Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before placing your first order with Ratel.

Ordering & MOQ

What's the minimum order quantity?
It depends on the SKU and the order tier:
• Sample: as low as 1–10 pieces per SKU ($50/SKU minimum)
• Wholesale: typical MOQ 50–200 pieces, $1,000 order minimum
• Container: full FCL pricing, mix multiple SKUs
Can I order a sample before bulk?
Yes — we strongly recommend it. Sample cost is fully refundable on your first $5,000+ bulk order. Air-shipped in 5–7 days.
Can I mix SKUs in one container?
Yes — that's our strength. A 40'HQ container can carry 50+ different SKUs across 3–4 categories (moto parts + electronics + EV + solar). One PI, one BL, one delivery.
How long does production take?
Stock SKUs: 3–7 days from PI signing. Custom production: 15–30 days. OEM with new packaging: 25–45 days. Lead times confirmed in your quote.

Payment Options

Which payment methods do you accept?
• PayPal — for samples and small orders (3.4% fee)
• Flutterwave — pay in NGN, KES, GHS, ZAR locally
• USDT — TRC20 / ERC20 / BEP20 networks
• T/T (Bank Wire) — recommended for orders > $5,000
• Western Union / MoneyGram — for first-time small orders
• L/C — for FCL orders > $30,000 with verified buyers
What's your payment term?
Standard: 30% deposit on PI signing, 70% before shipping (after photo/video QC sign-off). For repeat customers: net-7 or net-15 terms negotiable.
Can I pay in my local currency?
Yes — via Flutterwave you can pay in NGN, KES, GHS, ZAR, UGX and TZS. We absorb the FX risk and quote you in your local currency.
Is my payment safe?
All payments go to Chongqing Ratel Supply Chain Co., Ltd's registered corporate account in China. We provide PI, contract, BL and full documentation. Personal account payments are never requested.

Shipping & Delivery

How long does shipping take?
Sea freight: 25–40 days port-to-port + 3–7 days clearance. Air freight: 5–9 days. Express (DHL/FedEx): 3–5 days. See full route table on the Shipping page.
Do you ship to my country?
Yes — we ship to all 54 African countries via sea or air. Primary markets: Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Ethiopia, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, Rwanda, Cameroon.
Door-to-door or port-to-port?
Both options available. DDP (door-to-door) = we handle everything to your warehouse, all duties pre-paid. CIF (port-to-port) = you handle import side. Quote shows both clearly.
How do I track my shipment?
WhatsApp updates at every stage: production complete → loaded → vessel departed → arrived → cleared → delivered. Plus standard tracking via shipping line.

Certification

Do you handle SONCAP for Nigeria?
Yes — through SGS, Cotecna and Intertek. Cost is typically 0.45–0.65% of FOB. Documentation, sample submission and certificate issuance are all handled by Ratel.
What about COC for Kenya / Tanzania / Uganda?
Yes — full PVoC support via SGS & Intertek. COC certificate attached to BL before shipping so customs clearance is smooth.
My country requires CTN — can you do it?
Yes — for Cameroon, Senegal, DRC, Côte d'Ivoire (CSC), and other Francophone West African countries that require Cargo Tracking Notes / Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons.

Quality & Returns

How do you ensure product quality?
3-stage QC on every batch:
1. Factory audit — only verified factories
2. Pre-shipment inspection — AQL 2.5 standard
3. Container loading audit — random 5% pull
Photo + video reports sent before shipping. You sign off, then we ship.
What if I receive defective products?
If defects are confirmed (usually > 3% AQL):
• Replacement shipped in next container at no charge, or
• Credit note applied to your next order, or
• Refund for the defective batch (after photo evidence review)
Do products have a warranty?
Most consumer-electronics SKUs carry a 6-month manufacturer warranty. Moto parts: 30-day warranty against manufacturing defects. We facilitate warranty claims on your behalf.

OEM & Custom

Can you put my logo on products?
Yes — minimum 500 pcs/SKU for logo customization on existing products. Higher quantities unlock custom packaging, color, and full ODM design.
Do you have an in-house design team?
Yes — packaging, label artwork and brand identity work included with full OEM orders. You can also bring your own designs.
Will you sell my OEM product to my competitors?
No — we sign exclusivity agreements for OEM customers in their target markets. Your branded SKU is yours alone.

Account & Support

Do I need an account to order?
No — first orders can be placed via email or WhatsApp inquiry. Repeat customers get a dedicated account manager and a customer portal for tracking, reordering, and accessing past invoices.
What languages does your team speak?
Mandarin, English, French. Local-language support (Hausa, Yoruba, Swahili, Amharic) available via partner agents in each country.
What if I have a question after delivery?
Your account manager remains available throughout the product lifecycle — for warranty claims, reorders, technical questions, or scaling to bigger volumes.
Question not answered here? WhatsApp us directly or use the contact form — most replies within a few hours.