starting a small phone accessories brand, looking for advice

Hi everyone,

I’m new to this and planning to start a small phone accessories brand with phone cases, screen protectors, and cables. I’ve been browsing suppliers on Alibaba but there’s a lot I don’t know beyond requesting quotes. I want to start small with samples or a test batch to sell on eBay or Amazon and avoid rookie mistakes.

I’m unsure how to verify suppliers. How do you know a factory is trustworthy? Are business licenses, certifications, or Trade Assurance enough?

Shipping terms like EXW, FOB, and DDP confuse me. For small orders, is it better to handle shipping myself or use all-inclusive delivery?

MOQs seem high. Any tips to negotiate smaller quantities or better prices? How do you handle quality checks from afar, especially for electronics?

For a small test order, should I register a business first or wait until I see traction? Any advice for beginners would be greatly appreciated.