Category: Sourcing & Wholesale

Wholesale trampoline sourcing, MOQ, landed cost, supplier comparison, pricing, lead time, freight, and purchasing strategy for US buyers.

  • Sample-First vs Quote-First Trampoline Sourcing

    Sample-First vs Quote-First Trampoline Sourcing

    By Rocheyard B2B Sourcing Desk · Published 2026-06-04 · Last updated 2026-06-04 · 7 min read · Sourcing & Wholesale

    TL;DR

    • Quote-first and sample-first are two opening moves in the same sourcing negotiation, not competing strategies; serious buyers eventually use both.
    • Quote-first is fast and free, and works when the buyer already reads spec sheets critically; it filters on price, MOQ, and supplier seriousness.
    • Sample-first is slower and costs $150-$500 per category, and works when something material cannot be judged from documentation: new category, unusual size, or private-label craftsmanship.
    • The hybrid most experienced trampoline buyers run is quote-first against 5-8 suppliers, shortlist to 2-3, then sample-first against the shortlist.

    Why the order of operations matters

    The first real decision in a trampoline sourcing process is not which supplier to talk to. It is whether to open with a quote or with a sample. Most buyers default to quote-first because it feels faster and free, and that default works for some and works against others. Sample-first costs money upfront but answers questions a quote cannot: what the carton actually looks like, how the hardware feels, whether the stitching holds up.

    This is a sequencing question, not a “which is better” question. The comparison below covers what each opening move tells you, what each costs in time and money, when each is the right call, and the hybrid most experienced US trampoline buyers actually run.

    At a glance: how the two approaches compare

    Factor Quote-first Sample-first
    Time to first signal Same day to a few days 2-4 weeks
    Cost to start Free with most suppliers $150-$500 sample fee per category
    What it tells you Price, MOQ, lead time, spec sheet Physical product, packaging, build feel
    Number of suppliers feasible 5-10 in parallel 1-3 in parallel
    Best for Buyers familiar with the category Buyers new to the category or to a supplier
    What it will not tell you What the unit actually feels like What it costs in volume

    The two approaches answer different questions, which is why they do not substitute for each other. A quote tells you whether a supplier’s pricing and terms are in the workable range. A sample tells you whether the product they ship actually matches what their spec sheet describes. A buyer who skips one of these is leaving a question unanswered.

    When to start with a quote

    Quote-first is the right opening move when the buyer already knows the category well enough to read a spec sheet critically. Frame gauge, mat material, spring length and count, net height and pole configuration: if these terms map to clear expectations in the buyer’s head, the buyer can compare 5-10 quotes side by side and shortlist 2-3 suppliers without spending sample fees on the rest. The product specifications guide is a useful reference for the terminology a quote should be readable against.

    Quote-first is also the right opening when timing matters more than maximum certainty. For a buyer who needs to validate that wholesale pricing lands in a workable range before committing to anything else, a fast quote round answers that question in days rather than weeks. The pricing context that makes those quotes interpretable sits in our 2026 wholesale pricing breakdown, and the supplier-comparison standard in how to compare trampoline suppliers for wholesale helps turn a stack of quotes into a real shortlist.

    What quote-first will not tell you is whether the unit on paper matches the unit in a carton. That answer requires the second move.

    When to start with a sample

    Sample-first is the right opening when something material cannot be judged from documentation. Buyers new to the category, buyers considering an unusual size, buyers evaluating a finish or color that is hard to spec on paper, buyers validating private-label craftsmanship before committing to a customized container: these are sample-first situations.

    Sample-first is also the right call when the buyer’s downstream customer demands physical certainty: a brick-and-mortar retailer pitching a buying group, a private-label brand showing samples to a retail partner, or an institutional buyer who has to put hands on the product before signing a purchase order. And for private label specifically, sample-first is effectively the only path. A custom production run cannot be authorized on a quote alone, since the whole point of customization is verifying physical execution before scale. The customization tiers and what each one requires are covered in the private label trampoline guide.

    What sample-first will not tell you is what the unit costs in container volume, which is why most sample-first buyers end up running a quote round in parallel or shortly after.

    The hybrid most serious buyers actually use

    The buyers who source well do not pick one approach. They sequence both. The standard pattern is quote-first against 5-8 suppliers, then sample-first against a shortlist of 2-3 from the quote round.

    The quote round filters on price, MOQ, lead time, and supplier responsiveness. The sample round filters on actual product quality. By the time the buyer is paying sample fees, they are paying them against suppliers who already cleared the first filter, which concentrates the sample budget where it can actually move a decision. The pre-sample shortlisting work overlaps with the supplier vetting covered in our guide to sourcing wholesale trampolines from China.

    The hybrid also keeps the buyer in a stronger negotiating position. A supplier who has already submitted a quote knows the buyer is comparing, and a supplier sending a sample to a buyer with competitive quotes on file is incentivized to make the sample correct on the first try. Skipping the quote round and going straight to sample-first against a single supplier gives that supplier no competitive pressure, which is the wrong way to start a multi-year sourcing relationship.

    Cost comparison: time and money on each path

    Two costs need to be weighed on each path: time and dollars.

    On time, quote-first replies come back in the same day to a few days; a full round of 5-8 quotes can close inside a week. Sample-first takes 2-4 weeks to produce, pack, and ship a sample, plus inbound transit time. The hybrid runs around a week of quotes plus 2-4 weeks of samples, which means a buyer following the standard pattern has both signals on a shortlist about a month after starting.

    On dollars, quote-first is usually no out-of-pocket cost. Sample-first runs $150-$500 per sample by category, with partial sample-fee credit toward an eventual order discussed case by case. The sample fee is not a tax. It is a filter on both sides. A serious supplier sends a sample because they are invested in the buyer becoming a customer. A serious buyer pays the sample fee because they want a real signal. A buyer who insists on free samples is signaling they are not yet ready to buy, and most legitimate suppliers will deprioritize the request.

    How Rocheyard’s buyers split between the two

    Across recent quoting activity, Rocheyard sees most established US buyers running the hybrid: an opening quote round, then samples on a 2-3 supplier shortlist. The buyers who try to skip the quote round and start with a single-supplier sample usually slow themselves down. They lack the comparative signal that makes a sample evaluation meaningful, and they end up running a second quote round after the sample arrives anyway.

    Rocheyard also sees buyers new to the category running sample-first more often, which is usually the right call. A buyer who has never imported trampolines is better off committing $150-$500 to put one in their hands than spending weeks comparing spec sheets they cannot fully read. Across 800+ 40HQ-equivalent containers, 200,000+ units shipped, and 20+ active US wholesale clients, the pattern that holds up best is the one where physical and commercial signals arrive on a deliberate sequence rather than a hurried single-shot.

    Rocheyard returns quotes within one US business day. Sample pricing runs $150-$500 by category, with partial sample-fee credit toward a first order discussed case by case. All units, sample and production, ship with full CPSC compliance and CPC certification, designed to align with ASTM F381 and F2225, so a sample evaluation reads the same compliance basis a production order will carry. CPSC’s published guidance for children’s product compliance is available on cpsc.gov, and sample imports follow the standard customs documentation framework on cbp.gov.

    Frequently asked questions

    Should I ask for a quote or a sample first when sourcing trampolines?

    For most buyers, start with a quote. Quotes are fast and usually free, they filter on price, MOQ, and supplier seriousness, and they let you compare 5-10 suppliers in parallel. Move to samples once a quote round has narrowed the field to a 2-3 supplier shortlist. The exception is when something material cannot be judged from documentation: new category, unusual size, or private-label craftsmanship.

    How much does a trampoline sample cost?

    Sample fees for trampolines typically run $150-$500 depending on category, with the larger sizes and more complex products sitting at the higher end of the range. Partial sample-fee credit toward an eventual production order is common, with the exact terms discussed case by case.

    Is a free trampoline sample a good sign?

    Usually not. A sample carries real production, packaging, and freight cost, and a supplier willing to absorb all of that for a buyer who has not placed an order is usually either chasing low-value leads or recovering the cost elsewhere, most often through inflated production pricing. A reasonable sample fee with partial credit on order is a healthier sign than a free sample.

    How long does it take to get a trampoline sample from China?

    A trampoline sample typically takes 2-4 weeks to produce, pack, and dispatch from the origin port, plus inbound transit time depending on the shipping method. Air freight on a sample shortens the wait but adds cost; sea freight on a sample is cheaper but adds weeks. Most buyers prioritize speed for samples and pay for faster transit.

