1. Quality grade
The biggest factor. Platinum needs cleaner raw material, tighter sorting and stricter control of moisture and pressing, so it costs more than Super Premium, which costs more than Premium. The price difference buys a difference in ash, burn time and breakage, as shown in grades compared by the numbers. The right question is not "what is cheapest?" but "which grade will my customers accept at my selling price?"
2. Shape and size
Shapes that need an extra production step, such as the cube with hole, or special moulds can cost differently from a standard cube. Size affects pieces per box and cutting losses. Compare shapes in the shape guide.
3. Packaging and branding
Loose packing in 10, 5 or 3 kg cartons is simpler than retail boxes of 1 kg, 500 g or 250 g inside 10 kg cartons, because small boxes mean more boxes, bags and packing labour. If the boxes carry your own brand, printing and design costs come in, depending on number of colours and carton type. See our packaging options.
4. Quantity and container type
The minimum is one 20 ft container with 15 tons; a 40 ft container holds 27 tons. Sea freight is charged per container, not per ton, so freight cost per ton is usually lower in a 40 ft than a 20 ft. The full calculation is in container capacity.
5. Shipping term and destination port
An EXW price covers the goods at the factory only; a CIF price also includes sea freight and insurance to your port. Never compare a CIF price from one supplier with an EXW price from another. Freight rates also change with destination, season and carrier. See CIF vs EXW vs FOB.
6. Raw material and energy costs
Coconut shells are an agricultural raw material whose price and availability change with seasons, origin markets and transport costs. The energy needed for carbonisation and drying matters too. That is why quotations are valid for a set period, and prices can change between orders.
7. Payment method
A letter of credit involves bank charges and more procedures than a direct bank transfer, which may be reflected in the quote, and transfer fees vary by bank and country. Pros and cons are in our payment terms guide.
8. Order timing
Ordering well ahead of your market's peak season gives more flexibility in production and booking, while rush orders in season may face pressure on production and containers. Plan as described in MOQ and lead time.
How to compare two quotations fairly
Before deciding one offer is cheaper, make sure both match on:
- Grade and written specifications (ash, moisture, burn time).
- Shape, size, packaging type and pack weight.
- Quantity and container type.
- Shipping term and destination port.
- Payment method, quote validity and lead time.
A cheaper offer with lower specifications can cost you more in customer complaints, breakage and returns. Most importantly, get all of these written on the proforma invoice.
Frequently asked questions
Why don't you publish coconut charcoal prices online?
Because the price changes with grade, shape, packaging, quantity, shipping term, destination port and raw material and freight costs. We send a tailored quotation within 24 hours of receiving your order details.
Is a 40 ft container cheaper per ton?
Usually freight cost per ton is lower in a 40 ft container (27 tons) than in a 20 ft (15 tons), because freight is charged per container.
Does private label packaging increase the price?
It can add printing, design and carton costs depending on colours and quantity. The quotation shows it.
What is the difference between a CIF and an EXW price?
EXW covers the goods at the factory only; CIF also includes sea freight and insurance to the destination port.
What details do I need for an accurate quote?
Shape, size and grade; quantity and container type; packaging; shipping term and destination port; and preferred payment method.
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