When you will search on the Internet for “Android phones”, there will be 5 million hits on Alibaba.com. This reveals that industry has a wide network of manufacturers and suppliers of phones. Generally, customers think that sourcing products in any country just requires finding a supplier on Alibaba or Global Resources, and ordering the product. However, it is not as simple as it seems. Although the tablets and smartphones are in high demand, the market is still dominated by the established brands. Importers or small-scale importers seem to lose money due to bad experiences and financial losses.

Though suppliers are becoming more accustomed to foreign quality standards and becoming more organized, still, you must look for these vital areas when sourcing android tablets and smartphones.

Product description: When you are looking for a tablet or a smartphone, you must have a clear idea of what you are exactly looking for. There is no definition of a good product and, electronics is also not an exception. As far as Chinese manufacturers are considered, they rarely keep products in storage. Therefore, it is required that you mention them clear product specification.

In case, you leave out anything, you may face disappointment. A less detailed product description is taken advantage of. Suppliers seek this an opportunity to cut costs and use cheap low-end components in the products. This may be anything like getting a wrong charger, a product in Chinese language or anything else. So, always remember, even the smallest detail about your product is relevant and should be mentioned.

Product safety regulations: Product Compliance with safety regulations is essential especially if you are based in United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. There are certain certification requirements such as CE, RoHS, and FCC, which protect the business and the consumers. If non-certified products are imported, the customs authorities on arrival can confiscate it. China is a hub for Android device manufacturing and at the same time, the most thriving place for fake manufacturers. To manufacture compliant products, a company should have technical prowess and sophisticated manufacturing process. So, as an importer, it is your duty to ensure certificate compliance for any product imported from China.

Asking for Sample: While dealing with any android phone or tablet PC manufacturing companies, it is important to ask for a sample before placing the order. Normally, a supplier charges a higher price for the sample as it needs to be individually assembled and requires high administration costs to prepare just one unit.

It may be possible that the supplier has a ready product with one or two differences in the specs required by you. Until and unless, the difference is essential to the end product, buyers accept the sample. After analyzing samples, you can suggest any changes needed. Once the supplier agrees to the changes asked by you, you can deposit money for the initial order.

Minimum order quantity: When a buyer places an order for a product, there has to be a Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ). This is generally dependent on the supplier and the actual device imported. Generally, there is a higher cost of MOQ for low volumes and vice versa. Android smartphones and tablets usually have a MOQ of 3000 units. On the other hand, some lower end or low-cost devices have higher MOQ

Quality Control Checks:

When it comes to sourcing electronics and Android devices, quality control is a must. All the suppliers have an internal quality control team that inspects the products for its quality. However, they may not necessarily do their work with complete honesty and are generally, in hurrying up the shipping process. As a buyer, you must ensure that quality checks are fairly done. In fact, quality checks should be done during development process itself to avoid any damaged or wrong production.

A supplier who has a good management system and is genuine about reputation will perform quality control check from the component level to the packaging line. Smartphone manufacturing in India is based in high-quality control checks before shipping to the customers.

Discussing payment terms:

Although payment terms, in this case, are more or less same, still one must discuss it beforehand. Generally, for a commodity, a 30% advance is paid for the order to start and rest is paid just before delivery.  In case of custom products, a higher deposit is required. Also, there are more stages of payment in custom product development.

Whichever manufacturer you are choosing, remember, that nothing is set in stone. Take your time to make a decision and go ahead. A solid relationship between a buyer and supplier takes time and is often built on trust. Keep a positive and supportive attitude. In case, you find some difficulty in dealing, don’t end the deal right away as your money and reputation are may be on stake.