Working definitions of the terms used in B2B wholesale electronics trading. Each entry covers what the term means in practice, where it's used, and how it shows up in real wholesale deals.
Used phone with minor micro-scratches only, fully functional, original parts, no locks.
TermUsed phone with visible scratches, minor frame dents, crack-free screen, fully functional.
TermUsed phone with significant cosmetic wear (chips, dents); 100 percent functional unless sold with declared faults.
TermMinimum Order Quantity, the smallest number of units a seller will accept on a single order.
TermInternational Mobile Equipment Identity, the 15-digit serial number on every GSM-compatible handset.
TermApple Activation Lock, ties an iPhone or iPad to its original owner's Apple ID and cannot be bypassed.
TermMobile Device Management, corporate enrolment that locks a phone to an organisation's management server.
TermTelegraphic Transfer, the standard bank wire payment used in wholesale electronics deals.
TermBill of Lading, the shipping document that proves ownership of goods in transit.
TermPre-Shipment Inspection, third-party inspection of goods at the seller's facility before payment release.
TermNew In Box, factory-sealed retail box, never opened, with all original accessories and security seals intact.
TermCertified Pre-Owned, refurbished by the manufacturer or authorised facility with warranty.
TermThe three main cellular technology generations: GSM (2G), WCDMA (3G), LTE (4G), determining regional compatibility.
TermAn IMEI added to the GSMA global database after being reported lost, stolen, or unpaid.
TermA phone restricted to a specific carrier's SIM card; sold separately from unlocked stock in wholesale.
TermUS Federal Communications Commission identifier printed on every wireless device legally sold or imported into the United States.
TermEuropean Economic Area conformity marking required on consumer electronics sold or imported into EU/EEA markets.
TermRestriction of Hazardous Substances directive limiting lead, mercury, cadmium and other materials in electronics sold into the EU.
TermEU directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, requiring producers and importers to register and fund collection of end-of-life devices.
TermEmbedded SIM, a soldered chip that holds subscriber identity data, replacing or supplementing the removable physical SIM card.
TermFactory Reset Protection on Android, anti-theft mechanism that requires the original Google account password after a factory reset.
TermSamsung's mobile security platform including bootloader integrity, secure boot, and enterprise management hooks.
TermInternational Commercial Terms published by the ICC defining the responsibilities of buyer and seller for transport, insurance, customs, and risk.
TermHardware or software workaround that allows a carrier-locked phone to accept a different carrier's SIM, typically detectable and risky for wholesale resale.