    Can I get the sample fee credited toward my first order?

    Partial credit toward a first production order is common, with terms typically discussed case by case based on order size and the number of samples involved. The credit is rarely 100%, because sample production carries real cost, but a meaningful portion is standard practice.

    How many supplier samples should I evaluate before placing an order?

    Two to three is the usual range for a serious sourcing process. Fewer than two means no comparative signal; more than three multiplies sample fees without proportionally better information. The right answer is enough samples to make a confident decision and no more.

    Next steps

    For a first sourcing pass, run quote-first against 5-8 suppliers, shortlist 2-3 based on price, MOQ, lead time, and how the supplier handles the first round of questions, then move to sample-first against the shortlist. Budget $150-$500 per sample and treat the sample fee as a filter that concentrates your evaluation where it counts. The broader supplier-selection standard sits in how to compare trampoline suppliers for wholesale, and the MOQ structure those quotes will reference is covered in our trampoline MOQ guide.

    When you are ready to start a quote round or request a sample, request a quote or sample from Rocheyard. Quotes are returned within one US business day, and sample requests are scoped against the specific SKU, finish, or customization you want to evaluate. The standard round trampoline range and replacement parts catalog are the most common starting points for first samples.

    Rocheyard B2B Sourcing Desk · Rocheyard's parent company has over a decade of experience in the outdoor and garden product space, with the team holding 6+ years of focused trampoline industry experience. The Rocheyard wholesale brand has shipped 800+ 40HQ-equivalent containers and 200,000+ trampoline units, serving 20+ active US wholesale clients with a pure US-market focus. The Sourcing Desk publishes practical guidance for US trampoline buyers on sourcing, samples, freight, and supplier selection. About Rocheyard B2B Sourcing Desk

  • Trampoline LTL Freight and Shipping Cost: A Wholesale Guide

    Trampoline LTL Freight and Shipping Cost: A Wholesale Guide

    By Rocheyard B2B Sourcing Desk · Published 2026-05-30 · Last updated 2026-05-30 · 11 min read · Sourcing & Wholesale

    TL;DR

    • Trampoline LTL freight is priced primarily on freight class and density, not just weight; bulky low-density cartons cost more per pound than dense ones.
    • The two cost legs for an imported trampoline order are ocean freight to a US port and domestic LTL from the port or warehouse to your destination — they price on different logic and need to be planned separately.
    • Accessorial charges such as residential delivery, liftgate, limited access, and redelivery routinely add 20–40% on top of base LTL freight.
    • Quoting LTL accurately requires real carton dimensions, weight per carton, the correct freight class, and exact origin and destination ZIPs.
    • Consolidating to a full container often beats repeated LTL shipments on per-unit cost once volume is high enough, which is why MOQ and freight planning belong in the same conversation.

    Why trampoline freight gets quoted badly so often

    For most US trampoline buyers, freight is the line item that ruins the math after the order is placed. The FOB price looked fine. The wholesale margin looked fine. Then a freight invoice arrived with a residential surcharge, a liftgate fee, and a redelivery attempt, and the per-unit landed cost was meaningfully higher than the plan.

    The reason this keeps happening is that trampoline freight has two cost legs and several pricing inputs that buyers rarely see broken out. Ocean freight from the origin port to a US port is one leg. Domestic LTL from the port or warehouse to the final destination is the other. Each leg uses different pricing logic, and the domestic LTL leg adds accessorial charges that can quietly add 20–40% to the base freight number.

    This guide walks the full chain: what LTL freight is, how freight class and density work, which accessorials apply to trampoline deliveries, how ocean freight and domestic LTL fit together, and when a buyer should consolidate into full-container economics.

    What LTL freight is and how it’s priced

    LTL stands for less-than-truckload, and it is the standard way trampolines move domestically in the US for orders smaller than a full truckload. Several shippers’ freight rides together in one trailer, each paying for the space and weight they use rather than the whole truck.

    Trampolines are an awkward fit for LTL because the cartons are bulky relative to their weight. LTL pricing rests on a few inputs working together: freight class, density, weight, dimensions, origin and destination ZIPs, and any accessorial services required at pickup or delivery.

    LTL pricing input Why it matters for trampolines
    Freight class Higher classes cost more per pound; bulky low-density cartons often classify higher.
    Density Weight per cubic foot drives class and reclassification risk.
    Carton dimensions Exact L × W × H determines cube and pallet fit.
    Origin / destination ZIP Lane and distance drive carrier pricing.
    Accessorials Residential, liftgate, appointment, limited access, and redelivery add fees.

    The takeaway is that LTL is not priced like parcel shipping. A buyer who scales up from UPS and assumes weight is the main variable will misjudge what a pallet of trampolines costs to move.

    Freight class and density: the real cost driver

    The single most useful concept in LTL freight is class. The National Motor Freight Classification groups commodities into classes that reflect how easy or expensive they are to ship — based on density, stowability, handling, and liability. Classes run from 50 for dense and easy freight to 500 for bulky, fragile, or awkward freight. The official NMFC framework is maintained by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association.

    For trampolines, the binding variable inside class is density: weight per cubic foot. Density is calculated from actual carton dimensions and weight, and it tends to be low for trampolines because the cartons are large relative to their contents. A 14ft round trampoline in its retail carton can sit firmly in the higher freight-class brackets where LTL is more expensive per pound.

    Two practical implications follow. First, the freight class on a quote is not a clerical detail — it is the single biggest lever on what the shipment costs. Second, well-built packaging that holds its shape on the trailer is worth more than buyers think. The packaging quality covered in Rocheyard’s trampoline carton dimensions and container loading guide shows up directly in freight cost.

    Accessorial charges: where the budget surprise lives

    Accessorial charges are extra fees a carrier adds for services beyond a standard dock-to-dock delivery. They are common on trampoline shipments, and a quote that excludes them is misleading by default.

    Accessorial What it covers When it applies
    Residential delivery Delivery to a non-commercial address Any delivery to a home or home business
    Liftgate service Hydraulic lift to lower freight from trailer to ground Destinations without a loading dock
    Limited access Delivery to schools, churches, military bases, storage facilities Locations carriers can’t reach freely
    Inside delivery Move freight past the threshold Buyer wants it inside the building, not curbside
    Notification / appointment Carrier calls before delivery Most residential and limited-access stops
    Redelivery Second delivery attempt after a missed first one No one available at the first attempt
    Reclassification Class correction after carrier inspection Original class on the bill of lading was wrong

    Residential delivery and liftgate apply to most trampoline shipments going to anything other than a commercial warehouse with a dock. Stacking accessorials commonly adds 20–40% to the base freight figure, sometimes more on smaller shipments where fixed-fee impact is heaviest.

    The defense is asking the supplier or freight broker to include accessorials in the original quote, named line by line, based on the actual destination type. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the federal authority on motor carrier operations.

    Ocean freight to a US port: the upstream leg

    For an imported order, LTL is the second leg of the journey. The first is ocean freight from the origin port to a US port, and it prices on its own logic.

    Ocean freight for trampolines is normally quoted by the container, since a 40HQ is the standard unit of order. Pricing depends on the trade lane, season, fuel surcharges, port congestion, and carrier capacity. A reasonable working range in current conditions has been roughly $2,500–$5,500 per 40HQ from Chinese export ports to US West Coast destinations, as of 2026, with East Coast routings sitting higher because of longer transit. Specific rates should be re-verified before booking.

    Imports also carry duties and Section 301 considerations that you can verify against the USITC HTS database and US Customs and Border Protection. The relevant point for an LTL conversation is that ocean freight and LTL freight do not substitute for each other — they compose. A buyer planning landed cost has to add both.

    Container vs LTL: when consolidation wins

    The cost question that matters most for a serious buyer is when to stop shipping LTL and start shipping by the container. The break point is real and worth thinking about before an order grows into it.

    LTL has a per-shipment cost floor and a per-unit cost that falls slowly as the shipment grows. Container freight has a higher absolute cost but a much lower per-unit cost when the container is well loaded. Somewhere between a few pallets and a full container the math flips: another LTL shipment costs more per unit than consolidating into a container.

