OEM Battery Program Checklist for Distributors
Private-label battery programs fail when artwork, certificates, and warranty terms are treated as "phase two." By the time the first container lands, mismatched nameplates or missing UL scope can block a product launch for a quarter. Use this checklist to align factory and distributor teams before the sample wire is sent.
1. Define SKU list and volume bands
Start with a rationalized catalog — not every factory SKU. Group by:
- Voltage class (12V telecom, 2V ESS, etc.)
- Top three Ah ratings that cover 80% of your forecast
- Regional certifications required (CE-only vs UL markets)
Share **12-month volume bands** (low/mid/high) so the factory plans plate purchasing and MOQ fairly.
2. Approve mechanical drawing and nameplate
Request CAD or PDF with:
- Dimensions, terminal layout, lift handles
- Nameplate field positions (logo, model, warning icons)
- Barcode or QR spec if your WMS requires it
Sign off **before** mold or label stock is ordered. Changes after tooling carry cost and delay.
3. Sample cycle and performance sign-off
Samples are not only for marketing photos. Test:
- Capacity at C10 or C20 per datasheet
- Float voltage compatibility with your reference rectifier or charger
- Drop and vibration if your channel handles field logistics roughly
Document pass/fail against your internal spec sheet, not only factory QC sheet.
4. Carton, pallet, and labeling
Export cartons need:
- Bilingual or English shipping marks per destination
- Gross weight and net weight per carton
- "Non-spillable battery" marking where applicable
Pallet height affects container cube — optimize before you freeze FOB price. Mixed-SKU pallets may be available; confirm stacking limits.
5. Warranty and defective swap policy
Agree in writing:
- Warranty period (months or cycles)
- **Pro-rata vs full replacement** rules
- Who pays return freight for defective blocks
- Required installation records (temperature logs, charge settings)
Ambiguity here destroys distributor margins on the first hot summer season.
6. Safety stock and spare Ah strategy
Distributors need spares that match installed base, not full catalog depth. Model:
- One spare size per cabinet family
- Regional hub quantities based on mean time to replace
Factory should confirm lead time for rush replenishment outside contract MOQ.
7. Certificates per container
Bundle compliance PDFs indexed to:
- Container number
- PO line
- Serial or date-code range
Your import broker should not hunt certificates across email threads at clearance.
8. Pre-shipment inspection (optional)
Third-party PSI or factory walkthrough before seal:
- Quantity and model check
- Terminal torque sample
- Carton label vs nameplate photo
Worth the fee on first OEM run or when switching factories.
Commercial terms to lock early
- **MOQ per SKU** and price breaks
- **Sample lead time** vs bulk lead time
- **Payment terms** and defect holdback
- **Exclusivity** geography — clarify if factory sells same bare case to others
FOB Shenzhen is our standard export term; confirm incoterms and insurance in the proforma.
Marketing assets without certificate risk
OEM partners often want lifestyle imagery and cut sheets. Use factory-approved photos and **do not claim certifications** your nameplate scope does not cover. We can supply product photography from our [catalog lines](/products/) adapted to your label after artwork approval.
Frequently asked questions
**ODM vs OEM — what's the difference here?**
OEM: your label on established factory designs. ODM: factory engineers a new case or terminal layout — longer timeline, tooling cost discussion.
**Can we change label mid-season?**
Yes with label stock control — factory must segregate old vs new cartons to avoid mixed customs declarations.
**How long from artwork approval to first container?**
Typical 25–40 days production plus ocean transit depending on SKU and season. Confirm on PO.
**Who owns UL file for private label?**
Clarify in contract — some factories hold master files; distributors may need authorization letters for local authorities.
Ready to open a program? Send forecast volumes and target certifications through our [contact form](/contact/) — we reply within one working day with sample MOQ and timeline.