Bare Board Group FAQs & Fast Facts
Bare Board Group has the sourcing experience necessary to assist you in obtaining offshore printed circuit boards without the hassles typically associated with offshore purchasing. From prototype to large volume orders, Bare Board Group and our qualified team of U/L, ISO, QS, and TS approved Far East manufacturers will meet your objectives where others may not. BBG personnel are at your disposal for on-site expediting, source inspection and around-the-clock communication, thereby by minimizing delays. Our service and technical support center provides a 24-hour communication edge over other offshore PCB solution providers by being an extension of your purchasing and quality departments.
Where do I send my Request for Quote?
Please send all RFQs electronically via e-mail to sales@bareboard.com or via Fax to 727-549-2221, ATTN: Sales Manager.
What information is required to quote?
Any of the following are required to give an accurate quote: Gerber Data, Faxed Print, Fabrication Notes, Array Drawing and any special notes required for your order. In addition, an over-the-phone budgetary quote may be possible with minimal information.
What is the typical response time for a quote?
It takes anywhere from a few minutes to several hours for a quote depending on the complexity of the printed circuit board design (PCBs that require higher layer counts, HDI, micro-via or blind and buried via technology may take up to 24 hours for an accurate quote). A one through 10 layer printed circuit board of standard construction can be quoted within minutes of receipt of basic information.
Is the price of freight included? What about Customs?
The price quoted is FOB Florida unless otherwise specified. No Customs or freight hassles...we take care of that!
Can a circuit board have "Made in the USA" or "America" in the copper or legend artwork?
No. A circuit board manufactured outside of the United States cannot have "Made in the USA" or "America" in the copper of legend artwork. No country-of-origin marking is required on the bare printed circuit board.
What is the normal delivery I can expect for my order? How fast can my boards be delivered?
Most orders take anywhere from 2 to 5 weeks depending on the complexity of the order (layer count, technology) and the volume required (number of pieces). It is possible to get 1 through 8 layer prototype boards in 7 to 10 days.
How are my orders shipped from the Far East? How are they tracked?
Shipping method depends on P/O requirements, volume of boards desired and target costs to be met. FedEx/UPS is the most expensive and averages two days. A freight forwarder does not cost as much and requires 4 to 7 days. Sea freight takes about 4 to 5 weeks and is the most cost effective option. Our Taiwan service center sends a daily WIP and SHIP report detailing the status of all open orders and listing the respective tracking numbers when they are shipped.
Where do I send my Purchase Orders?
Please send all P/Os electronically via e-mail to sales@bareboard.com or via Fax to: 727-549-2221, ATTN: Sales Manager.
Who is the BBG contact for an engineering question or special specification requirement?
Please send all questions and/or special requirements about your orders electronically via e-mail to sales@bareboard.com or via Fax to 727-549-2221, ATTN: Sales Department. Some minor changes to artwork and fabrication—changes to silkscreen hole sizes and solder mask clearances can be done in-house by BBG personnel, however, design capabilities are out-sourced.
How do I make my customers feel confident about offshore manufacturing?
All shops at a minimum are U/L and ISO approved with several attaining QS certification. Customer quality questionnaires and survey forms are submitted for your records. A sample build of a production order along with the associated First Article reports at no charge are standard on first time orders.
Does BBG use more than one PCB manufacturing facility?
BBG matches the strengths of our qualified team of PCB manufacturers to the needs of the customer because one PCB vendor may not meet all the needs of every customer or part number. However, once a part number is placed at a qualified vendor it is never moved without customer approval, ensuring consistency of product.
Are on-site audit possible to survey and qualify the actual manufacturing facility?
Bare Board Group encourages an on-site audits of any of the facilities we use to manufacture your orders. Katherine Hsu, our VP of Far East Operations, will be more than happy to coordinate a site survey with your quality staff once they arrive in Taiwan. Please contact BBG to set up a site survey at: sales@bareboard.com, ATTN: Sales Dept.
What do I do when there is a quality issue? Who is responsible?
BBG is responsible for getting your order correct and to your dock on time. To ensure receipt of quality products, our Taiwan source inspection team performs a quality review of each order at the factory so that most, if any, quality issues are resolved before they are shipped. In the unlikely event of a quality issue, please contact BBG's Quality Assurance Manager at 727-549-2200 immediately. They will assess the situation and instruct as to how it will be resolved quickly. A legitimate rejection can be replaced in as little as 1 to 2 weeks depending on the complexity and size of the order.
How do your stocking programs work?
Bare Board Group offers several stocking programs to meet the particular needs of our customers. BBG will warehouse product in our own distribution center, or consign inventory to your warehouse or a logistically convenient bonded warehouse. A predetermined minimum inventory level agreed on by BBG and the customer from which product shall be “pulled” or “released” to production, will be maintained and replenished by BBG.
Is there a warranty period?
BBG will honor only bare board related issues.
What about terms?
Terms are 30 days, 2% Net 10 after approval from Bare Board Group’s Credit Department.
Will Bare Board Group sign a non-disclosure and/or non-compete agreements?
YES! It is in Bare Board Group’s best interest to protect the interests of our customer.