How to Shop
With the rapid growth of global industrialization and automation demand, the international business of non-standard automation equipment manufacturers is gradually becoming an important source of revenue. In order to meet the needs of overseas customers, it is crucial to provide an efficient and professional order placement process. In this article, we will introduce in detail the overseas customer ordering process of non-standard automation equipment manufacturers to help companies optimize the customer experience and improve the efficiency of order completion.
The first step: demand communication and technical exchanges
The first step for overseas customers to place orders is demand communication. Through e-mail, video conferencing or instant messaging tools, manufacturers and customers to communicate in detail production requirements, technical specifications and target capacity. This stage focuses on:
-Understanding the customer's specific needs for automation equipment, such as production capacity, operating environment, functional modules, etc.
-Recommending suitable non-standard equipment types according to the characteristics of the customer's industry.
-Technical analysis of the draft production line design or sample data provided by the customer.
Manufacturers in this stage usually equipped with professional foreign trade team and technical engineers to provide customers with language communication support and technical solutions to answer.
Step 2: Program design and quotation
After clarifying the customer's needs, the manufacturer enters the program design stage. The engineering team designs a customized solution based on the information provided by the customer and generates equipment sketches or 3D modeling solutions. The main processes include:
1. Program development: design the equipment layout, functional modules and automation degree according to customer needs.
2. Quotation accounting: cost estimation combined with equipment materials, technical requirements and logistics costs.
3. Program Confirmation: Send the design program together with the quotation to the customer to ensure that all details are accurate.
In this stage, the manufacturer's transparent offer and clear program display helps to enhance customer trust.
Step 3: Sign the contract and payment
After the customer confirms the program and offer, the two sides enter the contract signing process. This step usually requires:
-Contract preparation: the manufacturer provides a detailed commercial contract, including equipment models, prices, delivery time, payment methods and after-sales service terms.
-Payment process: the customer pays the deposit or full payment according to the contract requirements. Common payment methods include international telegraphic transfer (T/T), letter of credit (L/C) or third-party platform payment.
Some manufacturers will also specify the product acceptance criteria in the contract to protect the rights and interests of customers.
Step 4: Production and Quality Inspection
After receiving the payment, the manufacturer officially starts the production process. The core of this stage is to ensure the high quality of the equipment and the consistency of customer demand:
1. Parts purchasing and production processing: Selection of materials and manufacturing in strict accordance with the design drawings.
2. Equipment assembly and commissioning: After completing the assembly of the mechanical structure and electrical system of the equipment, multiple rounds of performance testing are conducted.
3. Quality inspection: According to international standards or customer requirements, the equipment is fully inspected and inspection reports are generated.
Many manufacturers will provide overseas customers with equipment commissioning video or remote broadcasting to show the production progress and quality in real time.
Step 5: Logistics and Transportation
After the equipment production is completed, the manufacturer arranges transportation. Logistics services for overseas customers require special attention:
-Packaging: use shockproof, waterproof, dustproof and other safe packaging.
-Logistics mode: according to the volume of the equipment and the customer's geographical location to choose air, sea or rail transportation.
-Document processing: manufacturers prepare customs clearance documents (such as commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, etc.) and assist customers to deal with import procedures.
Step 6: Equipment installation and after-sales support
After the equipment arrives at the customer's location, the manufacturer provides installation and after-sales service. This includes:
-Installation guidance: sending engineers to the customer's site for installation, or providing guidance by remote means.
-Technical training: provide training for customer operators on equipment use and maintenance.
-After-sales service: Provide parts replacement, technical support and warranty service to ensure that the customer can use the equipment stably for a long time.
