After fifteen years in procurement and more than two hundred electronics orders placed, I have heard the same questions come up again and again. Here are the ones I hear most, with the answers I wish someone had given me when I started.

Do I really need FCC and CE certification?
Yes, if you plan to sell in the US or EU. No exceptions. Customs will hold your shipment, and marketplaces will remove your listing. Ask for the test reports, not just the certificate—certificates can be forged, but full test reports from accredited labs are harder to fake.

How do I know if a factory is using genuine components?
You often cannot tell from the outside. Ask for the Bill of Materials and check the brands of key components—chips, batteries, capacitors. Then request that the factory purchase these components from authorized distributors. If the price seems too low, it probably is.

What is a fair deposit?
Thirty percent is standard. Some suppliers ask for fifty. Anything above fifty percent for a first order is a red flag. Never pay the full amount before production.

How long should production take?
For standard products, twenty to thirty days. For custom products with new tooling, add another two to four weeks. Always add buffer time—delays are normal.

Should I use a sourcing agent?
For your first few orders, yes. An agent can inspect the factory, check quality, and handle communication. The commission—usually three to five percent—is worth it when you are learning.

What is the biggest mistake new buyers make?
Ordering too much too soon. Start with a quantity you can afford to lose. Test the market before you commit to a full container.

How do I verify a supplier is a real factory?
Ask for their business license, request a video tour, and check whether their address matches their stated location. A real factory will happily show you their production line. A trading company will hesitate.

What payment methods are safest?
Escrow through Alibaba or Made-in-China is safest for new relationships. For established suppliers, T/T bank transfer is standard. Avoid Western Union and unsecured payment methods.

Can I get exclusivity on a product?
Sometimes, but it usually costs more or requires a minimum order commitment. If exclusivity matters to your brand, negotiate it in writing before you place the order.

How do I handle quality issues?
Document everything—photos, measurements, defect counts. Contact the supplier immediately and propose a solution. Most suppliers will replace defective units or issue a credit if you have evidence.

When should I switch suppliers?
When they consistently fail to meet your standards after you have given them a chance to improve. Loyalty matters, but not at the cost of your business.

What is the one thing I should never compromise on?
Certifications. If a product does not meet the legal requirements of your market, nothing else matters. No price is low enough to justify the risk.

Straight answers from someone who has placed over 200 electronics orders

A procurement veteran answers the questions new buyers ask most about sourcing electronics from China, from certifications to payment terms.

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