Electronic Device Distribution Guide

A practical guide for hobbyists, makers, and small manufacturers on safely distributing electronic devices through local fabrication networks

Start Safe

Begin with component files and assembly guides. No batteries, no liability headaches.

Scale Smart

Graduate to mechanical kits, then consider full assemblies when you're ready for compliance.

Build Community

Connect with local makers, share knowledge, and grow the ecosystem together.

The Hobbyist Reality Check

Here's the truth about selling electronic devices:

That cool Arduino-powered gadget you built in your garage? The moment you sell it as a complete device with batteries, you're playing in the same regulatory sandbox as major manufacturers. UL certifications, liability insurance, hazmat shipping—the works.

But here's the good news: there are smart ways to share your innovations without drowning in paperwork or risking your house in a lawsuit. This guide shows you how to navigate the electronics distribution landscape as a hobbyist or small-scale maker.

Three Paths Forward

1

The Safe Harbor: Files + Instructions

What you sell: STL files, PCB designs, assembly instructions, and a bill of materials (BOM)

What buyers get: Everything they need to build your device themselves

✅ Advantages:

  • • No safety certifications required
  • • No shipping restrictions
  • • Platform safe-harbor protections
  • • Low liability exposure
  • • Easy to update and iterate

💡 Pro Tip: Include detailed assembly videos and troubleshooting guides. Your buyers will love you for it, and it reduces support headaches.

2

The Middle Ground: Mechanical Kits

What you sell: 3D printed parts, PCBs, motors, hardware—everything except batteries and chargers

What buyers add: Their own UL-listed battery pack and charger

✅ Advantages:

  • • No hazmat shipping requirements
  • • Simpler UL requirements (motor/PCB only)
  • • Higher perceived value than files alone
  • • Faster assembly for buyers

⚠️ Requirements:

  • • UL certification for motor/PCB components
  • • CE/RoHS self-declaration
  • • Clear buyer acknowledgment about power source
3

The Full Monty: Complete Devices

What you sell: Fully assembled, ready-to-use electronic devices with batteries

What you need: Serious compliance infrastructure and deep pockets

🚨 Major Requirements:

  • • Full UL certification (device + battery + charger)
  • • $1M+ product liability insurance
  • • Hazmat shipping certification
  • • CPSC recall database monitoring
  • • FCC EMI compliance testing
  • • Corporate structure with compliance officer

⚡ Reality Check: This path typically costs $50,000-$200,000+ in certifications and setup. Most hobbyists should start with Path 1 or 2.

Real-World Examples

✅ Smart Approach: LED Desk Lamp

Files Package: STL files for the lamp body, PCB design for LED driver, assembly guide

BOM includes: LED strips, resistors, switches, wire—but directs buyers to purchase their own UL-listed 12V power adapter

Result: Clean, profitable, legally safe distribution

❌ Risky Approach: Same Lamp

Complete device: Fully assembled lamp with built-in lithium battery and charging port

Problems: Needs UL certification, hazmat shipping, product liability insurance

Cost: $50K+ in certifications before selling the first unit

Getting Started Checklist

Before You List Your First Electronic Device:

📋 Documentation

  • Complete assembly instructions with photos
  • Detailed bill of materials with supplier links
  • Safety warnings and precautions
  • Troubleshooting guide

⚖️ Legal Basics

  • Business license (even for small operations)
  • General liability insurance
  • Clear terms of service for buyers
  • Understanding of local tax obligations

Community & Resources

🔧 Maker Communities

  • • Local makerspaces and fab labs
  • • Arduino and Raspberry Pi forums
  • • Reddit communities (r/electronics, r/DIY)
  • • Discord servers for makers

📚 Learning Resources

  • • UL Standards database
  • • CPSC recall database
  • • FCC equipment authorization
  • • Small business legal guides

🤝 Professional Help

  • • Product liability attorneys
  • • UL testing laboratories
  • • Small business insurance agents
  • • Regulatory compliance consultants

Ready to Share Your Innovation?

Start with the safe harbor approach: share your designs as files and let the community build amazing things. You can always scale up as you grow.

Browse PrintPeerGet Help Getting Started