Q: Who is behind Virtual Chip Exchange?

A: VCE Virtual Chip Exchange Inc., is a 100 percent subsidiary of ce CONSUMER ELECTRONIC AG.

Q: How is VCE different than a chip broker or distributor?

A: VCE is different in many ways. First, we are different than either a broker or a distributor in that we do not carry stock. We never speculate on parts, buying low and holding parts until a shortage comes along to sell. We do not have franchise lines that we represent over others.

We are a facilitator between OEM principles - owners of stock like yourself. Our job is to insure that all transactions occur smoothly, taking care of logistics, insuring quality and guaranteeing payment. At VCE we give the OEM the power to deal ... and stand behind the quality of every transaction.

Q: How can I sign up to become a VCE Member?

A: Signing up with VCE is easy. Either go to the website and click on "join now" and fill in the membership form, or call toll-free 1-888-840-5555 and one of our customer service representatives will be happy to take your data over the phone.

Q: Is membership free, or are there any hidden charges like commissions?

A: VCE is and will remain a free site for exclusive use by OEMs. There is no membership fee to join, nor a commission charged on top of the sales price quoted to you. The quoted price is the price you pay for parts.

Q: Who is eligible as an OEM member?

A: VCE is very concerned about the quality of our membership and the inventory that is offered on the site. We restrict membership to qualified OEMs, Contract Manufacturers, Franchised Distributors and Chip Manufacturers. In this way you can be assured that you are getting top quality product from a reliable source.

Q: Who are the other members of Virtual Chip?

A: VCE has thousands of OEM member companies in 42 countries worldwide. With such a large member base, VCE is the only truly international trading hub for semiconductors. Membership is confidential, so there are no lists of other members.

Q: Is my membership really confidential?

A: All VCE members trade anonymously in order to insure their privacy. No other member will ever see your registration information or see your trading activity of the parts you are buying or selling online. We use the latest 128 Bit encryption technology and double firewalls so that you are assured of complete data integrity. Please see our Privacy Statement for more information.

Q: Is VCE another auction site? If you don't auction parts, how do I get the best return for my excess inventory I wish to sell?

A: No, VCE does not try to drive prices up using an auction model. We believe that our customers wish to control the purchasing process from offer to order confirmation... we do business the way professional OEMs expect to buy semiconductors.

VCE uses its proprietary "E-Chip 2000" software to identify the right buyers for your excess. This insures you of the highest return on your investment and the fastest possible sale.

Q: Why doesn't VCE start an online auction, I hear so much about internet auctions in the news?

A: Unlike auction sites or internet-moles searching distributor websites, VCE is a member-only community of OEMs like yourself who can offer their excess and purchase parts online. An auction model typically does not sell to OEMs, because OEMs are building to schedules and can not afford to "wait and see" if they win an auction or not. Because the auction sale does not involve the end-user of chips (usually a broker), the OEM does not receive the highest return on their excess inventory.

Q: Can I return parts I do not need to VCE?

A: No, VCE will only accept returns due to shipment errors (i.e. wrong / defective parts). After receiving your order you have 5 days to inspect the parts and report any problems to VCE. A VCE customer service representative will provide you with an RMA number to return the parts to us at our cost for replacement or refund.

Q: How are payments made; do you accept credit cards?

A: Because we deal with only pre-qualified OEM customers, every VCE member receives an approved credit line with which they can purchase parts just like from any other major distributor. An invoice is sent with the parts and payment is made 5 days net upon receipt of goods. We do not accept credit cards.

Q: What if I lose or forget my password?

A: Passwords are often lost or erased when a user changes PC's. No problem! Just send an email to info@virtualchip.com and one of our customer service representatives will provide you with your user name and password. For security reasons, we can not confirm password information over the phone.

Q: What is a "PartWatch (TM)"

A: Our trademark "PartWatch" feature allows members to track parts they need anytime, day or night. Just enter a part you need and can not find at the moment, and our Part Watch Dog "Chip" will keep an eye on the market, letting you know via email as soon as the parts you want become available. With "PartWatch", there is no need to keep logging in and checking the latest offers, we do it for you!

Q: What if I want additional help while I am online?

A: See the "call me" button on the website homepage... that is our way of letting you know that at VCE a real person is always not far away. Just "click" on the "call me" button and one of our customer support specialists will contact you. Alternatively, you can call us any time toll-free at 1-888-840-5555 and we will be happy to help in any way we can.

Q: Do I have to enter the date code and manufacturer in order to offer parts for sale on the website? Why do you want to know how the parts are packaged?

A: Yes, we request that you list the exact manufacturer and year (date code i.e. 99+) when you offer parts for sale on VCE. Although your company may have multiple approved sources for a particular part, another company may be looking for a specific manufacturer and date code. Some companies may only be able to use Tape & Reel parts for example, so we ask also for the packaging. Maintaining database accuracy is one of the things that VCE counts on in order to provide high quality service to our members.

Q: Who do I get my money from when I sell parts on VCE?

A: Virtual Chip Exchange, Inc. is your direct partner at every step. When you sell parts on our website, it is Virtual Chip Exchange, Inc. that guarantees you payment for the parts. You do not have to rely on credit intermediaries - you send your invoice to VCE and are paid in a timely and professional manner.

Q: Can I keep track of my buy and sell activity on VCE?

A: Yes, Virtual Chip offers several features for tracking your own inventory for sale and purchases / inquiries that your company has made. These features are listed under the "Offers" section for excess inventory sales and "Inquiry Status" for purchasing history. Our customer service representatives will be happy to assist at any step along the way.

Q: Once I send a P.O. Number, is it legally binding? Can I cancel a P.O. once I hit the "enter" button on the website?

A: Sending a Purchase Order Number (P.O.) via our website is the same as a written Purchase Order. Your P.O. is legally binding as soon as you send it and can not be canceled.

If for some reason you have made a mistake when using the website, please call our customer service representatives immediately. As many of our processes are automated, we can only correct or cancel a mistakenly submitted P.O. if you call us within 5 minutes of the transaction.

Q: Who pays the freight when I buy or sell something on the website.

A: As VCE is acting as an intermediary, we ask our members to pay the freight costs. The shipment terms will be clearly written on any offer or P.O. you receive from VCE.

Q: How do I get notified of a new offer?

A: VCE recognizes that you can not be logged onto our website 24 hours a day, so we have developed an automated email system which informs you of new offers and confirms transactions you have made on the website. All emails are sent to the email address you designate when you sign up as a VCE member.

Q: How can I change my profile (change password, update telephone numbers, add new employees, etc.) ?

A: Changing your personal data online is easy. Just go to "Your Profile" and make the desired changes. To change your password or add a new employee, we require these changes in writing due to security reasons. These changes can be requested by sending an email with the new password or employee data to info@virtualchip.com.

Q: What does VCE do with my data? Does the company have a privacy policy?

A: Yes, VCE has a privacy statement which you can read on the website. VCE respects the privacy of all of our members and promises not to reveal any customer or transactional data to unrelated third parties. Your data is secure behind our double firewalls and 128 bit encryption technology.

Q: Why must I accept the legal agreement before I can search for parts?

A: We want to make sure that all of our members understand the rules for trading on the VCE website. We want you to visit the site often, so we make sure everyone understands how the site is run upfront, ensuring you of a positive trading experience.

Q: What if I have a question not addressed here?

A: At VCE we believe that the formula for success is the best technology coupled with a top customer support team. Our customer support team is available to answer any questions you have, provide you with a guided tour of the site or to check on the status of your shipment. Just give us a call toll-free at 1-888-840-5555 and we will be happy to help in any way we can.