How to Order from a Chinese OEM Manufacturer: A Step-by-Step Guide
General guidance on sourcing electronics manufacturing from China — inquiry, sampling, payment terms and shipping, independent of which factory you choose.
Published 2026-01-22 · Sourcing Guides
Step 1: Define Your Specification
Even a rough spec (target category, key features, target price point and volume) gets you a meaningful first quote faster than an open-ended inquiry.
Step 2: Request Quotes from Multiple Factories
Most credible manufacturers respond with a feasibility quote within 1-3 business days; be wary of quotes that arrive without any clarifying questions about your spec.
Step 3: Always Sample Before Bulk
No reputable factory should ask you to place a full production order without a sample stage first — treat any pressure to skip sampling as a red flag.
Step 4: Understand Standard Payment Terms
30% deposit / 70% before shipment via T/T bank transfer is the most common structure; letter of credit (L/C) is available with larger factories for bigger orders.
Step 5: Plan for Compliance Early
Certification requirements (CE, FCC, RoHS and beyond) vary by target market — raise this in your first inquiry rather than after a sample is built.
Step 6: Confirm Shipping Terms
FOB (factory handles export, you handle the rest) and CIF (factory arranges freight to your port) are the two most common terms — confirm which one is being quoted, as it materially affects your landed cost.
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