How to order PCB assembly from China: a first-time buyer guide

The process at a glance

Ordering PCB assembly from an overseas supplier follows a predictable path: send your files for review, receive an engineer-reviewed quote, confirm scope and sign an NDA if needed, arrange payment, then production runs through sourcing, assembly, testing, and shipping. Knowing the steps up front makes a first order far less stressful.

See the PCBA quote file checklist for exactly what to prepare, and China PCBA lead times for how long each stage takes.

Protecting your design

Reputable suppliers sign an NDA before receiving design files — ours takes under 24 hours, and you can use your template or ours.

As a precaution, avoid sending confidential credentials or full production firmware through public channels until the scope and NDA are agreed.

Payment, kept simple

For overseas orders, common methods are T/T (bank wire) and PayPal for smaller amounts, invoiced in USD, EUR, or GBP. A deposit with the balance before shipment is typical on a first order; net terms can follow once a working relationship is established.

Whatever the method, confirm the exact terms in writing on your quote before paying.

Lowering risk on a first order

Start with a prototype or small batch to validate quality before committing to volume. Ask for a test report with the shipment, keep the BOM and test scope explicit, and confirm the shipping term (DAP vs DDP) so customs duties are not a surprise.

A supplier that reviews your files and raises questions before quoting — rather than returning an instant black-box price — is usually the safer choice for a China PCBA project.

What to send to get started

Gerber files, a BOM with manufacturer part numbers, quantity, and any testing notes are enough for a first quote. Partial files are fine — engineers will tell you what is missing.

Send your files and you will get an engineer-reviewed reply within 24 hours.