    A mixed-SKU container at 30 units per SKU is what lets a smaller buyer cross that line earlier than expected — full container economics without committing a full container to one model. The MOQ structure for a mixed container and the freight question are the same conversation. Rocheyard’s trampoline MOQ guide explains that structure in more detail. The round trampoline range and kids trampoline range are the categories most often mixed into a first container.

    Common mistakes buyers make on trampoline freight

    • Quoting on weight alone. Trampoline LTL prices on class and density, not just weight.
    • Excluding accessorials from the budget. Residential delivery and liftgate apply to most non-dock destinations.
    • Wrong freight class on the bill of lading. Misclassification triggers carrier reclassification charges after inspection.
    • Vague carton dimensions. Density calculations need real measured dimensions and weight per carton.
    • Ignoring the container vs LTL break point. A buyer running enough LTL shipments to fill a container is paying LTL economics on container-scale volume.
    • Treating ocean freight quotes as fixed. Ocean rates move with season, capacity, and lane, so quotes should be re-verified before booking.

    What Rocheyard sees in freight planning buyer patterns

    Across recent quoting activity, Rocheyard sees the buyers who land best on freight asking about the second leg before the first one is booked. Those buyers want a quote that names ocean freight, US arrival port, and a realistic LTL range to their actual destination ZIP — with accessorials listed line by line — before they commit.

    Rocheyard also sees the container-vs-LTL break point arriving sooner than smaller buyers expect. Because a mixed-SKU container is accepted at 30 units per SKU, a buyer running enough LTL shipments to cover a balanced range across a few models is often already at container scale on volume, even though they have not thought of themselves that way.

    For a partner with 800+ 40HQ-equivalent containers of loading history, across 200,000+ units shipped and 20+ active US wholesale clients, freight planning is part of the quote rather than an afterthought. Rocheyard’s position on freight is plain: quotes name the ocean leg and the relevant domestic considerations together, accessorials are listed when destination type is known, and all units ship with full CPSC compliance and CPC certification, designed to align with ASTM F381 and F2225.

    Frequently asked questions

    How is trampoline LTL freight priced?

    LTL freight for trampolines prices on freight class, density, weight, dimensions, origin and destination ZIPs, and any accessorial services. Class and density are the biggest cost drivers because trampolines are bulky relative to their weight.

    What’s the typical freight class for a trampoline?

    Freight class is driven by density — weight per cubic foot of the carton — and tends to fall in higher LTL classes because trampoline cartons are large relative to their contents. The exact class should be calculated from actual carton dimensions and weight.

    What are accessorial charges and which ones apply to trampoline shipments?

    Accessorials are extra fees for services beyond standard dock-to-dock delivery. Residential delivery and liftgate apply to most non-warehouse destinations. Limited access, appointment, redelivery, and inside delivery are common add-ons.

    How much does it cost to ship a container of trampolines from China?

    Ocean freight for a 40HQ container moves with trade lane, season, fuel, and capacity. A working range from Chinese export ports to US West Coast destinations has been roughly $2,500–$5,500 per 40HQ as of 2026, with East Coast routings higher. Verify quotes close to booking.

    Should I ship LTL or fill a container?

    A buyer running multiple LTL shipments a month is often paying LTL per-unit rates on container-scale volume. Consolidating to a container, including a mixed-SKU container at 30 units per SKU, usually lowers per-unit freight cost.

    Why was my freight invoice higher than the original quote?

    The common causes are missing accessorials in the original quote and a freight class correction after carrier inspection. Quotes that name accessorials line by line and confirm class against measured dimensions avoid most surprises.

    Do I need a freight broker for trampoline LTL?

    Not always, but a broker is useful for buyers without an established carrier relationship, multi-stop deliveries, or unusual destinations. A broker can compare carrier tariffs and accessorial schedules across multiple carriers.

    Next steps

    Before requesting a freight quote, gather the inputs a real LTL calculation needs: carton dimensions and weight per carton, accurate origin and destination ZIPs, destination type, and any access constraints. That set of inputs turns a vague estimate into a usable number.

    For the broader process around a first order, our guide to sourcing wholesale trampolines from China covers the upstream side, and you can sanity-check candidate suppliers against how to compare trampoline suppliers for wholesale. The product specifications guide is also useful for confirming carton specs against freight inputs.

    When you are ready to scope an order with freight included, request a quote from Rocheyard. Quotes state the ocean leg with the relevant assumptions, and they ask for the destination information a real LTL estimate needs rather than guessing at it. The replacement parts catalog is also a useful freight-planning reference because parts and accessories often move differently from full trampoline cartons.

    Rocheyard B2B Sourcing Desk · Wholesale trampoline sourcing for US small business buyers — round, rectangle, oval, inground, kids, and fitness rebounder formats. About Rocheyard B2B Sourcing Desk

  • Trampoline MOQ Explained: A Wholesale Buyer’s Guide

    Trampoline MOQ Explained: A Wholesale Buyer’s Guide

    By Rocheyard B2B Sourcing Desk · Published 2026-05-28 · Last updated 2026-05-28 · 10 min read · Sourcing & Wholesale

    TL;DR

    • Trampoline MOQ is driven by 40HQ container loading, not an arbitrary supplier rule; the cubic volume of the product sets the floor.
    • A 40HQ container of round 12–16ft trampolines typically holds about 260 units, while kids 10–12ft units run roughly 290–320 per container.
    • A mixed-SKU container lets a buyer combine models at a minimum of 30 units per SKU, so a smaller buyer can stock a range without committing a full container to each model.
    • Private label carries its own MOQ tiers, separate from the base container minimum, starting at logo printing and rising with deeper customization.
    • Larger orders lower per-unit cost because freight and setup spread thinner, but a first order does not have to be a multi-container commitment.

    Why trampoline MOQ isn’t a single number

    The first thing most buyers want from a trampoline supplier is a single MOQ number, and the honest answer is that there isn’t one. MOQ for trampolines depends on what you are ordering and how it loads into a shipping container. A pallet of compact kids units and a stack of bulky 15ft frames take up very different amounts of space, so they carry very different minimums.

    The reason is physical, not commercial. Trampolines ship as bulky, boxed freight, and the binding constraint on an order is almost always the cubic volume of a 40-foot high-cube container rather than its weight. A supplier quoting MOQ is really quoting “how many of this product fills a container,” and that figure changes with the size and packing of each model.

    Once you understand that container loading sets the floor, MOQ stops being a mysterious gatekeeping number and becomes a logistics calculation you can reason about. This guide covers how container loading works, typical MOQ by category, how mixed-SKU ordering works, how private label changes the math, and the mistakes buyers make when they treat MOQ as a barrier instead of a planning input.

    How 40HQ container loading sets the floor

    For trampolines, the unit of ordering is effectively the container, and the standard unit is the 40-foot high-cube (40HQ). Almost every base MOQ figure you will see traces back to how many units of a given model fit inside one.

    Trampolines are a volume-bound product. The boxes are large relative to their weight, which means a container fills up on cubic space long before it hits a weight limit. A supplier’s job when quoting MOQ is to load the container efficiently — fitting frames, mats, nets, and hardware so the cubic capacity is well used — and the resulting count becomes the minimum for that model.

    This is the same loading logic covered in Rocheyard’s trampoline carton dimensions and container loading guide, and it is worth reading alongside this one if you are planning your first order.

    The practical takeaway is that MOQ and container utilization are the same conversation. A “low MOQ” that leaves a container half empty is not actually cheaper per unit, because you still pay to ship the air. A well-loaded container is what makes the per-unit landed cost work.

    Typical MOQ by trampoline category

    Because each model packs differently, MOQ varies by category. The figures below are typical full-container minimums for the main categories, and they give a realistic starting point for planning an order.

    Category Typical MOQ / loading rule Planning note
    Round 12–16ft About 260 units per 40HQ Mainstream backyard category; exact count depends on size mix.
    Kids 10–12ft About 290–320 units per 40HQ Smaller cartons pack tighter, so more units fit.
    Mixed-SKU container Minimum 30 units per SKU Lets buyers combine several models in one container.
    Rectangle, oval, inground, rebounders, parts Loaded per 40HQ; discussed case by case Container math depends heavily on carton size and SKU mix.

    Larger round trampolines take more cubic space per unit, so fewer fit in a container. Smaller kids units pack tighter, so more fit. For categories outside these two — rectangle, inground, rebounders, and specialty models — the order is loaded to fill a 40HQ and the exact count is discussed case by case.

