HI all
Im trying to set up a seeed order of PCBs
Problem is, they want me to input an EORI reference number
now, id never heard of this before today. Anyone else know about it, or have one?
Its something to do with dealing with customs on importing..
any help appreciated, or services that dont require this would be interesting to know about...
thanks
When I've ordered from seeed in the past, it was just a case of upload a zipfile containing the gerbers and wait for the package in the mail ??? maybe it's a UK thing.
Same here...
Quote from: LaceSensor on May 10, 2014, 07:22:07 PM
HI all
Im trying to set up a seeed order of PCBs
Problem is, they want me to input an EORI reference number
now, id never heard of this before today. Anyone else know about it, or have one?
Its something to do with dealing with customs on importing..
any help appreciated, or services that dont require this would be interesting to know about...
thanks
Maybe this will help if you did not find this already.
http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/downloadFile?contentID=HMCE_PROD1_028598 (http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/downloadFile?contentID=HMCE_PROD1_028598)
I've ordered form ITead without any problems. I had to email a zip file with the gerber files. I'm in the UK and wasn't asked for anything else. I think this number is required by businesses importing goods into the EU.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Im not officially a company though so Im not sure why it matters.
Ive imported far more expensive stuff than a run of PCBs, it should just be handled by customs in the normal way... grrr
anyway, it seems if I use the EMS service (rather than fedex, DHL etc) which is $30 more, they dont request this number... (!)
grrr even more
www.elecrow.com
Enjoy!
Quote from: GrindCustoms on May 10, 2014, 08:49:26 PM
www.elecrow.com
Enjoy!
How does this work I can't see how you upload your files??
Thanks
You put your gerbers in a .zip and upload it with a button on the order page. It's similar to Seeed.
Quote from: jubal81 on May 10, 2014, 11:56:44 PM
You put your gerbers in a .zip and upload it with a button on the order page. It's similar to Seeed.
Ok cool I must've missed that
So people have used these successfully, yeah? What's the turnaround time like?
Quote from: GrindCustoms on May 10, 2014, 08:49:26 PM
www.elecrow.com
Enjoy!
Not heard of them before either. I guess you recommend them as better/cheaper/quicker than iTEAD? Ill check them out too. Thanx for the hint.
I've tried ITead, Seeed and Elecrow. Apart from free board color, I have nothing good to say about Elecrow.
I've used them three times, two times they had "problems" with my gerbers that turned out to be their fault and one time they wouldn't even accept my gerbers because one of the layers was apparently "faulty", whatever that meant. All three times the gerbers came straight from Diptrace. After a lot of emailing back and forth they admitted the gerbers were completely usable (once a "technician" took a look at them) and the resultant boards worked out just fine.
Even after accepting the gerbers and proceeding to fab, it took a month and a half for the boards to reach me.
ITead and Seeed are completely the same to me, no hassle ordering and I normally have the boards back in three weeks. Four if there's a holiday someplace.
From the number of endorsements it would appear that nobody else had any issues with Elecrow but I refuse to believe it was me. Ultimately they worked out how to use the gerbers so it's probably their rigid fab process rather than me misusing Diptrace gerber export. Especially since I followed Ben's instructions to the letter and he +1'd them.
Quote from: muddyfox on May 11, 2014, 01:32:04 PM
I've tried ITead, Seeed and Elecrow. Apart from free board color, I have nothing good to say about Elecrow.
I've used them three times, two times they had "problems" with my gerbers that turned out to be their fault and one time they wouldn't even accept my gerbers because one of the layers was apparently "faulty", whatever that meant. All three times the gerbers came straight from Diptrace. After a lot of emailing back and forth they admitted the gerbers were completely usable (once a "technician" took a look at them) and the resultant boards worked out just fine.
Even after accepting the gerbers and proceeding to fab, it took a month and a half for the boards to reach me.
ITead and Seeed are completely the same to me, no hassle ordering and I normally have the boards back in three weeks. Four if there's a holiday someplace.
From the number of endorsements it would appear that nobody else had any issues with Elecrow but I refuse to believe it was me. Ultimately they worked out how to use the gerbers so it's probably their rigid fab process rather than me misusing Diptrace gerber export. Especially since I followed Ben's instructions to the letter and he +1'd them.
I've had pretty good luck with Elecrow but not without problems. Shipping is usually quick but the last two times, FedEx had an issue at their center and held my order for almost two weeks! Elecrow also screwed up one time where they made the boards in the wrong color however they gave me an option of 50% off or wait another two weeks. They may have some issues but they respond quick and make things right. This goes a long way in my book.
I never had a problem with Gerbers though. What was the issue you had?
I've used all three extensively, and it all comes out in the wash. All three are businesses based in China. They all have communication and translation issues, they all have shipping and interface issues, and they all usually make good on their mistakes.
I've been using Elecrow lately because they're a bit faster and cheaper than Seeed, especially because Seeed stopped their free shipping over a certain order cost.
Jacob
Quote from: rullywowr on May 11, 2014, 03:13:59 PM
I never had a problem with Gerbers though. What was the issue you had?
I don't recall exactly but one time it had something to do with board outline layer "missing". They had a "technician" take a look at the gerbers only to find out it's there.
Another time (actually on my Sweet Honey smd board) they said that one of the silkscreen layers was "faulty". Another "technician" had to take a look at it and apparently suddenly everything was OK with it.
I never actually resent any gerbers and "fixed" what they originally claimed was wrong with it. From what I can tell, they have an automated process in place where the boards get inspected only if they get stuck somewhere along the way. Yes, I eventually got all my boards but never without an expense of an extra week emailing back and forth to straighten it out. And never did they offer any form of compensation for a snafu that was clearly their fault every single time.
In my book, that's roughly two strikes. Unless ITead and Seeed mess up, those two are my go-to fabs. I don't need quantity, I don't need Osh quality so these two work out just fine as I have all the time in the world but don't need the hassle.
I'm in the UK and have always used iTead without a single issue.
Order to doorstep is usually within 2 weeks except for when it was Chinese New Year.
Also i've always selected the normal "Registered Air Mail" and have never had any customs charges or handling fees.
Good to read about your experience folks:).
I myself have always (well, it aint THAT many times compared to some of you) had good experience with iTead. So... i just realized i shall not change a winning concept, ill stick to them.
Cheers
+1 for Elecrow (on the basis of one order I've received. I've another on the way).
Elecrow has been pretty seamless for me. I tried the DHL shipping for an extra $10 and got my boards in 10 days instead of 21+ days.
My initial post was short and sweet but yes, i have great experience with them, never had a single issue. Maybe did 6-7 orders with them to date. I mainly order proto and quantity from 50 to 100 from them. They got those free color special on 10qty service or great deals on the small batch service.
I've stopped to use Seeed a little time ago because their lead time and shipping fees to Canada was becoming out of hand.
Still use iTead but only for orders over 300 pieces, they can't be beat yet for those kind of orders.
Ok taking on board experience, price, and fucking annoting EIORSR whatever numbers, Ive ordered with elecrow
The postage was reasonable (less than $50) and the all in cost, even with a coloured board, was cheaper.
Lets see how customer service stacks up
Elecrow verified gerbers and have started fab next day after order. Colour me optimistic!
Beaut, I've got some sequencer and pedal/synth interface boards on the way from seeed myself :) (mind you, they've been in a state of "Left Country Of Origin" since the 5th and the 10th. The panels have been "picked up" since the 9th.)