Sourcing from China does not have to be complicated. At PLS Precision, we have refined our process into five clear phases — from your first RFQ to delivery at your door. Every phase has defined deliverables, quality gates, and transparent communication. You always know where your project stands.
Every successful sourcing project starts with a clear, complete RFQ. The more detail you provide, the more accurate our quotation and the fewer surprises later. Here is what we need:
If you do not have a complete drawing — just a sketch, photo, or sample part — our engineering team can reverse-engineer it and produce a production-ready drawing for your approval. This service is free for projects that proceed to mass production.
Typical timeline: 1–3 days for RFQ review and initial feedback.
Once we understand your requirements, we source 2–3 qualified suppliers and obtain detailed quotations. Each quotation includes:
| Cost Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Unit price | Per-piece manufacturing cost at quoted volume |
| Tooling / NRE | One-time mold, die, fixture, or setup cost |
| Material | Raw material cost (broken out separately) |
| Surface treatment | Plating, coating, anodizing, heat treatment |
| QC / Testing | Dimensional inspection, material test, functional test |
| Packing | Export carton, pallet, VCI bag, desiccant |
| Logistics (estimate) | Sea freight or air freight to your destination |
| PLS service fee | Our commission or project fee (disclosed upfront) |
We present all quotations side-by-side with a supplier comparison matrix: capability, capacity, quality history, location, and risk assessment. You choose the supplier; we facilitate, never dictate.
Typical timeline: 3–7 days for quotations; 1–2 days for supplier comparison and selection.
Before committing to mass production, we always recommend sample validation. This phase catches design issues, tolerance problems, and surface finish mismatches early — when they are cheap to fix.
Quick-turn prototype using 3D printing, CNC machining, or soft tooling. Used to validate form, fit, and function. Timeline: 3–10 days.
Production-quality sample using final tooling and process. Used to validate tolerances, surface finish, and material properties. Timeline: 2–4 weeks.
First article from mass production line. Full dimensional report, material certificate, and functional test. Required before production ramp. Timeline: 1–2 weeks.
Samples are shipped to you with a complete inspection report. We coordinate video calls to review samples together if an in-person visit is not feasible. Production does not begin until you approve the sample in writing.
Typical timeline: 2–6 weeks depending on product complexity and tooling requirements.
Once samples are approved, mass production begins. Our project manager monitors production daily and implements our three-layer quality control system:
The first production parts are fully inspected against your approved sample and drawing. Dimensional CMM report, material certificate, surface finish check, and functional test. FAI report is sent to you within 24 hours.
Random sampling at 20%, 50%, and 80% completion. We check for dimensional drift, visual defects, and process stability. If defects exceed AQL limits, production is halted and corrective action is required.
Full AQL sampling before container loading. Every critical dimension is checked. Photos of packing, labeling, and pallet configuration are included. Final payment is released only after PSI approval.
Throughout production, you receive weekly status reports with production quantity, completion percentage, photos from the factory floor, and any issues flagged. For critical projects, we offer daily updates and live video factory tours.
Typical timeline: 2–8 weeks depending on product type and order volume.
After PSI approval, goods move to our logistics center for export packing and documentation. We handle everything from factory to your door:
Typical timeline: 3–7 days for export packing and loading; 5–45 days in transit depending on mode.
| Product Type | Phase 1-2 RFQ to Quote | Phase 3 Sample | Phase 4 Production | Phase 5 Logistics | Total (Sea) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNC machined parts | 3–5 days | 1–2 weeks | 2–4 weeks | 3–6 weeks | 6–13 weeks |
| Stamping / springs | 3–5 days | 1–3 weeks | 2–4 weeks | 3–6 weeks | 6–14 weeks |
| Aluminum extrusion | 5–7 days | 3–4 weeks | 4–6 weeks | 3–6 weeks | 10–18 weeks |
| Injection molding | 5–7 days | 4–6 weeks | 4–6 weeks | 3–6 weeks | 11–19 weeks |
| Casting / forging | 5–7 days | 4–6 weeks | 6–8 weeks | 3–6 weeks | 13–20 weeks |
These are typical timelines. Actual lead time depends on product complexity, tooling requirements, factory workload, and shipping mode. We provide a detailed Gantt chart with milestones for every project.
Send us your RFQ — drawing, specs, photos, or even a description. Our team reviews it within 24 hours and provides initial feedback on manufacturability, material, and cost range. There is no commitment at this stage. If you proceed, we move to Phase 2: supplier quotations.
No — though you are always welcome. We handle factory audits, sample inspections, production monitoring, and shipping on your behalf. All key milestones are documented with photos, videos, and inspection reports. For critical or high-value projects, we recommend a factory visit during sample approval or pre-shipment inspection. We coordinate travel, translation, and scheduling.
We work with the supplier to identify root cause and implement corrective action — at the supplier's expense if the defect is their fault. This may involve tooling adjustment, process parameter change, or material substitution. We do not proceed to mass production until the sample is fully approved. For complex products, 2–3 sample iterations are normal.
Our standard payment structure: 30% deposit upon order confirmation, 70% balance against copy of Bill of Lading. For first-time suppliers, we may negotiate 40/60 terms. We can also arrange Letter of Credit (L/C) for orders above $50,000. All payments are made in USD via wire transfer to the supplier's verified corporate account. We never pay personal accounts.
Increases are usually possible if the factory has capacity. Decreases are more difficult — the supplier may charge for material already purchased or tooling amortization. We recommend planning volumes carefully during the quotation phase and maintaining a 10–15% buffer in your forecast. For urgent changes, we negotiate with the supplier on your behalf.
Our PSI process catches most issues before shipment. However, if defects are discovered after delivery, we investigate root cause (production, packing, or transit damage). For confirmed production defects, we negotiate rework, replacement, or credit with the supplier. We maintain ongoing supplier scorecards — repeated quality failures result in supplier replacement.
Yes. For clients with recurring orders, we offer buffer stock warehousing in Dongguan. You pay only when you release stock for shipment. This reduces lead time from 6–8 weeks to 1–2 weeks for repeat orders. Warehousing fees are minimal — typically $0.05–$0.10 per piece per month depending on size and value.
Send us your RFQ, drawing, or product idea. We'll respond within 24 hours with a clear sourcing plan, timeline, and transparent pricing.
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