FAQ: MOQ, Samples, OEM Packaging, and Shipping Basics

Buyer FAQ — General inquiry preparation for equipment buyers. This article is not a fixed price list, warranty policy, or promise of stock or delivery. Quantities, sample arrangements, customization, documents, and shipping terms require written confirmation for the selected model and order.

Use these questions to prepare a focused request for quotation (RFQ). Keep your preferred configuration and schedule separate from the supplier’s confirmed offer, and record unresolved details before comparing quotations.

1. What is the minimum order quantity?

Request the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for the exact model and configuration. Ask whether it applies per model, colour, artwork version, or total order, and whether the standard version and a private-label version have different conditions. This FAQ does not set a universal MOQ.

Send your intended first-order quantity and any proposed variant split. If the requested quantity is below the quoted minimum, ask which alternatives can be reviewed rather than assuming that mixed models or a surcharge will be accepted.

2. Can I request a sample before a bulk order?

Ask about sample availability for the selected model, destination, and required configuration. Confirm the sample price, included items, shipping scope, and proposed dispatch timing before proceeding. Do not assume that a sample is free, returnable, or credited against a later order unless those terms are agreed.

Record whether the sample is a standard unit, a proposed customized version, or a packaging proof. Identify what it represents and what remains unverified. Use the Sample Evaluation Guide to organize the review record.

3. Does sample approval confirm the bulk configuration?

Keep the sample approval record and final order specification linked, but do not treat them as interchangeable. Record the sample reference, reviewed features, unresolved differences, and approved file revisions. Ask for written confirmation of the configuration intended for the bulk order, including any changes after the sample review.

4. What should I prepare for OEM packaging?

Send the model, proposed quantity, logo files, requested branding positions, packaging language, and any manual or insert requests. Ask for the relevant templates and file requirements before producing final artwork. Separate logo and packaging requests from changes to the device itself.

Confirm feasibility, MOQ, sample or proof scope, separate charges, approval responsibilities, and scheduling dependencies. A mockup is a proposal until the scope is confirmed. See the OEM Customization Coordination Guide and Packaging Confirmation Guide.

5. Are accessories and documents included?

Ask for an itemized contents list with item references and quantities. Separate standard contents, optional accessories, consumables where applicable, and separately quoted items. Confirm the power accessory and plug version rather than relying on a catalogue photograph.

Request the applicable specification sheet, manual languages, packing information, and any other documents needed for review. Identify which files are available and which remain pending. Receiving a document does not by itself resolve product-specific destination requirements. The Accessory Confirmation Guide provides a useful contents checklist.

6. What information is needed for a shipping quotation?

Provide the model, quantity, destination country and delivery location, proposed packing scope, and preferred timing. Ask for confirmation of the carton count, packed dimensions, packed weight, proposed transport method, and quotation validity. Flag configuration details such as batteries for the responsible logistics team to review.

Request a clear list of included and excluded charges and the agreed delivery scope. Ask the responsible logistics or destination specialist to clarify any local handling or import questions. Do not compare a transport-only estimate with a broader delivery quotation as though they cover the same services.

7. How should I confirm lead time?

Ask what event starts the quoted lead time and which approvals or inputs must be complete first. Record production or preparation time separately from estimated transport time. Keep a requested arrival date distinct from a confirmed dispatch milestone or a carrier estimate.

If artwork, quantities, configuration, or the route changes, ask for an updated schedule. For split deliveries, request separate shipment references and an outstanding-items list. See the Shipment Handover Records Guide for tracking planned and recorded milestones.

8. What should I compare between quotations?

Compare the same model, configuration, quantity, and delivery scope. Record the currency, quote date, validity, payment terms, included items, customization charges, and exclusions. Ask for clarification where a line item is missing instead of assuming it is included or free.

Keep product price, sample or setup charges, packing changes, and shipping charges identifiable where applicable. Do not treat a lower unit price as a complete comparison until the scope differences have been resolved.

9. Which after-sales terms should be confirmed?

Request the applicable written warranty and service scope for the model and destination. Clarify the reporting contact, required evidence, authorization process, parts arrangements, and responsibility for relevant costs. Do not assume a universal warranty period, free replacement, or guaranteed response time.

Keep the agreed terms with the order record and align any dealer-facing wording with them. Use the After-Sales Support Preparation Guide to organize open questions.

10. What should I send in my first inquiry?

A concise brief is enough to start. State what you know and label undecided items as requests for review. The checklist below is a planning aid, not a list of mandatory form fields.

• Product: model reference or product type, with the preferred configuration.
• Quantity: sample needs, proposed first order, and any variant split.
• Destination: market, delivery location, and sales channel.
• Customization: branding, artwork status, packaging, and language requests.
• Documents: specification, manual, or other records needed for review.
• Timing: preferred schedule and the decisions that must happen first.
• Open questions: ask which options are confirmed, pending review, unavailable, or separately quoted.

Send your product or OEM inquiry or explore Buyer Guides & Use Cases for more detailed preparation checklists.