    The mixed-SKU container: stocking a range without a full container per model

    The single most useful MOQ structure for a smaller or newer buyer is the mixed-SKU container. Instead of committing a full container to one model, you combine several models in one container at a minimum of 30 units per SKU.

    This changes what is possible for a buyer building a range. A retailer who wants to stock a 12ft round, a 14ft round, and a couple of kids sizes does not need four separate containers to do it. They can load one container with a mix of those models, hitting the 30-unit-per-SKU floor on each, and come away with a balanced range from a single shipment.

    For a buyer testing which sizes sell before committing deeper, that flexibility is the difference between a manageable first order and an inventory bet they cannot afford. Scaling beyond one container has its own structure: first orders and reorders are discussed case by case, and buyers running multiple containers can use staged delivery to spread cash outlay and warehouse intake over time.

    How private label changes your MOQ

    Adding your own brand introduces a second layer of MOQ that sits on top of the base container minimum. Customization is gated by tier, and each tier has its own minimum, separate from how many units fill a container.

    Private-label customization Typical minimum
    Logo printing 500 units
    Custom manuals / warranty cards 300 units
    Custom color 500 units
    Custom tooling / structural modifications 500 units
    Custom carton printing 900 units

    A branded order has to satisfy both the container loading minimum and the customization minimum. A buyer scoping a private-label launch should plan against both numbers, not just the base container count, so the order size is not a surprise at quoting time. See the private label trampoline guide for the full customization-tier breakdown.

    MOQ, pricing, and the cost of going too small

    MOQ and per-unit cost are linked, and the link runs in one direction: smaller orders cost more per unit. Freight, customization setup, and handling are largely fixed per shipment, so spreading them across fewer units raises the cost of each one.

    As covered in Rocheyard’s 2026 wholesale pricing breakdown, landed cost for a category like a round trampoline lands at a multiple of the FOB price once freight and duties are added, and a poorly loaded container makes that multiple worse. This is why chasing the smallest possible order is often a false economy.

    Importing at volume also interacts with duties and classification, which you can verify against the USITC HTS database and US Customs import requirements. The goal is the smallest order that still loads a container efficiently — not the smallest order, full stop. Matching a size mix to a well-loaded container is easier with the product specifications guide and trampoline sizes reference open alongside the quote.

    Common mistakes buyers make with MOQ

    • Treating MOQ as a single fixed number. MOQ varies by category and by how the order is structured. The better question is: “what’s the MOQ for this model, or for a mixed container of these models?”
    • Chasing the lowest possible order at any cost. An order that under-fills a container raises the freight cost per unit.
    • Ignoring the mixed-SKU option. A mixed-SKU container at 30 units per SKU lets buyers spread risk across a range, and many smaller buyers never ask about it.
    • Forgetting that private label adds a second MOQ. A branded order has to clear both the container loading minimum and the customization tier minimum.
    • Not connecting MOQ to a sell-through plan. The right MOQ is the one that matches how fast you can sell the units, not just the supplier’s floor.

    What Rocheyard sees in MOQ buyer patterns

    Across recent quoting activity, Rocheyard sees the buyers who do best treating MOQ as a planning input rather than a hurdle. Those buyers ask about the mixed-SKU structure early, build a balanced first container across a few sizes, and scale into single-model containers only after they know what sells.

    Rocheyard also sees mixed-SKU flexibility doing the most work for newer and smaller buyers. Because a mixed-SKU container is accepted at a minimum of 30 units per SKU, a buyer can stock a real range from one shipment instead of committing a full container to each model — a structure that is harder to find than buyers expect, and one that local US wholesalers rarely match without a price premium.

    For a partner with 800+ 40HQ-equivalent containers of loading history behind it, across 200,000+ units shipped and 20+ active US wholesale clients, that loading experience is what keeps the mixed-SKU math reliable rather than a one-off favor.

    Rocheyard’s position on MOQ is deliberately plain: minimums follow container loading, the mixed-SKU container is available at 30 units per SKU, first orders and reorders are discussed case by case, and all units — base or private-label — ship with full CPSC compliance and CPC certification, designed to align with ASTM F381 and F2225. Quotes are returned within one US business day.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the MOQ for wholesale trampolines?

    There is no single MOQ, because it depends on the model and how it loads into a 40HQ container. As a starting point, round 12–16ft trampolines run about 260 units per container and kids 10–12ft units run roughly 290–320. A mixed-SKU container lets you combine models at a minimum of 30 units per SKU.

    Why is trampoline MOQ based on container loading?

    Trampolines are bulky relative to their weight, so a shipping container fills up on cubic space before it hits a weight limit. The MOQ for a model is essentially how many units fill a 40HQ container efficiently.

    Can I order less than a full container of trampolines?

    Yes, through a mixed-SKU container. Instead of a full container of one model, you combine several models at a minimum of 30 units per SKU.

    Does a smaller order cost more per unit?

    Generally yes. Freight and setup costs are largely fixed per shipment, so spreading them across fewer units raises the per-unit cost. The lowest per-unit landed cost usually comes from a well-loaded container.

    What’s the MOQ to private-label a trampoline?

    Private label adds its own MOQ on top of the container minimum, gated by customization tier — logo printing, packaging, color, and structural changes each have their own threshold.

    How is MOQ different for a first order versus a reorder?

    First orders and reorders are discussed case by case. Buyers running multiple containers can also use staged delivery to spread cash outlay and warehouse intake.

    How do I figure out the right MOQ for my business?

    Match the order to your sell-through plan and to efficient container loading. The right MOQ is the smallest order that still fills a container well for the models you can actually sell — often a mixed-SKU container for a newer buyer building a range.

    Next steps

    Before requesting a quote, decide which models you want and roughly how fast you can sell each one, then ask the supplier two things: the MOQ for those specific models, and whether a mixed-SKU container fits your range at 30 units per SKU.

    For the broader process around a first order, our guide to sourcing wholesale trampolines from China covers supplier selection and what to verify, and you can compare candidates against a consistent standard using how to compare trampoline suppliers for wholesale.

    When you are ready to scope an order, request a quote from Rocheyard. Quotes state the MOQ for the exact models and structure you ask about — single-model or mixed-SKU — and Rocheyard responds within one US business day. The standard round trampoline range, kids trampoline range, and replacement parts catalog are common starting points for a first mixed-SKU container.

    Rocheyard B2B Sourcing Desk · Wholesale trampoline sourcing for US small business buyers — round, rectangle, oval, inground, kids, and fitness rebounder formats. About Rocheyard B2B Sourcing Desk

  • How to Source Wholesale Trampolines from China: A 2026 Buyer’s Guide

    How to Source Wholesale Trampolines from China: A 2026 Buyer’s Guide

    By Rocheyard B2B Sourcing Desk · Published 2026-05-10 · Last updated 2026-05-10 · 14 min read · Sourcing & Wholesale

    TL;DR

      US buyers source the overwhelming majority of consumer trampolines from China- based manufacturers, concentrated in Shandong, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu provinces. A clean sourcing run takes 8–14 weeks from first inquiry to delivered container, plus 4–6 extra weeks if you order a sample first. Landed cost on a 14ft round trampoline shipped FOB to a US East Coast warehouse typically lands in the 1.7×–2.6× FOB range once duty (HTS 9506.91.0030 plus Section 301), ocean freight, drayage, and last-mile are added. The three failure modes that wreck most first-time orders are: skipping the sample, accepting “ASTM-aligned” without verifying CPSC/CPC compliance, and underestimating Lunar New Year production gaps. Rocheyard recommends new buyers stage sourcing across two checkpoints — paid sample, then a structured wholesale quote — before committing container-level capital.

      Why this guide exists

      Most articles about importing from China are written for general e-commerce sellers buying small parcels. Trampolines are not small parcels. A single 14ft round trampoline carton is typically 150 cm long and 25–35 kg, which moves it into LTL freight class, oversize FBA fees on Amazon, and a category of customs documentation that catches first-time importers off guard. This guide is written specifically for US-based buyers — independent retailers, online sellers, and small commercial programs — who are sourcing trampolines for resale. It walks through every step from supplier discovery to landed delivery, with the costs, timelines, and red flags that matter at each stage. Rocheyard is itself a wholesale trampoline supplier serving this exact buyer profile, so we’ll point out where our process fits and where you should reasonably evaluate alternatives. If you are sourcing your first container, read straight through. If you are renegotiating an existing supplier relationship or optimizing landed cost, the table of contents lets you jump in.

