Sourcing Hardware Electronics from China
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Hardware buyers entering the Chinese electronics supply chain face the same early decisions: how to shortlist suppliers, when to run a factory audit, and how to structure the first shipment so a defect doesn't sink the whole order. A typical entry path is a paid sample, a pre-production audit, then a first PO of a few hundred to a few thousand units with inspection before the balance payment. The most common first-shipment mistake is paying the 70% balance against a packing photo instead of an independent pre-shipment inspection.
When you source hardware from China, supplier selection and compliance are the two levers that determine whether the project survives contact with mass production. We front-load the factory audit and DFM review so problems surface before tooling is cut, not after 5,000 units are boxed.
Guides (1)
FAQ
How do I select a hardware supplier in China without visiting?
Start by verifying the business license and export history, request a paid sample, then commission a remote or third-party factory audit before committing tooling. Treat trading companies and factories differently — confirm who actually controls the production line.
What should I do before paying the balance on a first order?
Book an independent pre-shipment inspection against an agreed AQL sampling plan and only release the balance payment after the report passes. Never wire the balance based solely on the factory's own photos.
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