Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about working with Tronxer -- from OEM/ODM services and custom development to quality control, intellectual property, and after-sales support.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) means we manufacture products based on your existing design, specifications, and branding requirements. You provide the product concept, design files, and technical specifications -- we handle manufacturing, quality control, and delivery.

ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) means we develop the product for you. Our R&D team creates the product concept, electronic engineering, industrial design, and functional specifications based on your market requirements and target positioning. You receive a market-ready product that can be branded and customized to your needs.

Most Tronxer clients start with ODM services because it reduces development risk and speeds up time-to-market, while still allowing for customization and exclusivity arrangements.

MOQ varies depending on product complexity, component availability, and customization level:

  • Standard ODM products with minor customization (logo, color, packaging): Typically 500-1,000 units per SKU.
  • Semi-custom ODM products (modified features, new housing design): Typically 1,000-3,000 units, depending on tooling investment and component minimums.
  • Fully custom OEM products (new electronic design, custom tooling): MOQ is negotiated based on project scope, BOM costs, and tooling amortization. We work to find a balance that makes economic sense for both parties.

We understand that testing new markets requires flexibility. We can discuss trial orders, phased production, and MOQ reduction strategies during project planning.

Yes. We provide samples at different stages:

  • Existing product samples: For standard ODM products in our portfolio, we can provide samples for evaluation. Sample cost and shipping are typically covered by the client, with sample fees credited against future orders.
  • Prototype samples: For custom development projects, we produce engineering prototypes for functional testing and design validation before tooling investment.
  • Pre-production samples: Before mass production begins, we provide pre-production samples that represent final mass-production quality, materials, and finish for your approval.

Sample lead times range from 1-4 weeks depending on whether tooling is required and component availability.

Development and tooling costs depend on the project scope:

  • Tooling costs: Custom plastic injection molds, die-casting molds, silicone molds, and metal stamping tools are typically one-time investments. Costs range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars depending on part complexity, cavity count, and material requirements. Tooling ownership and amortization terms are defined in the project agreement.
  • Development fees: For projects requiring significant R&D effort (new electronic design, firmware development, certification testing), we charge development fees based on engineering hours and testing costs. These are quoted upfront after requirements are defined.
  • Fee structures: We offer flexible arrangements -- one-time NRE (Non-Recurring Engineering) charges, tooling amortization spread across initial orders, or development cost rebates against production volume milestones.

Typical timelines based on project type:

  • Standard ODM product with branding customization: 4-8 weeks from order confirmation to shipment (includes packaging design, production scheduling, and QC).
  • Semi-custom ODM (modified features, new housing): 8-16 weeks (includes design modification, tooling fabrication, prototype testing, pre-production samples, and production).
  • Full custom OEM development: 16-26 weeks or longer depending on complexity (includes requirements definition, electronic design, firmware development, industrial design, tooling, certification, pilot production, and mass production ramp-up).

We provide detailed project timelines with milestones during the planning phase. Regular progress updates keep you informed throughout the process.

Yes. We manage certification and compliance as part of our development and production services. Our team has experience with:

  • North America: FCC (wireless/RF), UL/ETL (safety), Energy Star, California Title 20
  • Europe: CE (EMC, LVD, RED for wireless), RoHS, REACH, WEEE, ERP
  • UK: UKCA
  • Australia/New Zealand: RCM
  • Japan: PSE, TELEC
  • Other markets: We can coordinate certification for most target markets based on your requirements

Certification costs, timelines, and responsibilities are defined during project planning. We can either include certification in our scope or coordinate with your preferred certification partners.

Our standard payment terms are:

  • New clients: 30% deposit with order confirmation, 70% balance before shipment (T/T or L/C at sight).
  • Established clients: Flexible terms can be negotiated based on order history and relationship, including net payment terms, partial deposits, or milestone-based payments for large projects.
  • Tooling and development: 50% upfront, 50% upon sample approval, or milestone-based payments for larger projects.

All payments are made via bank transfer (T/T) in USD or other agreed currencies. We are open to discussing payment structures that work for both parties.

