Suppliers answer better questions faster. Whether you are sourcing an existing mount platform or developing a custom holder, the difference between a vague inquiry and a useful one is a short, specific brief. You do not need every answer — you need the ones that change the recommendation.
The core brief: eight inputs
| Input | What to say | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Product direction | Magnetic, gravity, dashboard, charging, or bike/motorcycle. | Sets the platform shortlist immediately. |
| 2. Application | Car, bike, motorcycle, desk, or a specific vehicle/interior. | Constrains the mechanism and mounting method. |
| 3. Mounting position | Dashboard, vent, console, windshield, handlebar, stem. | Drives the attachment design and tooling. |
| 4. Target phones | Size range, weight, case or MagSafe considerations. | Determines hold, grip and compatibility. |
| 5. Target market | Country or region, and the channel (retail, marketplace, wholesale, fleet). | Shapes price band, packaging and compliance questions. |
| 6. Estimated volume | An order-of-magnitude estimate is fine. | Indicates platform versus custom development. |
| 7. Branding & packaging | Private label, custom moulding, colourways, retail box or poly bag. | Affects tooling, MOQ and lead time. |
| 8. Timing | Target launch or delivery window. | Helps plan samples and production slots. |
Reference material: worth a thousand words
If you have any of the following, include them. They cut ambiguity faster than description:
- A reference product, link or listing you want to match or improve.
- A sketch, drawing or 3D file (even rough).
- Photos of the mounting location or the vehicle interior.
- A packaging reference or brand style guide.
What the supplier should confirm — not assume
A good reply will flag these as to be confirmed per project rather than quoting them from a catalogue. If a supplier states them as fixed without checking, treat that as a caution sign:
- Materials and surface finish.
- Phone compatibility and hold performance.
- Testing methods and any certification.
- MOQ, pricing and sample cost.
- Production lead time and delivery terms.
Red flag: a supplier who promises "the lowest MOQ," "full certification" or "fits all phones" before asking about your market and phones is guessing. Project-specific confirmation is the honest answer.
A worked example
A short brief that gives a supplier something to work with:
"We sell car accessories on marketplaces in Germany and the UK. We want a magnetic car phone mount for dashboard use, private label, retail box. Target retail price is mid-range. Phones are current 6.1–6.8 inch models, many in cases. Estimated first order 3,000–5,000 units for a spring launch. We have a reference listing we like and can share it."
That message tells the supplier the direction, application, market, channel, branding, price band, phones, volume and timing — enough to recommend a platform or a custom route, and to flag what still needs confirming.
Prepare your brief
Use our inquiry form to send these inputs, or review the product directions first. Related reading: magnetic vs gravity mounts and wireless charging project requirements.
Have a project in mind?
Send your market, use case and target volume. We will suggest a practical starting point.