Ask the assembler what can go on the feeder
Use cut tape for small builds when your assembler accepts strips and can account for setup losses. Ask for a custom reel when a machine needs a continuous feed but you cannot justify a full factory reel. Choose factory reels when the order size and traceability needs support them. The same electrical part can have multiple orderable packaging options.
Ask the assembly house for a written answer on tape width, minimum usable strip length, leader and trailer requirements, and whether spliced strips are accepted. A marketplace photo of a reel answers none of those questions.
| Option | Good starting point | Ask before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Cut tape | Prototype or a short run | Will separate strips be accepted? |
| Custom reel | Machine-fed run below full-reel quantity | Is the requested quantity supplied as one continuous strip? What fee applies? |
| Factory reel | Repeat production | What is the full-reel quantity and exact ordering suffix? |
TI's purchasing FAQ describes its own custom reel, cut tape, tube and tray options. Treat those as supplier-specific examples.
Compare cost at the build quantity
Suppose you need 180 placed parts and your assembler asks for 20 setup and attrition spares. A custom reel of 200 units at $0.34 plus an $8 reel fee costs $76 before freight. A 1,000-unit factory reel at $0.24 costs $240 before freight. The factory reel wins on unit price and ties up $164 more cash. Buy it only if the remaining 800 units have a credible use and acceptable storage conditions.
Attach the exact sellable SKU and packaging choice to the purchase order. If the supplier splits the shipment, ask how the packaging and lot information will be preserved. The MPN vs. distributor SKU guide helps keep the approved part and the purchasable package distinct.
Who this is for
This comparison is for buyers ordering surface-mount parts for assembly. Your assembler's feeder and handling rules determine whether a quoted pack can go on the line.