Source collision parts with VIN, side and equipment details
To source body and collision parts for Chinese cars, send the complete VIN, exact installed position, LH or RH side, equipment details, finish or color requirement, photographs and quantity for every item. The supplier should identify each part in the correct EPC context and show the proposed product before payment. A vehicle name and a photo of the damaged area are not enough for a safe match.
This method applies across brands such as Chery and other Chinese vehicles. Export configuration, production breakpoints and trim packages can change visible parts even within one model year.
Define exactly which assembly is required
Collision requests can include bumpers, headlamps, fenders, mirrors, doors, pillars, liners, moldings, trim and body-in-white sections. Informal names vary by market, so use a line-by-line list and mark the location on photographs or an EPC diagram.
For each line, record:
- -Complete 17-character VIN and destination market.
- -OEM number and EPC diagram position where available.
- -Front or rear, LH or RH, upper or lower position.
- -Whether brackets, grilles, modules, wiring or fasteners are included.
- -Sensor, camera, washer, heating or lighting equipment.
- -Surface condition, finish and color requirement.
- -Clear photographs of the damaged vehicle, old label and surviving mounting points.
- -Required quantity.
State whether the buyer needs a complete assembly or a bare component. “Headlamp” may or may not include modules. “Mirror” may differ by camera, heating, folding, indicator and connector. “Bumper” may differ by sensor holes or camera brackets.
Check production changes, color and electronic equipment
Use the VIN to select the vehicle; use the EPC to locate the part number. Then review production-date notes and supersessions. A new number may replace an old service number, but the supplier should preserve evidence of the relationship. Do not infer interchange from shape alone.
LH and RH should be described from the driver's forward-facing position. Also state whether the vehicle is left-hand drive or right-hand drive when relevant. For visible trim, request the exact finish. If painting is required locally, confirm whether the supplied part is primed, painted or unfinished instead of relying on a catalogue image.
ADAS cameras, parking sensors and related brackets need special attention. A panel or lamp may mount physically but lack the correct bracket, connector or calibration provision. Confirm what hardware is included and let a qualified workshop handle calibration after installation where required.
Approve real photographs and inspection evidence
Before payment, request current photographs of the proposed item, label, OEM number, connectors, brackets, mounting tabs and packaging. Generic product images cannot show whether a fragile lamp tab is intact or whether the assembly includes the quoted equipment. For genuine parts, ask to see the original package and complete label as well.
A paid sample may be useful for smaller trim, brackets or repeat-stock items. PartSail states that sample cost can be refundable against a bulk order; record the condition in writing. Large one-off panels may be impractical as samples, making detailed pre-shipment photographs and inspection more important.
Inspect identity, quantity, side, finish, included hardware, visible damage and packaging before cargo release. Do not accept repaired tabs, substituted assemblies or changed finishes unless they are explicitly approved.
Plan packaging and freight around volume and fragility
Body parts are often large, light relative to their size and vulnerable to scratching, bending or broken mounting points. Air carriers may charge by dimensional weight, making a bulky bumper or fender expensive even when its scale weight is modest. Planned collision stock usually suits sea freight or consolidated loading; a confirmed urgent lamp or mirror may justify air after comparing landed cost.
Request package dimensions, gross weight and protection method before choosing transport. Agree on surface film, corner and tab protection, internal separation and outer-carton marks where appropriate. Doors, pillars and body-in-white sections require handling plans that reflect their size and damage risk.
PartSail supports mixed containers and states MOQ is negotiable from 100–200 sets per SKU. Mixed loading can combine bulky collision parts with other confirmed stock, but heavy cartons must not crush fragile panels or lamps. Ask the forwarder and loading team to review stacking and usable volume.
Lock the commercial file before production
The quotation should identify the exact OEM reference, application, side, assembly contents, finish, quantity, commercial unit, packaging, Incoterm and named place, payment terms and validity. PartSail offers neutral, custom-brand, color-box and bulk export packaging and states a 15–35 day lead time depending on quantity and customization. Confirm the specific packaging and schedule after technical approval.
The commercial invoice and packing list should use descriptions consistent with the order. The importer and customs broker should confirm current HS classification, duties, taxes and destination documents.
Collision-parts sourcing succeeds when the purchasing file describes the same physical object that the workshop expects. VIN, side, equipment, finish, real photographs and protective logistics provide that connection.