Frequently Asked Questions
The commercial and technical questions buyers ask before placing a first order with a Chinese metal parts supplier.
Sourcing, Production & Shipping
What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
It depends on the process. CNC machined parts start at 1 pc, sheet metal at 10 pcs, forged parts at 50 pcs, brass fittings at 100 pcs and stock fasteners at 1,000 pcs per size. Custom items with tooling are quoted separately. Tell us your trial quantity — we usually accommodate a first batch below the standard MOQ.
How fast can I get a quotation?
Within 24 working hours for a complete RFQ (drawing, material, quantity, finish). Complex assemblies or parts requiring tooling may take 48 hours. Including quantity bands such as 100 / 500 / 2,000 pcs lets us show the price breaks in one reply.
Which drawing and file formats do you accept?
A PDF drawing with dimensions and tolerances plus a 3D model in STEP or IGES is ideal. We also accept DWG, DXF, SolidWorks files, and — for replacement parts — a physical sample or clear photos with key measurements. See the RFQ checklist.
Can you produce samples before mass production?
Yes. We recommend a first-article sample with a dimensional inspection report for any new part. Sample lead time is typically 5–10 days for machined parts and 20–30 days where casting or forging tooling is required.
What are your payment terms?
Standard terms are 30% deposit with the order and 70% against the bill of lading copy, by T/T. For small trial orders we accept full prepayment. L/C at sight is available for larger contracts. Terms are confirmed in the proforma invoice.
Which Incoterms do you work with?
EXW, FOB, CIF and DDP are all supported. FOB is the most common for container shipments; DDP is available for smaller parcels where you want a landed price. Our Incoterms 2020 guide explains where cost and risk transfer.
How do you pack parts for export?
Parts are individually protected where surface finish or threads require it, packed in export cartons, then palletised and stretch-wrapped for sea freight. Cartons are labelled with part number, quantity and lot number, and the packing list mirrors the commercial invoice.
Can I use my own brand and packaging?
Yes. OEM / ODM orders can carry your logo, part marking and carton artwork. Send the artwork and any barcode or labelling requirements with the RFQ; private-label packaging may carry a minimum quantity.
Do you sign NDAs and protect drawings?
Yes. We sign mutual non-disclosure agreements before receiving confidential files, and drawings are shared internally only with the engineering and production staff assigned to the project. Tell us if a part is subject to export-control or ITAR-type restrictions.
What certifications and documents can you provide?
We can issue dimensional and first-article inspection reports, EN 10204 3.1 material certificates, hardness and tensile test results, coating and salt-spray reports, RoHS declarations and PPAP submissions on request. Ask for the current certificate scans with your quotation — availability must be confirmed against your specific order.
Can I arrange a third-party inspection before shipment?
Yes. Nominate your inspection company in the RFQ and we will coordinate the visit with the production and shipping schedule, and provide the drawing set and inspection records.
What are typical lead times?
CNC prototypes 5–10 days, production 7–15 days; sheet metal 10–20 days; stock fasteners 7–10 days; castings and forgings 20–35 days including tooling and heat treatment. Shipping time depends on the destination and the chosen Incoterm.
Still have a technical question?
Our engineers answer tolerance, material and process questions directly — no sales layer in between.
Ask on WhatsAppReady to request a quote?
Include the drawing, material, quantity and finish. The RFQ checklist shows what makes a quotation accurate on the first pass.
Open inquiry formReady to source custom metal parts?
Send your drawing or sample. Engineering review and quotation within 24 hours.