Sourcing Electronics from China: Buyer Guides
4 resources tagged with "China"
China remains the default for electronics sourcing because the supply chain density around Shenzhen and the Pearl River Delta is hard to match — you can get a PCB fabbed, components bought at Huaqiangbei, and an enclosure tooled within a few kilometers. These guides cover the decisions that actually matter: when to use Alibaba versus 1688 versus going direct to a factory, and whether OEM or ODM fits your product. Typical first-order MOQs for custom IoT hardware run 500–1,000 units, with 30–60 day lead times once tooling is signed off.
Sourcing from China practically means deciding who you actually buy from — a real factory, a trading company, or a platform middleman — because each changes your price, quality control, and recourse. The common pitfall is mistaking a polished Alibaba storefront for a factory; many are traders adding 10–20% with no production control.
Guides (4)
FAQ
Should I use Alibaba, 1688, or go direct to a factory?
Alibaba is built for export and English-speaking buyers but is full of traders; 1688 has lower prices and real factories but is domestic and Chinese-only; direct works once you've verified a factory. Most buyers start on Alibaba, then move direct after the first order.
What's the difference between OEM and ODM in China?
OEM means the factory builds to your design and spec; ODM means you buy their existing design with light customization. ODM is faster and cheaper to launch; OEM gives you control and IP but needs more engineering input and higher MOQ.
How do I tell a real manufacturer from a trading company?
Ask for the business license and check the registered scope, request a video factory walkthrough of the actual line, and verify export records. Traders dodge specific production questions and rarely let you visit unannounced.
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