Key takeaways
- Direct purchase and intermediary purchase are commercial arrangements; neither establishes product quality or a fixed cost advantage.
- Identify the manufacturing site, contracting entity and exporter of record before qualification.
- Agree access to process records, audits and change control in the supply agreement.
- Licensing depends on the actual item and transaction, not the number of commercial intermediaries.
Overview
Overview
A buyer can contract with a manufacturer or with a business coordinating production and delivery. Either route needs clear responsibilities for specifications, quality records and corrective action. Compare the specific offers and access to evidence rather than assuming a standard margin or lead-time difference.
Side-by-side
Side-by-Side Comparison
Reference properties and design questions. A count of comparison points does not establish a material or supplier recommendation.
| Criterion | Factory Direct Supplier | Trading Company |
|---|---|---|
| Contract | With the manufacturer | With the coordinating business |
| Production-site access | Agree audit and record access | Agree audit and record access |
| Quality and changes | Name the responsible site and signatories | Name the responsible site and signatories |
| Price | Comparable current quotation | Comparable current quotation |
| Quantity and lead time | Confirm tooling, lot size and delivery | Confirm tooling, lot size and delivery |
| Export responsibilities | Identify exporter and classification responsibilities | Identify exporter and classification responsibilities |
Confirm source conditions and the actual part requirements before using reference values as acceptance limits.
Use cases
Conditions for considering each option
When Factory Direct Supplier wins
- Direct access to the selected manufacturer fits the buyer’s qualification process.
- The commercial and quality agreement covers the required support.
When Trading Company wins
- Coordination or order consolidation is useful to the buyer.
- The intermediary provides the required production evidence and contractual accountability.
How to choose
Decision Framework
Decision framework
Review equivalent quotations and the actual production route. Confirm audit access, acceptance records, change control and responsibility for nonconformance. Identify the exporter and classification process separately; no business-model label guarantees licensing speed.
Specs
Related NdFeB Grades
N42SH
150°C classN42SH reference: 40–43 MGOe at 20°C, with a nominal 150°C temperature class.
Reference; drawing review required
N45SH
150°C classN45SH reference: 43–46 MGOe at 20°C, with a nominal 150°C temperature class.
Reference; drawing review required
N48SH
150°C classN48SH reference: 45–48 MGOe at 20°C, with a nominal 150°C temperature class.
Reference; drawing review required
N42UH
180°C classN42UH reference: 40–43 MGOe at 20°C, with a nominal 180°C temperature class.
Reference; drawing review required
Industries
Related Applications
EV Motors
NdFeB magnet design inputs for permanent-magnet traction motors, auxiliary drives and e-axles.
Robotics
NdFeB design inputs for robot joint motors, compact actuators and servo drives.
Industrial Automation
NdFeB magnets for stepper motors, servo drives, linear actuators, magnetic couplings, and factory automation equipment across European and North American manufacturing.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cheaper is direct sourcing?
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No fixed percentage follows from the route. Compare current quotations for the same geometry, grade, coating, inspection and delivery terms, including coordination and logistics costs.
Who handles export licensing?
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Identify the exporter of record and agree who confirms item classification, prepares documents and applies for any required authorization. The contracting route alone does not establish eligibility or approval time.
Can I audit the underlying manufacturer?
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Agree production-site disclosure and audit access during qualification. Put access to process and quality records, change control and corrective-action responsibilities in the supply agreement.
Need help deciding?
Share your drawing, operating conditions and acceptance requirements for review. Human response within 1 business day.