A listing called 'AA4255mWh(NTC)*12pcs' tells you the energy, that it has a thermistor, and that you get twelve. Useful for browsing, not much use on a purchase order or a test report, because the pack count is not part of the product.

Before you order, agree one model number that appears on the specification, the sample, the artwork, the invoice and every document. It saves the argument later about whether the cells you received are the cells you approved.

This is worth doing with any supplier, including us. Ask for it in writing at the quotation stage.

Use this checklist

  • Treat listing strings as a way to find products, not to order them
  • Agree one model number before the sample is approved
  • Make sure every document points at that number
  • Record the revision and the date it was approved