      1. Decide what you’re actually sourcing before contacting

      suppliers The single biggest cause of wasted weeks in trampoline sourcing is starting supplier conversations before you’ve defined your spec. A supplier asked “do you have trampolines?” will quote whatever’s cheapest in their warehouse — which may not be remotely what your buyers want. Before sending the first inquiry, lock these six fields: Field What to specify Why it matters Shape Round / rectangle / oval / inground / kids / fitness rebounder Drives MOQ, container fit, retail positioning Size Frame OD in feet (6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16) or rectangle dimensions Drives carton size and freight class Frame thickness 1.2 mm / 1.4 mm / 1.5 mm / 1.6 mm galvanized steel tube Largest single price driver Spring count and lengthe.g. 96 × 7” springs Drives bounce feel and mat compatibility Net configuration Inner net / outer net / pole count / pole padding Drives net replacement compatibility years later Compliance CPSC compliance and CPC certification (required for US import); ASTM F381/F2225 alignment Required by US customs and most online marketplaces If you’re not sure how to fill these in, our trampoline product specifications guide covers each field in detail. Walking into a supplier conversation with these six values reduces back- and-forth from weeks to days and signals to the supplier that you’re a serious buyer — which materially affects the pricing you’re shown.

      2. Where Chinese trampoline manufacturers actually cluster

      Chinese trampoline production is geographically concentrated. Knowing the cluster matters because it tells you which port to ship from, which Lunar New Year shutdown calendar applies, and which factory ecosystems share component suppliers (springs, nets, frame tubing). The three primary clusters: Shandong province — Qingdao region. A well-established cluster for export-oriented trampoline production. Closest port: Qingdao (TAO). This is where Rocheyard’s manufacturing partners are based, with a focus on US-spec backyard and kids categories. Zhejiang province — Yongkang, Jinhua, and Ningbo. The largest concentration of trampoline assembly factories overall. Closest port: Ningbo (NGB). Jiangsu province — Suzhou and Wuxi area. Concentration of higher-spec and OEM- capable factories. Closest port: Shanghai (SHA). Often used for premium rectangle and inground projects. The implication for sourcing: a US buyer evaluating two suppliers from two different provinces is comparing two genuinely different ecosystems — not just two factories. Pricing, lead time, and packaging norms differ.

      3. How to find suppliers (and the order to use them)

      There are three paths most US buyers take, with very different signal-to-noise ratios: Alibaba and Made-in-China.com. High volume, high noise. Useful for initial market scanning and price benchmarking, but the top-ranked listings are often trading companies, not manufacturers. Filter by “Verified Supplier” and “Trade Assurance” at minimum, and assume you’ll need to disqualify 70–80% of listings during vetting. Trade shows. The Canton Fair (April and October) and the China Sourcing Fair are the highest-density way to see twenty trampoline factories in two days. Travel cost is real, but for buyers planning to source $100k+ annually, the ROI is usually clear after one trip. Sourcing agents and verified wholesalers. Pre-vetted, English-fluent contact, often with US-side warranty and parts support. Higher unit cost than going direct, but materially lower risk and time-to-first-order. This is the category Rocheyard sits in. For buyers who want a single accountable counterparty rather than ten Alibaba conversations, our quote process collapses supplier discovery into a structured inquiry. For first-time importers, Rocheyard recommends starting with a verified wholesaler or sourcing agent for the first one or two orders — the time and risk savings dominate the unit- price difference — then evaluating direct factory relationships only once you understand the product category, the typical defect rates, and the freight math.

      4. Vetting a supplier: a 12-point checklist

      Once you have 3–5 candidate suppliers, vet them before requesting a quote. This step is non-optional. The questions below are written so a “no” or evasive answer is itself the signal.

      1. Can you share your business license and export license? Both are real documents; ask for both.
      2. Are you a manufacturer or a trading company? Either can work, but the answer affects pricing transparency.
      3. What is your factory address and can I see it on Google Maps satellite view? A real factory has a real footprint.
      4. Which trampoline categories do you specialize in? Generalists who claim to do every category at top quality usually don’t.
      5. Do you hold CPSC compliance documentation and CPC (Children’s Product Certificate) testing for US-bound product? Can you share a sample? This is a hard US import requirement, not a marketing claim.
      6. Are products designed to align with ASTM F381 (components) and ASTM F2225 (enclosure) standards? Test reports are a plus but not always available — design alignment plus CPSC documentation is the real US-market floor.
      7. What is your MOQ and is it negotiable?
      8. What is your typical lead time post-deposit?
      9. What payment terms do you offer? T/T 30/70 is standard. Wire-only with no LC option is a yellow flag for first orders.
      10. Can I order a paid sample? A factory that refuses paid samples for a serious buyer is signalling something.
      11. Who is your QC contact and can they share recent inspection photos for an unrelated client?
      12. Can you supply replacement parts — mats, nets, springs, pads — for the same model 12+ months after my order? Many factories rotate models seasonally; replacement-parts continuity is not automatic and is one of the most common post-arrival surprises.

      If you’d like a printable version of this checklist, our supplier-comparison guide expands each point with the supporting context.

      A note on certifications: the US-market truth is that CPSC compliance and CPC certification are the hard floor — they’re required by US Customs and Consumer Product Safety Commission rules to legally import and sell trampolines in the US. ASTM F381 and F2225 are the engineering design standards the industry references; full third-party test reports are a premium add-on, but a supplier without CPSC/CPC paperwork should not be on your shortlist regardless of how impressive their factory photos look.

      Rocheyard holds CPSC compliance and CPC certification on shipped product and designs to ASTM F381 / F2225 alignment.

      5. The sample stage: when to spend $200–500 to save $20,000

      A trampoline sample typically costs $150–500 plus express shipping ($150–300) — call it $300–800 all-in. For an order of 100+ units, that’s a rounding error in your landed cost. For a first order, it’s the cheapest insurance you’ll buy.

      Order a sample when:

      • This is your first order with a supplier, regardless of how good their factory looks online.
      • You’re committing to private-label packaging or branding and must touch the carton before the printer goes to plate.
      • The price quoted is materially below the rest of your quote spread; anomalously low pricing usually indicates a spec mismatch, not a discovery.
      • You’re moving into a new size or shape category with this supplier.

      Skip the sample when:

      • You’re reordering a SKU you’ve sold successfully before from the same supplier.
      • The supplier is one you’ve personally visited within the past 12 months.
      • Order quantity is small enough — around 20 units of a known size — that pre-shipment inspection on the bulk order is more cost-effective.

      When the sample arrives, evaluate against your spec sheet, not against your gut. Weigh the carton. Measure frame tube wall thickness with calipers. Count springs. Photograph everything for your supplier file. If anything is off-spec, raise it in writing before paying the bulk deposit. Rocheyard’s sample orders process is structured this way for first-time buyers, with sample fees partially creditable against subsequent bulk orders.

      6. MOQ, pricing, and the quote you should expect

      MOQ in the trampoline category is usually expressed in two ways: per-SKU minimum, and per-container minimum, since shipping a half-empty container destroys the unit economics.

      Across the Chinese trampoline export market in 2026, typical MOQ patterns look like this:

      Category Typical per-SKU minimum Notes
      Round backyard 12–14ft 200–300 units A 40HQ container fits roughly this many.
      Round 15–16ft 100–200 units Larger frame, fewer per container.
      Rectangle 100–200 units Premium positioning, smaller market.
      Kids 10–12ft 250–350 units A 40HQ fits approximately 290–320 units depending on carton.
      Kids ≤8ft 300–500 units Lower per-unit price, factories need volume.
      Fitness rebounders 300–600 units Smallest unit, factories optimize for high-volume runs.
      Inground 30–80 units Project-business norms, often custom.

      These are typical industry ranges, not Rocheyard quotes. Negotiability depends on payment terms, packaging requirements, mixed-SKU willingness, and whether you’re buying in season or off-season.

      Rocheyard’s approach for first-time US buyers is structured around three flexibility points that are unusual in the China-direct market:

      • Round 12–16ft backyard trampolines start at one 40HQ container, which fits approximately 260 units depending on the specific size mix.
      • Mixed-SKU 40HQ containers are supported down to 30 units per SKU, which lets a buyer test 3–5 different models in a single container instead of committing one full container to a single SKU.
      • Multi-container orders ship in a staged cadence — the first 40HQ delivers approximately 30 days after deposit, with each subsequent container shipping at roughly 8-day intervals.

