How to Order PCBs From China: Step-by-Step for Startups
You designed your board. You ran DRC. Your Gerber files are ready. Now what? This guide walks you through exactly how to get your PCB manufactured in China — from exporting files to receiving boards at your door.
The 7-Step Process
Export Your Gerber Files
Open your EDA tool (KiCad, Eagle, Altium, EasyEDA, etc.) and export Gerber files. You need:
- Gerber layers (copper, silkscreen, solder mask, paste)
- Excellon drill file
- Board outline (Edge.Cuts layer)
Zip everything into one file. Name it clearly: my-board-v1.2-gerber.zip
Choose Your Manufacturer
You have three options:
- Instant-quote platforms (JLCPCB, PCBWay) — Fast, cheap, but limited support
- Brokers — Add margin, sometimes add value
- Direct partners (like Mayio) — Factory pricing + human engineering support
For your first order, we recommend starting with a direct partner. You get a real engineer reviewing your files, not a script.
Submit Your Files
Send your Gerber zip along with:
- Layer count
- Quantity (5pcs is a good start for prototyping)
- Any special requirements (ENIG, impedance control, etc.)
We accept files via WhatsApp, email, or our website. WhatsApp is fastest — we typically respond within 2 hours.
Get a Quote & DFM Review
You'll receive a quote with all-in pricing (boards + shipping + stencil if needed). No hidden fees.
Simultaneously, an engineer reviews your Gerber files for manufacturability issues. If there are problems, we tell you before production starts — not after you receive bad boards.
Approve & Pay
Review the quote and DFM report. If everything looks good, approve and pay. We accept PayPal, bank transfer, and credit card.
Production (3-7 Days)
Standard manufacturing times:
| Board Type | Turnaround |
|---|---|
| 2-layer standard | 3 days |
| 4-layer standard | 5 days |
| 6+ layer | 7-10 days |
| Flex / rigid-flex | 7-14 days |
You'll receive photos of the boards before shipping for approval.
DDP Shipping (3-5 Days)
Boards ship via DHL express. DDP means Delivered Duty Paid — no customs surprise. The price in your quote is the total cost. Boards arrive at your door in 3-5 business days.
Total time from order to delivery: 6-12 business days.
Common Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make
We need actual Gerber files (RS-274X), not a screenshot of your PCB layout in your EDA tool. Export the files properly.
If your Gerber is in mm but your drill file is in mils, the holes will be in the wrong places. Always verify before submitting.
The cheapest quote often means no AOI inspection, thinner copper, or rough edges. Pay a little more for a manufacturer that actually checks their work.
Always prototype first. Get 5 boards, test them, then order production quantities. The $2 you save by skipping the prototype isn't worth 500 bad boards.
If the manufacturer flags an issue, don't just click "approve anyway." Understand what they found. It could save you from re-ordering.
What If I Need Assembly Too?
If your board has surface-mount components, you'll also need SMT assembly. The process is the same — send your BOM (Bill of Materials) and pick-and-place file along with your Gerbers. The manufacturer handles everything: PCB fabrication, component sourcing, assembly, testing, and shipping.
See our complete PCB assembly guide for details.
Ready to Order?
Send your Gerber files on WhatsApp and get a quote within 24 hours. Free DFM review included with every order.
💬 Send Gerber Files on WhatsAppRelated: PCB Cost Guide · Prototype Service · Manufacturing in China Guide