A mold fee can become supplier leverage if the buyer pays before ownership, evidence and transfer conditions are clear.
Questions to ask first
The buyer should know whether the tooling is new, shared, modified or supplier-owned.
- Is the fee for full ownership or use rights?
- Can the tool be marked or transferred?
- Who maintains the tool and pays for changes?
Evidence before final payment
Tooling progress should be visible before the buyer releases final payment.
- Drawing approval
- Trial sample record
- Tooling photo with identification
Contract and practical control
A written clause is useful, but practical access and documentation matter too.
- Keep payment milestones separated
- Store sample and revision history
- Know the cost of replacing the tool