      Final terms — including specific MOQ negotiability for repeat buyers — are confirmed during quote review. Share your buyer profile through the quote form and we’ll confirm fit within one US business day.

      A wholesale quote you should accept will include, at minimum:

      • Unit FOB price by SKU
      • Origin port: Qingdao, Ningbo, or Shanghai
      • Lead time post-deposit
      • Carton dimensions and weight per unit
      • Cartons per 20ft / 40ft / 40HQ container
      • Payment terms, typically 30% T/T deposit and 70% against B/L copy
      • Validity period, usually 15–30 days
      • Required compliance documents: CPSC and CPC at minimum

      A quote that’s missing any of these — especially carton dimensions and container math — is a quote written for a customer the supplier doesn’t take seriously. Push back, or move on.

      7. Freight: from FOB China to your US warehouse

      Once you accept a quote, three logistics layers stack between you and your warehouse:

      • Ocean freight. A 40HQ container from Qingdao or Ningbo to Los Angeles or Long Beach typically takes 14–18 days transit; to New York/New Jersey via the Panama Canal, 28–35 days. Freight rates fluctuate with season, fuel surcharges, and carrier capacity — a 40HQ from North China to the US West Coast in 2026 has commonly quoted in the $2,500–$5,500 range, with Lunar New Year and the pre-Christmas rush tightening capacity and raising rates by 30–60%.
      • Customs clearance. Trampolines classify under HTS 9506.91.0030. The base general duty rate is currently 4.6%. Chinese-origin trampolines are also subject to Section 301 tariffs, which change with US trade policy. Always verify the current rate at the USITC HTS database or with your licensed customs broker before pricing your order. You’ll also pay Merchandise Processing Fee and Harbor Maintenance Fee. A licensed customs broker handles the filing for $80–200 per entry; do not attempt your first import without one.
      • Drayage and last-mile. Drayage for a 40HQ runs $400–900 within 100 miles of the port, more for chassis fees and dwell time. If you’re shipping LTL to multiple destinations from the port, expect freight class 200–250 for trampolines depending on density.

      8. Worked landed-cost example: a 40HQ of 14ft round trampolines

      Let’s run the math on a representative order to show how the layers stack. The numbers below are illustrative, not Rocheyard quotes — your actual numbers will differ.

      Assume:

      • 14ft round trampoline with safety enclosure
      • Quoted FOB North China port: $95/unit, illustrative
      • Carton size approximately 156 × 41 × 31 cm, about 36 kg per unit
      • Roughly 88 units fit in a 40HQ on this carton spec
      • Destination: a 3PL warehouse in Long Beach, CA
      Cost layer Amount Notes
      FOB unit cost $95.00 $8,360 for 88 units
      Ocean freight: 40HQ to LA $4,000 $45.45 per unit at 88 units
      Marine insurance $80 Approximately 1% of cargo value
      US duty: 4.6% base + current Section 301 Verify at USITC before pricing Apply combined rate to declared FOB value
      MPF + HMF ~$60 total Combined federal fees
      Customs broker $150 Per entry
      Drayage to Long Beach 3PL $650 Single 40HQ delivery
      3PL receiving + putaway ~$5/unit $440 for 88 units
      Landed cost per unit, excluding duty ~$157 About 1.65× FOB before any duty
      With duty applied Add current HTS rate × FOB Section 301 has historically swung this multiplier into the 1.9×–2.6× FOB range

      Three takeaways from this math:

      1. Ocean freight per unit drops dramatically with full container loading. If you can’t fill a 40HQ on a single SKU, mix SKUs in one container before resorting to LCL.
      2. Duty is the swing factor. Recalculate every time tariff policy moves.
      3. The cheapest FOB quote is rarely the lowest landed cost. Spec quality and shipping reliability matter far more.

      9. Common mistakes that cost first-time importers real money

      Working with US trampoline buyers who switched suppliers, these patterns come up repeatedly:

      • Skipping the sample on order #1. Costs 4–6 weeks of pre-deposit time but saves 2–3 months of post-arrival firefighting when something is wrong.
      • Confusing “ASTM-aligned” with “CPSC-compliant”. ASTM is a design standard; CPSC + CPC is the legal requirement to import and sell in the US.
      • Ordering for spring delivery in January. Lunar New Year shuts most factories for roughly 4 weeks late January through mid-February.
      • Underestimating drayage and detention. A container that sits at the port for 5 days because your 3PL had no receiving slot can cost $800+ in detention/per-diem fees.
      • Forgetting replacement-parts continuity. Confirm parts availability commitment in writing — Rocheyard’s standard is to support replacement parts for the same SKU for at least 12 months after order delivery.
      • Not budgeting for damaged units. Trampoline cartons are oversized; LTL damage rates of 2–5% are normal.

      10. How Rocheyard’s process maps to this guide

      Most of this guide describes the work of finding and vetting an unfamiliar supplier from scratch. If that’s the job you want to do, the framework above is the same one we’d recommend regardless of where you ultimately source.

      If you’d rather collapse the discovery and vetting stages, the Rocheyard wholesale process is designed to handle them on your behalf. The four steps are:

      1. Inquiry. You share buyer type, target products, and quantity range through the quote form. We reply within one US business day.
      2. Review. We confirm product fit, lead time, and the right next path.
      3. Sample or private-label discussion. For first-time buyers, we’ll usually recommend a sample before bulk; for repeat buyers or known SKUs, we move directly to quote. Sample fees are partially creditable against your subsequent bulk order.
      4. Order planning. Quantity, packaging, destination, and after-sales support are confirmed. Multi-container orders are planned with our staged cadence: first container approximately 30 days post-deposit, subsequent containers at roughly 8-day intervals.

      For context on scale: Rocheyard’s parent company has over a decade of experience in the outdoor and garden product space, with the team holding 6+ years of focused trampoline industry experience. The Rocheyard wholesale brand has shipped 800+ 40HQ-equivalent containers and 200,000+ trampoline units, serving 20+ active US wholesale clients with a pure US-market focus.

      Whether you go direct or through a wholesaler, the principles in this guide — spec discipline, sample-first for new suppliers, real CPSC/CPC documentation, full landed-cost math, and Lunar New Year planning — apply identically.

      Frequently asked questions

      How long does it actually take to get trampolines from a Chinese supplier to

      my US warehouse?

      Realistically, 8–14 weeks from your first inquiry to a delivered container, assuming no sample. With a sample stage included, add 4–6 weeks. Lunar New Year (late January through mid-February) extends timelines by 3–6 weeks for any order whose deposit lands in that window. Buyers planning for a March–April backyard sales push should pay deposits by early November of the prior year. Rocheyard’s standard production lead time runs 3–5 weeks depending on customization depth, with multi-container orders shipping in a staged cadence.

      What’s the minimum order I can place if I’m a small US retailer?

      Across the Chinese trampoline export market, per-SKU MOQs typically run 100–500 units depending on category, and most factories effectively require a full container to make the economics work. For a small US retailer wanting to test a category before committing to a full single-SKU container, a verified wholesaler with mixed-SKU container capability is usually the better path than negotiating with a factory directly. Rocheyard supports mixed- SKU 40HQ containers down to 30 units per SKU, which is specifically designed for this gap most factories don’t serve well.

      Can I really trust a Chinese trampoline supplier I find on Alibaba?

      Some — yes. Most — proceed cautiously. The 12-point vetting checklist in this guide will eliminate the worst 60–70% of listings on its own. The remaining suppliers fall into three groups: trading companies (fine for some buyers, a problem for others depending on your goals), small-batch factories (often great quality but limited capacity), and large export- oriented manufacturers (usually safe but with rigid MOQs). The “Trade Assurance” badge plus a video factory tour plus genuine CPSC/CPC documentation plus a successful sample is the four-of-four signal you want before placing a bulk order.

      What’s the actual import duty on trampolines from China?

      Trampolines classify under HTS 9506.91.0030 with a base general duty rate of 4.6%. Chinese-origin trampolines are also subject to Section 301 tariffs, which have been adjusted multiple times since 2018. Verify the current Section 301 rate at the USITC HTS database before pricing your order — this is the single number most likely to be out of date in any guide you read, including this one. Plan for the possibility that rates change again before your container arrives.

