oem vs. retail vs. knockoffs

Honestly, i am about to open a website dealing on electronic items like laptop, digicam, mobile and gps. Through research i gain definition of the acronym OEM, but still a little vague due to diiferent type of application. For instance, i am going to sell apple ipods and mobiles, what are the exact OEM definition for that. (i already know the explanation on software to pc) What confusing me is that on electronic items, hi-copy or knockoffs are swarmming over the internet so 'which is which'.

If i`m going to get a supplier, whats the best question to say about their OEM products? How to trace OEM from knockoffs? Your response will highly appreciate.

Thanks,

Russel
Direct Electronic Source :?

To put an OEM product in the simplest terms, it is a product from a manufacturer that is sold without the retail packaging to system integrators and retailers for purchase in or with a completed computer system. Often they are sold in larger lots or groups to help reduce the costs to the company using the parts for integration. What the OEM product will come with will vary depending upon the type of product being sold.

So, how does the product vary? Typically the component that is purchased as an OEM product lacks all retail packaging.

Also missing might be cables or software that may have been included with the retail version. Finally, there may be no or reduced instructions included with the OEM version of the product.

A good example of these differences can be seen between an OEM and retail hard drive. The retail version is often referred to as a kit because it includes with it the drive cables, installation instructions, warranty cards and any software packages used to help configure or run the drive. The OEM version of the drive will only include the hard drive in a sealed anti-static bag with no other materials. Sometimes this will be referred to as a 'bare drive'.

When your trying to find the difference between a knockoff and a real OEM product you generally want to look for a Warranty. OEM products still have a warranty even if its not as good as a Retil Warranty. Most knockoffs wont have a Warranty card with the product.

Thanks Jimmy, that was very helpful. I have another concerns regarding choosing a supplier. Is it possible for me to request any supplier i tap to enter into any binding agreement before we start a fresh new long term business relationship. One for sure to include is the fraudaulent activity or scam issues. Like if i sent a payment but i didn`t recieve any in return (goods) something like that issues. Can i conduct an investigation or sue him? Help me out here. Thanks a lot. :)