If you know your trading partner or if you operate in neighbouring markets, clean payment is an appropriate method of payment. However, if you import from further afield, your trading partner will probably propose payment by collection or documentary credit.
Your risks as the importer are often related to advance payments. You may encounter the risk of the seller's failure to deliver the goods and to refund the down payment. Therefore, you should demand an advance payment guarantee from the seller. If you are the buyer for a project-type contract, a performance guarantee will provide you with security against the seller's inability to deliver or perform.