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Alright folks, if you're feeling puzzled about choosing a PCB manufacturer, why not join us in getting to know PCBWay through this article! PCBWay hails from China and can be counted as one of the most well-known manufacturers globally. However, this doesn't automatically guarantee that their quality, pricing, or services are top-notch. It simply shows they've got a remarkable advertising budget. So, are they reliable? Here, TechSparks scoured the web for some feedback on PCBWay, including five-star reviews and critical suggestions. Let's dive into these.
Being a first-time customer, I was amazed by the exceptional service they provided in every aspect. I was completely taken aback by how this experience unfolded; they went above and beyond all my expectations. I placed an order from the eastern US and received it remarkably swiftly, significantly expediting my design process compared to the time it would have taken if shipped from just two states away. The prototype I got was impeccably accurate with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing a high-quality product! Their customer support effectively addressed all my inquiries and provided me with comprehensive guidance. This personalized assistance truly crafted an exceptionally positive experience for me."
As a novice, I initially attempted to design the circuit myself and submitted it to PCBWay for production. However, my early attempts were quite unsuccessful as I couldn't get past PCBWay's review process. This left me frustrated and perplexed. I didn't comprehend the reasons behind it, so I reached out via their messaging system. Surprisingly, within just 20 minutes, I received an email response from them. They explained the design issues in straightforward language and offered expert insights. I made the necessary adjustments. I'm extremely pleased with my decision to go with PCBWay. Had it been another manufacturer, they might not have worked with such precision, potentially leading to board errors.
This marked my inaugural experience customizing a circuit board from a Chinese manufacturer. I was commissioned through Elecrow, and the sole reason I opted for PCBWay was due to the $50 promotion I received. It turned out to be a good decision.
The etching, solder mask application, and hole sizing were all executed with precision, a crucial factor for me.
The design approval process did take several hours, and the overall completion and shipping took several days.
I also crafted aluminum MCORE designs for LED lights, and I must say, the quality was impressive. The machining was accurate, they effectively dissipated heat during manual hot air reflow, and the solder mask application was commendable.
My excitement to utilize PCBWay for assembly projects quickly turned into disappointment as I encountered one of the worst experiences I've had. Initially, the supplier's quote tool provided me with a reasonably priced quote, which included total weight and shipping. It promised a ship date of 3 days, with the arrival date being 4 days later. Everything seemed in order, so I accepted the offer promptly.
However, things took an unexpected turn. Their BOM (Bill of Materials) process was manual and involved multiple email exchanges of an Excel database. While it was relatively responsive, taking only a few hours, it still involved considerable back-and-forth communication. The final review was eventually completed, which should have been good news. However, upon closer inspection, I noticed that the shipping cost had increased significantly, and the lead time had extended to 5 times the original duration simply due to the addition of 9 resistors.
What was even more perplexing was that when I attempted to re-enter the exact same order into the quote tool, the assembly cost suddenly dropped to the lowest 50-board price level. Strangely, my original order didn't reflect any discounts or special offers. This raises concerns about the reliability of the initially quoted prices and whether they can be expected to remain consistent.
As a loyal PCBWay customer, I must admit that their ordering process is quite user-friendly, and the overall product quality is generally impressive. However, the persistently long delivery times have been a cause for concern.
I've placed orders with PCBWay on multiple occasions, and unfortunately, the lead times for assembly have consistently been a letdown. There have been numerous instances where they failed to meet the agreed-upon delivery date, and the delivery times seemed to stretch indefinitely without clear reasons. This is particularly problematic for projects with strict deadlines. I've emphasized the urgency of my orders multiple times, and while I've received responses citing reasons like 'We are working urgently' or 'The factory is operating overtime,' there hasn't been any significant improvement in the delivery times.