      Should I order samples from multiple suppliers before deciding?

      For a first-time importer evaluating 3–5 finalist suppliers, ordering 2–3 samples in parallel is usually worth the $1,000–2,000 cost. You’ll see real differences in carton quality, frame welds, mat stitching, and net weave that no spec sheet captures. For a repeat buyer working with a known supplier, samples are only needed when changing SKU or packaging.

      What’s the difference between CPSC compliance and ASTM F381?

      CPSC compliance plus a CPC (Children’s Product Certificate) is the legal requirement to import and sell trampolines in the US — it’s enforced by US Customs and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. ASTM F381 is a technical design standard developed by ASTM International that specifies trampoline component requirements; ASTM F2225 covers safety enclosures. A supplier can design products to ASTM standards without holding a third-party ASTM lab test report, which is common and acceptable for the US market. What you should not accept is a supplier who can’t produce CPSC and CPC documentation, since that paperwork is what your customs broker actually files. Rocheyard ships product with full CPSC compliance and CPC certification, designed to ASTM F381/F2225 alignment. How do I handle warranty claims on a container of trampolines once it’s in

      the US?

      Build the warranty plan before the container ships, not after. The minimum: the supplier must commit in writing to (a) parts availability for the model for at least 12 months, (b) photo-based defect adjudication (no return-to-China shipping for damaged parts), and (c) a credit-or-replacement policy for confirmed defects within a specified window. Suppliers who balk at these terms are usually signalling that they don’t have the operational maturity to support a US wholesale program — better to learn that before the deposit than after the arrival. What’s the single most expensive mistake first-time trampoline importers

      make?

      Underestimating duty plus freight in the landed-cost model. A buyer who priced their retail margin off a 1.5×-FOB rule of thumb learned in 2018 will be 20–30% off in 2026. Always recalculate landed cost using current tariff rates and current freight quotes before setting retail prices, and rebuild the model whenever either input moves materially.

      Next steps

      If you’ve read this far, you have a working framework. The next move depends on where you are: If you’re researching the category before sourcing, read our trampoline product specifications guide and our trampoline sizes guide before requesting any quotes. If you’re ready to compare suppliers, the supplier-comparison guide extends the 12- point checklist in Section 4. If you’d rather skip discovery and start a structured wholesale conversation, request a wholesale quote from Rocheyard. Share your target products, quantity range, and destination; we reply within one US business day. Whichever path you take, the rule that decides whether your first container is profitable or not is set before the deposit — not after the unit arrives. Spec discipline, sample-first, real CPSC/CPC documentation, full landed-cost math, and Lunar New Year planning. Get those right and the rest is execution.



      Rocheyard B2B Sourcing Desk · Wholesale trampoline sourcing for US small business buyers — round, rectangle, oval, inground, kids, and fitness rebounder formats, with private label and replacement-parts support. Operating from a parent company with 10+ years of outdoor product industry experience. About Rocheyard B2B Sourcing Desk

    • Wholesale Trampoline Pricing in 2026: What US Buyers Actually Pay

      Wholesale Trampoline Pricing in 2026: What US Buyers Actually Pay

      By Rocheyard B2B Sourcing Desk · Published 2026-05-10 · Last updated 2026-05-10 · 13 min read · Sourcing & Wholesale

      TL;DR

      • “Wholesale price” and “what you pay” are two different numbers. Landed cost in the US typically runs 1.7×–2.6× the FOB unit price once freight, duty, and last-mile are stacked on.
      • Trampoline FOB pricing across the export market splits into four broad quality tiers, separated by frame thickness, mat material, net spec, and US-market compliance documentation.
      • The single most expensive mistake first-time buyers make is comparing two FOB quotes side-by-side without checking whether both can actually clear US customs at the same duty rate.
      • Section 301 tariffs on Chinese-origin trampolines are the largest swing factor in landed cost; rates change frequently and must be re-checked every order cycle.
      • Rocheyard sees the strongest 2026 buyer demand at the mid-premium tier, where products carry full CPSC compliance and CPC certification — the legal floor for US import — and where retailers can still achieve 40%+ gross margin at typical retail price points.

      Why “wholesale price” is the wrong question

      Most first-time trampoline buyers ask a supplier the same opening question: “What’s your wholesale price for a 14ft round?” The answer they get back is technically correct and practically useless.

      The reason is that the price a supplier quotes you on email is almost never the price you’ll pay. A typical supplier reply will list a per-unit FOB number — meaning the price for the unit loaded onto a vessel at a Chinese port. That number leaves out ocean freight, marine insurance, US import duty, federal fees, customs broker, drayage, and 3PL receiving. By the time the trampoline lands in your warehouse, the cost has typically grown into the 1.7×–2.6× FOB range depending on duty rates and freight conditions in the quarter you ship.

      So the right question isn’t “what’s the wholesale price.” The right question is: “what’s my landed cost, and how does it compare against my retail price target?” If you’ve already read our broader guide to sourcing wholesale trampolines from China, this is the financial deep dive that complements it.

      The four price tiers in the trampoline export market

      Trampoline FOB prices from China cluster into roughly four quality tiers. Pricing varies by size, season, and supplier — so this guide describes tiers by specification, not by dollar values that go stale within months.

      Tier Typical specification signals US-buyer implication
      Entry tier 1.0–1.2 mm frame, thin zinc plating, PE mat, minimal net poles, usually no CPC on file. Difficult to legally import for consumer sale unless the buyer handles testing and documentation.
      Mid tier 1.2–1.4 mm galvanized frame, PP mat, standard net configurations, CPC may or may not be available. Common on Alibaba and at smaller distributors; documentation must be checked explicitly.
      Mid-premium tier 1.4–1.6 mm galvanized frame, premium PP or Permatron-style mat, padded poles, full CPSC compliance and CPC certification. Rocheyard’s product range sits in this tier: US-market compliance plus durability expectations for backyard buyers.
      Premium tier 1.5–1.8 mm frame, multi-stage finishing, UV-stabilized mat, fully padded enclosure, branded packaging, premium OEM support. Pricing reflects the premium build, packaging, and brand program.

      The practical implication for buyers: when you see two FOB quotes that look 30% apart at the same nominal size, you are almost always comparing different tiers — not the same product at different prices. The cheaper quote is rarely a “deal.” It is usually a different specification.

      What drives the price difference between tiers

      Six specification choices account for almost all of the FOB price spread between tiers. Understanding them lets you read a quote sheet with confidence rather than just trusting a supplier’s positioning.

      • Frame steel grade and wall thickness. This is the single largest cost driver. A 14ft round trampoline frame uses roughly 30–40 meters of steel tube; moving from 1.2 mm to 1.6 mm wall thickness adds materially to steel cost and galvanizing time.
      • Mat material. PE is the cheapest, PP is the working-class default, and Permatron-style woven material costs more upfront but is preferred by branded retailers selling to higher-AOV customers.
      • Spring count, length, and gauge. A 14ft round can be built with different spring counts and lengths. Longer and more numerous springs improve feel up to a point, but they add steel and labor.
      • Net configuration. Inner-net designs, pole count, pole padding, and net replacement compatibility all affect cost.
      • Certification documentation. Producing CPC certification on a tested lot adds real cost. Suppliers who quote dramatically below their tier-mates often get there by skipping CPC, which transfers risk to the importer.
      • Packaging and accessories. A bare-bones brown carton costs far less than a printed retail-ready carton with ladder, anchor kit, repair patch, and warranty card.

      When you receive a quote, compare specs first and price second. A 14ft round at one price with 1.2 mm frame and PE mat is not actually cheaper than a 14ft round at a higher price with 1.5 mm frame and PP mat — it’s a different product.

      From FOB to landed: the seven cost layers

      Once you accept an FOB quote, seven cost layers stack between you and your warehouse. Skipping any one of them in your budget is how first containers turn into “we lost money on the order.”

      1. FOB unit cost — the per-unit price at the Chinese export port.
      2. Ocean freight — a 40HQ container from North China to the US West Coast has commonly priced in the $2,500–$5,500 range in 2026, with seasonal swings.
      3. Marine insurance — typically about 1% of cargo value.
      4. US import duty — trampolines classify under HTS 9506.91.0030 with a base general duty rate of 4.6% as of 2026. Chinese-origin product is also subject to Section 301 tariffs. Always verify the current rate at the USITC HTS database or with your licensed customs broker before pricing your order.
      5. Federal fees — Merchandise Processing Fee and Harbor Maintenance Fee.
      6. Customs broker — typically $80–$200 per entry. A licensed broker is non-optional for first-time importers.
      7. Drayage and 3PL receiving — port-to-warehouse trucking, chassis fees, dwell time, and receiving/putaway.

