YOUR FIRST TASK

Start with one defined task.

Keep the relationships that work. Bring us one China-side problem that needs attention.

Already work with an agent or factory? Start with a separate task. Sourcing for the first time? Start with the decision in front of you.

Describe the problem Explore the tasks →

NEW SUPPLIER SEARCH

A product reference. A scoped supplier search.

You have a product link, photo or drawing but no suitable supplier yet. Start by turning that reference into requirements candidates can respond to.

Illustrative workspace for clarifying product requirements and supplier offers — Illustrative workflow.

Bring what you know

A reference link, photo description or drawing.
Approximate quantity, intended use and destination.
The requirements or constraints already known.

The work to agree

Clarify critical specifications and candidate search criteria.
Contact candidates in scope and follow up unanswered terms.
Coordinate the sample request if that stage is included.

What you can assess

Candidate responses and comparable offers where obtained.
Quoted MOQ, lead time, inclusions and conditions still open.
Information sources, limitations and the proposed next action.

Your decision: ask for a sample, clarify a condition, extend the agreed search or stop with the findings. A suitable supplier, target price or quoted lead time is not guaranteed in advance.

Define the search before it starts

Agree the product requirements, candidate scope, follow-up rounds, records, execution arrangements and fee. Supplier claims are distinguished from checked information. Physical audits and specialist tests are separate work when needed.

Discuss my new supplier search Download blank supplier-search brief ↓

SUPPLIER HANDOVER

Several suppliers. One workable handover plan.

Your products, packaging and labels are coming from different factories. Quantities, arrival dates and packing instructions still need joining up.

Illustrative workflow of coordinating items and packing from several suppliers — Illustrative workflow.

Start with

An item or component list and approximate quantities.
Destination and the part of the handover that is stuck.
Known availability or packing requirements.

Agree the work

Coordinate supplier readiness, receiving arrangements and agreed quantity checks.
Confirm packing, labels, combinations and handover responsibilities.

Receive and review

A supplier readiness and responsibility tracker.
Agreed packing instructions and records of checks actually performed.
An exception list and handover checklist with unresolved items identified.

Your decision: approve the agreed handover, resolve an exception, or stop after this task. Shipment booking or further work is agreed separately.

How do receiving, checks, packing and handover connect?

A MULTI-SUPPLIER EXECUTION ROUTE

Follow the goods through the agreed steps.

The stages included, execution provider, location and external costs are confirmed for each project.

Confirm the combination & label versions
Agree which product, packaging, label or insert belongs in each unit, verify label and artwork revision files, and confirm which instruction version applies.
Follow up supplier readiness
Bring ready dates and missing components together; clarify who needs to act before goods move.
Coordinate receiving & checks
Confirm the receiving provider and location, then coordinate the counts and checks included in the scope.
Take exceptions back to suppliers
Raise shortages, mismatched labels or defects with the responsible party; record processed quantities, held units and options requiring your decision.
Coordinate approved packing & first-piece checks
Verify the approved first-piece reference, then follow the agreed item combination, protection and label instructions through the named execution provider.
Arrange the agreed handover
Coordinate the approved packing information and carrier handover; keep unresolved items and release instructions visible.

Supplier responses, rework and replacement options depend on the goods and the parties' agreement. Checks and handover follow the agreed scope and buyer approvals.

Read the handover task

A named lead. A coordinated delivery team.

The project plan identifies the day-to-day contact, execution providers and the decisions that return to you for approval.

Eddie: the coordinating lead

Requirements, supplier follow-up, execution coordination and key decisions within the agreed scope.

Coordination team — routine follow-through

Routine supplier follow-up, documents, progress records and updates follow the project plan. Questions that affect requirements, timing or cost are escalated for review.

Execution provider: the physical work

The receiving or checking location, named provider, methods and charges are confirmed before the relevant work starts.

You: the approval points

Approve the requirements, changes, added work and release instructions at the agreed checkpoints.

Confirm before goods move

The receiving and packing location, execution provider, included checks, handling or storage charges, packing materials and freight responsibilities are confirmed for the project. Photos and records are specified in the agreed scope. An initial discussion can use redacted information; supplier contacts are requested when needed for execution.

Plan a supplier handover Download blank handover brief ↓Download checking & packing brief ↓Download blank prep record (CSV) ↓

SAMPLE & PACKAGING CHECK

A sample is here. Is it ready for the next step?

A supplier photo looks acceptable, but you still need to check a critical dimension, assembly detail, finish or packaging arrangement.

Illustrative workflow of reviewing a product sample and packaging against agreed checkpoints — Illustrative workflow.

Start with

A product reference and intended use.
The details that matter most, plus a drawing or specification if available.
Destination market and the decision the check should support.

Agree the work

Define the checkpoints, method, execution location and person performing the checks.
Review the sample and packaging against the agreed requirements.

Receive and review

Annotated photos and recorded measurements where included.
Issues linked to the requirements you agreed.
Supplier questions, responses and proposed revisions.

Your decision: approve the checked details, request a revised sample, or pause before production. Further checks or production follow-up are separately scoped.

What the record will cover

The report identifies what was checked, the method used and what remains unresolved. A sample review does not establish the quality of an entire batch or regulatory compliance. Specialist testing and compliance-document work require an agreed scope and appropriate execution provider.

For batch-level checkpoints or unit-by-unit checks, see our sample, batch and unit-by-unit check scopes.

Discuss a sample check Download blank sample brief ↓Compare check scopes →

OFFER COMPARISON

Two quotes. Are they offering the same thing?

A lower unit price can come with a different specification, MOQ, packaging allowance or payment condition. Clarify the trade-offs before committing.

Illustrative workflow of comparing supplier offers and clarifying product requirements — Illustrative workflow.

Start with

A product reference, approximate quantity and destination.
Redacted quotations, or requirements for a new supplier search.
The question preventing your decision.

Agree the work

Align specifications and quotation assumptions.
Clarify missing costs and unanswered terms.
Include supplier follow-up or a defined shortlist when agreed.

Receive and review

A comparison sheet with inclusions and exclusions.
MOQ, payment terms and quoted delivery conditions.
Confirmed facts, unverified statements and a written trade-off note.

Your decision: request a sample, negotiate named conditions, investigate an unresolved concern, or decline the offers. You can continue with your existing supplier.

Keep the comparison useful

Agree the required specification, fields, candidate scope, follow-up rounds and records first. Supplier statements are distinguished from checked information. A desk-based comparison is not a factory audit; an on-site assessment or specialist review is agreed separately.

Compare my sourcing options Download blank comparison brief ↓

SCOPE BEFORE EXECUTION

A useful first task can stand on its own.

Share a product reference, approximate quantity and the issue you want resolved. We clarify whether the task fits, then confirm the scope, deliverables, execution provider, fees, external costs and payment stages before paid work starts.

Clear sourcing fees and agreed execution prices. Project quotations, execution prices or ongoing coordination can be agreed for specific work. Scope, included work and approval points are confirmed before paid work begins.

Describe the problem See all services →

A FILLED HANDOVER EXAMPLE

A quantity gap needs an owner and a decision.

See how a 20-insert shortfall is recorded, followed up and kept separate from a buyer’s release instruction.

Read the worked example