Student hardware projects often face unexpected bill-of-materials (BOM) cost overruns despite careful budgeting and component selection. This article examines four hidden supply-chain cost drivers that inflate expenses and provides a practical checklist to help teams control prototype costs and meet deadlines.
Even with meticulous budgeting, student hardware teams often see BOM costs spike before project completion. Beyond pricing mistakes, unseen supply-chain factors quietly drive costs higher. This blog reveals the top four culprits and how to avoid them.
Minimum-Order Quantities force buyers to purchase far more components than needed, inflating costs dramatically. Student teams face compounded overruns, unsellable leftovers, and risky alternatives
Long component lead times push teams to costly broker markets with premiums and expedite fees. Overordering for security ties up funds, while early planning or blanket purchase orders can secure inventory without immediate payment.
Small hardware orders face inflated shipping costs, import fees, and customs delays, often tripling part prices. Limited timelines make cheaper freight impractical
Sudden component obsolescence triggers price spikes and costly redesigns. Students can mitigate risks by tracking lifecycle updates, choosing pin-compatible alternatives, and acting quickly—since last-time-buy windows often vanish within weeks, not months.