      Add all seven and you have your true landed cost, which is the only number that matters for retail pricing.

      A worked landed-cost example: 14ft round, 40HQ container

      The example below uses illustrative numbers, not Rocheyard quotes. Your actual figures will differ by supplier, route, and current policy.

      Assume:

      • 14ft round trampoline with safety enclosure, mid-premium tier specification
      • FOB Qingdao: $130/unit, illustrative
      • Carton size approximately 156 × 41 × 31 cm, about 36 kg per unit
      • Roughly 88 units per 40HQ on this carton spec
      • Destination: a 3PL warehouse in Long Beach, CA
      Cost layer Amount per unit Notes
      FOB unit cost $130.00 Mid-premium 14ft round
      Ocean freight: 40HQ to LA $45.45 $4,000 ÷ 88 units
      Marine insurance $0.91 Approximately 1% of FOB
      US duty: 4.6% base + current Section 301 Verify at USITC before pricing Apply combined rate to declared FOB value
      MPF + HMF $0.68 Federal fees split across container
      Customs broker $1.70 Per-entry fee split across container
      Drayage to Long Beach 3PL $7.39 $650 ÷ 88 units
      3PL receiving + putaway $5.00 Per unit
      Subtotal, excluding duty ~$191 About 1.47× FOB before duty
      With duty applied Landed cost varies with current rate Section 301 has historically pushed total to 1.9×–2.6× FOB

      What this example illustrates is not the specific dollar number — that will move with policy and freight markets — but the structure. Ocean freight is a major line item, duty is the largest swing factor, and the remaining layers are small individually but cumulative.

      This also explains why mixed-SKU container support matters. If your buying volume on a single SKU isn’t enough to fill a 40HQ, a supplier who lets you mix SKUs in one container preserves FCL economics. Rocheyard supports mixed-SKU 40HQ containers down to 30 units per SKU specifically because this is the gap most factories don’t serve well.

      How seasonal and policy shifts change pricing

      Three forces move trampoline pricing meaningfully through the year:

      • Lunar New Year. Chinese factories shut for approximately 4 weeks, late January through mid-February. Buyers who plan around this calendar pay normal pricing; buyers who don’t can miss the spring sell-through window.
      • Peak shipping seasons. Pre-Lunar-New-Year and the August–October pre-Christmas rush tighten ocean freight capacity. During these windows, 40HQ rates from North China to the US West Coast can rise meaningfully above off-season rates.
      • Section 301 and trade policy shifts. Tariff rates on Chinese-origin trampolines have moved several times since 2018 and continue to move. Always re-check the current rate at the USITC HTS database before each new order.

      How to spot anomalously low quotes

      A quote that looks 30% cheaper than its peers is almost always one of three things: a different specification tier, missing certification documentation, or a supplier hiding cost they’ll add later.

      • No CPC documentation. A 14ft round at a price far below the rest of your shortlist usually means the supplier has skipped CPC testing.
      • Frame thickness understated. Quote sheets sometimes list “1.5 mm frame” when the actual production frame is 1.2 mm. Always request a sample and measure with calipers before bulk deposit.
      • Vague carton dimensions. A serious wholesale quote includes carton L×W×H and weight, plus units per 40HQ.
      • Wire-only payment, no LC option. Most established factories offer T/T 30/70. A supplier insisting on 100% upfront for first orders is signalling risk.
      • Sample refused or inflated to discourage you. A supplier who is confident in their product welcomes a paid sample.

      The 12-point supplier vetting checklist in our supplier comparison guide covers these signals in detail.

      Reverse-engineering retail price from landed cost

      The only number that matters for retail decision-making is how landed cost compares to your retail price. Suppose you source a mid-premium 14ft round trampoline at FOB $130, with a landed cost of approximately $220 per unit, including current duty rates you must verify. You’re selling on Amazon FBA.

      Layer Cost per unit Notes
      Landed cost $220 From the example above
      FBA fulfillment fee $45–$55 Verify current Amazon rates in Seller Central
      Amazon referral fee ~$32 Illustrative 8% category rate on a $399 sale
      Inbound shipping to FBA ~$8 Freight prep + label cost amortized
      Total Amazon-fulfilled cost ~$305 Your true cost-of-sale
      • At $399 retail: gross margin is about $94 per unit, or 24%.
      • At $499 retail: gross margin is about $194 per unit, or 39%.
      • At $599 retail: gross margin is about $294 per unit, or 49%.

      The difference between profitable and not-profitable is not the wholesale price. It’s the gap between your landed cost and your achievable retail price. ASP matters more than unit margin percentage, because a higher-ticket trampoline can generate materially more gross profit per unit.

      What Rocheyard sees in 2026 buyer pricing patterns

      Across the 800+ 40HQ-equivalent containers Rocheyard has shipped to date and our 20+ active US wholesale clients, three pricing patterns are consistent in 2026.

      1. Mid-premium has decisively won the assortment battle. Buyers who tried to compete on entry-tier pricing have largely moved up because cheap-trampoline marketplace economics no longer support advertising spend.
      2. Mixed-SKU container loads are accelerating. Buyers increasingly want combinations such as 14ft round, 12ft round, and rectangle SKUs in one container. Rocheyard’s mixed-SKU support down to 30 units per SKU exists for exactly this buyer behavior.
      3. Multi-container staged delivery is becoming a cash-flow advantage. Rocheyard’s staged delivery cadence — first container approximately 30 days after deposit, with each subsequent container at roughly 8-day intervals — turns the same total order into a phased inventory build.

      The buyers winning in 2026 treat landed cost, retail margin, and cash flow as one connected system rather than chasing the lowest FOB number. The math, policy environment, and freight market all reward this approach.

      Frequently asked questions

      What’s a fair FOB price for a 14ft round trampoline from China in 2026?

      There isn’t a single fair price — there’s a fair price for each specification tier. A 1.2 mm-frame, PE-mat, no-CPC entry-tier product trades at very different FOB pricing from a 1.5 mm-frame, PP-mat, CPSC+CPC mid-premium product. Compare specs first; compare prices second.

      Why is my landed cost almost 2× my FOB?

      Because seven cost layers stack on top of FOB: ocean freight, marine insurance, US import duty, MPF and HMF, customs broker, drayage, and 3PL receiving. Excluding duty, the landed-to-FOB ratio is typically around 1.5×; with duty applied, it commonly runs 1.9×–2.6×.

      Should I trust a $40 FOB quote on a 14ft trampoline?

      No. A $40 FOB quote almost certainly means missing components, missing CPC paperwork, or both. The price is a red flag, not an opportunity.

      How does Section 301 affect my trampoline pricing today?

      Significantly, but the specific rate changes too often to quote here. Verify the current Section 301 rate for HTS 9506.91.0030 at the USITC HTS database before pricing each order.

      Does Lunar New Year really change trampoline pricing?

      Yes. Factories shut for approximately 4 weeks and ocean freight capacity tightens in the pre-LNY window. Buyers who plan around the calendar avoid both effects.

      What retail markup do most US trampoline retailers use?

      Online sellers often model 1.5×–1.8× landed cost as MAP, while brick-and-mortar retailers may target keystone or higher. The right markup is the one your channel can actually sell at.

      Can I lower my landed cost by buying smaller quantities?

      Almost always no. LCL freight runs much higher per unit than FCL. The better path is mixed-SKU container loading, which preserves FCL economics across several SKUs in one container. Rocheyard supports mixed-SKU 40HQ containers down to 30 units per SKU for this purpose.

      Next steps

      Once you’ve worked through your landed-cost math, three further reads sharpen the picture:

      The buyers who succeed in this category aren’t the ones who find the cheapest FOB quote. They’re the ones who model landed cost honestly, factor in policy and seasonal swings, and pick the specification tier where the retail-margin math actually works.

      Rocheyard B2B Sourcing Desk · Wholesale trampoline sourcing for US small business buyers — round, rectangle, oval, inground, kids, and fitness rebounder formats, with private label and replacement-parts support. About Rocheyard B2B Sourcing Desk