Ordering FAQ: minimums, lead times, payment and shipping
How an order works from quote to delivery. Questions about a specific product, such as run lengths or dimming, are answered on its product page.
The short version
Every quote confirms these in writing for your order.
| Topic | How it works |
|---|---|
| How to order | Send drawings for a matched quote, or send the items, colors and quantities and we issue a Proforma Invoice to confirm and pay |
| Minimum order | One full reel per SKU on standard items; custom builds are quoted per job, and every quote states the minimum |
| Samples | The exact CCT and CRI you specify; most sample requests go out within a few days |
| Lead time | Standard CCT and CRI combinations ship in 1 to 2 weeks; custom builds add roughly two to three weeks |
| Payment | T/T (bank wire) in advance on first orders; terms for later orders are agreed by order size and history |
| Freight | Quoted EXW or FOB at the port of shipment; freight is paid by the buyer, and the quote states the Incoterm |
| Warranty | Limited warranty of up to 5 years on LED strip; the period for each series is stated on the quote |
Five steps from request to shipment
-
01 Request
Send drawings or a list
Drawings or a bill of materials get a matched quote; items, colors and quantities get a Proforma Invoice.
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02 Confirm
PO or confirmed PI
Your purchase order, or the Proforma Invoice you confirm. Samples are approved first if the job needs them.
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03 Pay
T/T in advance
First orders are paid by bank wire in advance; terms for later orders are agreed by size and history.
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04 Produce
1 to 2 weeks
Standard CCT and CRI combinations; custom builds add roughly two to three weeks.
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05 Ship
EXW or FOB
Freight is paid by the buyer, and the quote states the Incoterm.
Every quote or Proforma Invoice confirms the minimum, the lead time for each line, the payment terms and the Incoterm in writing.
Ordering and minimums
How do I place an order?
There are two ways. Send what you have, such as drawings, a fixture schedule, run lengths or a bill of materials, and an engineer replies within one business day with questions or a first product match. Or, if you already know what you need, tell us the products, colors and quantities, and we prepare a Proforma Invoice for you to confirm and pay. Either way, production starts once the order is confirmed and payment is received on the agreed terms.
Is there a minimum order?
Standard items start at one full reel per SKU, so a single run never forces a bulk buy. Custom builds are quoted per job, and every quote states the minimum.
Can I order cut lengths or pre-wired pieces?
Yes. LED strip and neon flex can be cut to your piece lengths, with leads, connectors and sealed end caps fitted, built from an assembly drawing you approve.
Can I order under my own brand?
Yes. Private label on existing models, custom specifications and new development are quoted as a program, with samples approved before any volume run.
Samples, lead times and phased delivery
Can I get samples before I order?
Yes. Samples ship in the exact CCT and CRI you are specifying, so color and output can be checked in the space. Most sample requests go out within a few days, and the approved sample is kept as the reference for later batches.
What is the lead time?
Standard CCT and CRI combinations ship in 1 to 2 weeks. Custom builds, such as a nonstandard density, PCB width or connector, add roughly two to three weeks. The ship date for each line is confirmed in writing on the quote.
Can a job ship in phases?
Yes. Phase sizes and release dates are agreed at quote, each line states its lead time, and later releases are matched to the approved sample.
Payment terms
What payment terms do you offer?
First orders are paid by T/T, a bank wire transfer, in advance. Terms for later orders are agreed case by case, based on order size and the history of the account.
Which company invoices my order?
Factory-direct and export orders are invoiced by Unitop (China) Co., Limited, our company registered in Hong Kong. Each quotation and Proforma Invoice names the company that issues it; pay only to the bank account stated on it, and call us before paying if any instruction differs.
What is a Proforma Invoice?
A Proforma Invoice (PI) is the order document we prepare from the products, colors and quantities you send. It lists each line with its terms, and you confirm it and pay against it. Once it is confirmed and paid, it becomes the order.
When does production start?
Production starts once the order is confirmed, by your purchase order or the confirmed Proforma Invoice, and payment on the agreed terms is received, and after any samples or drawings needed for the order are approved.
Shipping, freight and import
Who pays for freight?
Prices are normally quoted EXW (ex works) or FOB at the port of shipment, and freight is paid by the buyer. Every quote states the Incoterm it assumes, so you can compare landed cost and schedule.
Do I have to be the importer of record?
No. You can take delivery factory-direct and act as importer of record, or buy through Unitop US on one US invoice and never be the importer of record. Each quote says which route it assumes.
Can deliveries be timed to the job site?
Yes. Shipments are coordinated to your site or warehouse schedule, and phased releases are planned against it at quote.
Warranty and returns
What warranty comes with the products?
LED strip products carry a limited warranty of up to 5 years. The period for each product series is stated on your quotation and order confirmation, and coverage depends on installation to the product's instructions.
How do I make a warranty claim or return a product?
Returns and claims follow our warranty policy, which sets out what is covered, what to send and the remedies. Contact us before sending anything back, with the order number, the model and photos of the issue.
Documents and support
What documents come with an order?
Each model has a datasheet stating CRI, binning and watts per foot. Binning and test records are shared before shipment, and submittal documents such as marked datasheets and driver data are prepared for project work.
Is the LED strip UL Listed?
UL Listed options are available. Certification is held by the original manufacturing partner and coverage varies by model, with RoHS documentation available for your submittal package. The listing for each model is confirmed at quote.
Who answers questions after delivery?
The same US team, for wiring, dimming and troubleshooting.
Send the drawings or the bill of materials
You will get the products matched, the minimum, the lead time for each line, the payment terms and the Incoterm, in writing.
- 1 reel minimum
- Samples in days
- US-based support