Quality control is integrated throughout our process:

  • Incoming material inspection (IQC): All components and materials are inspected upon receipt against specifications and approved samples.
  • In-process quality control (IPQC): Production lines are monitored at key control points -- SMT placement, soldering, assembly, testing, and packaging.
  • Finished product inspection (FQC/OQC): 100% functional testing on all products plus AQL-based sampling inspection (typically AQL 2.5/4.0 for major/minor defects, adjustable to your requirements).
  • Reliability testing: Aging tests, drop tests, waterproof testing (where applicable), temperature cycling, and battery safety testing.
  • Third-party inspection: We welcome third-party inspection agencies (SGS, Bureau Veritas, TUV, Intertek) at any stage. Inspection can be arranged at our factory or before shipment.

We provide detailed QC reports, test data, and production records with each shipment.

Our standard warranty is 12 months from the date of shipment, covering manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship under normal use conditions. Specific warranty terms:

  • Coverage: Functional defects, LED failure beyond specified lumen maintenance, electronic component failure, battery defects (capacity below 80% within warranty period), and structural defects.
  • Exclusions: Damage from misuse, unauthorized modification, improper installation, extreme environmental conditions beyond product specifications, and normal wear on consumable parts.
  • Resolution: We provide replacement products or components for confirmed warranty claims. For larger claims, we work with you on root cause analysis and corrective action.
  • Extended warranty: Extended warranty terms can be negotiated for specific projects or product categories.

We stand behind our products and work with clients to resolve any quality issues fairly and efficiently.

IP ownership is defined in the project agreement and depends on the development model:

  • Client-funded development: When you fund the full development (engineering, tooling, certification), you typically own the product design, tooling, and any new IP created specifically for your project. We retain rights to our pre-existing technology, platform designs, and general know-how.
  • Co-development: When we share development costs, IP ownership and usage rights are negotiated and defined in the agreement. Common arrangements include client exclusivity in defined markets/channels with shared IP ownership.
  • ODM products: For products we develop on our own initiative, we own the core design and IP. Clients receive branding rights and may negotiate market or channel exclusivity.

All IP terms are documented in writing before development begins. We respect client confidentiality and are experienced in working with NDAs and IP protection agreements.

Yes, we offer exclusivity arrangements:

  • Market exclusivity: Exclusive rights to sell a product in defined geographic markets (e.g., North America, EU, Australia). Typically requires minimum annual purchase volumes or a one-time exclusivity fee.
  • Channel exclusivity: Exclusive rights for specific sales channels (e.g., your e-commerce platform, retail chain, or distributor network).
  • Product exclusivity: For fully custom-developed products where you own the IP, you have complete exclusivity.
  • Time-limited exclusivity: Exclusivity for a defined period (e.g., 12-24 months), giving you first-mover advantage before the product becomes available to others.

Exclusivity terms are negotiated on a project-by-project basis and documented in the supply agreement.

We offer flexible shipping options:

  • FOB (Free on Board): Most common -- we handle production, export packaging, Chinese export customs clearance, and delivery to the port of loading. You arrange and pay for ocean/air freight, insurance, and destination clearance.
  • EXW (Ex Works): You arrange pickup from our factory and handle all logistics.
  • CIF/CFR: We arrange freight to your destination port. Available for established clients.
  • DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): We handle door-to-door delivery including import duties. Available for certain markets and order volumes.
  • Consolidation: We can consolidate shipments from multiple suppliers or hold inventory for partial shipments.

We work with major freight forwarders and can use your preferred logistics partners. Typical ocean freight takes 15-35 days depending on destination; air freight takes 3-7 days.

We take after-sales responsibility seriously:

  • Defective products: Products with manufacturing defects reported within the warranty period are eligible for replacement or credit. We require clear documentation (photos, videos, description of the issue) for claim processing.
  • Defect rate thresholds: If defect rates exceed agreed thresholds (typically 2-3% depending on product category), we conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions at our cost.
  • Return logistics: For confirmed warranty claims, we cover replacement product cost and freight. Return shipping of defective products is typically not required for low-value items; for higher-value products, we may request return samples for analysis.
  • Spare parts: We recommend ordering spare parts (typically 1-2% of order quantity) for after-sales service. We can advise on common failure points and recommended spares.
  • End-user support: We provide technical documentation, troubleshooting guides, and can support your customer service team with technical questions.

Clear after-sales processes and responsibilities are defined in the supply agreement before production begins.

Ready to Start Your Project?

Discuss your product requirements with our team. We'll help you define the right solution, timeline, and budget for your market.

Contact Us