Please help with JLCPCB to figure out components pre-order/consign - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Nova_PA
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 26, 2025, 06:58:00 am
content: Hello, colleagues!Can you help me with ordering 'non-standard' components for installation on a PCB at JLCPCB?To be honest, I'm a bit of a newbie in this area because I've ordered empty PCBs many times, but now I want to order a PCB with SMD component installation. And, besides the usual resistors and capacitors, I need to install some chips.These chips aren't the rarest, but they're not the most common either. For example: MSI001, MSI2500, SI4464, etc.When I add these names to the components list, the website offers 'pre-order' for some and 'consign' for others. And this is where the confusion begins. Does 'pre-order' mean I need to pay upfront for the pre-order of these components? But the price seems suspiciously low.And with 'consign' – it's even more unclear – does this mean I need to order and send the parts myself?"

author: eleguy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2025, 07:52:20 am
content: In the fist case it means they order (in practice "reserve") those parts you have prepaid. They always mention the minimum amount for this process. In this case it seems to be 100. There is a little caveat in this (which you pointed out). They will never send leftover parts to you so better use what you buy. However, I have seen that people selling their "unused" parts inside JLCPCB system but don't know how it works in the practice. More,https://jlcpcb.com/help/article/what-is-jlcpcb-parts-pre-order-serviceIn the second case you first ask them if they like the part or not. As this part is already in their system this step is some likely skipped. In any case they contact you. Don't send the parts before they give you details how. Again the minimum amount is applied and you won't get extra parts back. More,https://jlcpcb.com/help/article/How-to-consign-parts-to-JLCPCBSomehow I would not use the latter option as the first should do the trick already, right?The price shown there is clearly not the price you pay in total. Maybe some extra handling fee, or minimum place holder they pick to every part.To ask them to assemble or not is the trade-off I have to think often. I typically ask them to assemble "basic" parts even in the case of smaller amounts. Here their low cost covers the startup fees compared to ordering from digikey/mouser. Also, it takes time to pick/place plenty smaller (like 0402) components by hand. In the case of "extended" parts situation is not that straight forward. I try to optimize BOM so that I end up having the smallest amount of extended parts as possible. Then check where the bargain is part per part basis. Quite often there are few I end up soldering myself. Again some work and cleaning in addition but quickly one saves (taken away from your time that does not cost anything??) a lot. Bigger production batches I tend to order fully assembled. But again trying to avoid rare parts.

author: JLCPCB Official
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2025, 06:40:44 am
content: Quote from: eleguy on March 26, 2025, 07:52:20 amYou can also refer to our tutorial on PCBA Parts Sourcing here:https://jlcpcb.com/help/catalog/191-PCBA-Parts-Sourcingand find instructions for reselling idle components here:https://jlcpcb.com/help/article/instructions-for-reselling-idle-componentsFor any questions, feel free to contact our support team at support@jlcpcb.com, and they will provide you with direct guidance.