom | Lower | 70-120 days | High | Cost-sensitive projects |
Why ZASI Cabinetry Fits Different Project Scales — Without Changing Suppliers
Most manufacturers force you into one model. ZASI Cabinetry is one of the few Vietnam-based manufacturers capable of supporting all three delivery terms: FOB, CIF, and DDP.
This flexibility is built on 17 years of hands-on experience with U.S. logistics. Here is how we adapt to your project size:
1. Competitive FCL Pricing (Direct from Factory)
For large-scale projects, ZASI provides highly competitive FCL pricing optimized for standardized SKUs and repeat specifications. This is the most cost-efficient option for multi-family projects with stable volume.
2. Flexible RTA Wholesale Options (Powered by KOVILLE)
Through the KOVILLE brand, ZASI operates 9 warehouses across the U.S., allowing us to offer RTA wholesale pricing and ship quickly from domestic inventory. Ideal for speed and flexibility.
3. Private Label & Custom Development
Backed by ZASI’s engineering team, we support clients who want to build their own brand—from product development to 3D rendering and marketing visuals.
In One Sentence — How Builders Use Us
Best price for large projects:
→ ZASI + FCL sourcing (28–36 days ocean transit)
Small or fast-moving projects:
→ KOVILLE RTA wholesale (Order today, ship next business day)
Custom specs or private label goals:
→ ZASI Design & Development Team (End-to-end custom planning)
Final Thought: Mature cabinet sourcing isn’t about asking “What’s the price per kitchen?” It starts with understanding who carries the risk. The advantage is not choosing the cheapest option—but choosing the right structure.
