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About the practice
A small, independent research desk built around traceable findings.
Independent by design
Sams Smith Traders is a product research and sourcing intelligence practice working with individuals and small businesses. We were set up to fill a specific gap: the space between “ask around” and “commission a full market study”.
We are deliberately not a trading business. We hold no stock, we take no commission from anyone we describe, and we have nothing to gain from which option you pick. That independence is the product — it is what allows a shortlist to be honest.
- No stock held and no goods sold
- No commission from described parties
- No representation or negotiation on your behalf
- Findings only, decided by you
Three commitments we do not trade away
These are the rules the desk runs on, whatever the brief.
Traceability
If a figure appears in a pack, it has a source next to it. Nothing is stated as fact on the strength of a single unattributed page.
- Inline source references
- Unverified figures labelled
- Contradictions shown
Comparability
Products and channels are compared on one criteria set so a table means the same thing in every row.
- One criteria frame
- Normalised tables
- Weighting agreed up front
Boundaries
We research, we do not transact. The line between advice and representation is kept where it belongs.
- No purchasing
- No intermediation
- No promises about third parties
What we are set up to do — and what we are not
Being clear about the edges saves everyone time.
What the desk does
Desk research across published sources, comparison work, supplier and channel mapping, and packaging the result into a document you can act on.
- Product and category research
- Competitor and offer analysis
- Supply channel mapping
- Comparison tables and shortlists
- Written, referenced packs
What the desk does not do
We do not purchase, import, warehouse, ship, sell or represent. We also do not provide legal, financial or customs advice.
- No purchasing or importing
- No warehousing or logistics
- No sales or representation
- No legal or financial advice
- No guarantees about third parties
Registered details
Company registration details are published here so that a client can verify who they are dealing with before any brief begins. We do not publish certifications, accreditations or performance statistics we cannot substantiate.
Questions before you brief us
If you are not sure whether your question is researchable, the fastest route is a short call. We will tell you plainly if it is not something we can answer well.
Not sure where to start?
Send us the question in plain language. We will tell you what a brief would involve.