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Sourcing process
How supply channels are found, described and compared — and where your verification begins.
We map the channels. You make the approach.
Sourcing work here is desk-based and documentary. We identify which channel types are open for a category, what each one typically involves, and what the published terms look like side by side. What we do not do is contact, negotiate or commit on your behalf.
Each channel is described with what is known, what is stated by the channel itself and what remains unverified. That third column is often the most useful, because it tells you where diligence actually matters.
- Channel types identified for the category
- Published terms recorded with dates
- Minimum order and lead times compared
- Unverified points listed explicitly
- Approach notes for your own contact
The four routes we normally map
Wholesale and trade channels
Distributors and trade-only operations that publish terms of access, order minimums and territory rules.
- Access terms
- Order minimums
- Territory notes
Marketplaces and platforms
Open platforms where sellers publish specifications, prices and buyer terms, and where comparison is possible at scale.
- Published specs
- Price comparison
- Buyer terms
Direct manufacturers
Production operations that deal directly, usually with higher minimums and longer lead times but clearer specifications.
- Higher minimums
- Longer lead times
- Clearer specs
Trading intermediaries
Parties who consolidate or re-list. Useful for small quantities, but the trail back to production is usually shorter on detail.
- Smaller quantities
- Shorter detail trail
- Verify more
What we put side by side
| Dimension | What is recorded | What remains for you to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Cost structure | Published unit cost band, tiered pricing where shown, stated surcharges | Actual quoted price at your volume |
| Minimum order | Published minimum quantity or value, and whether it is negotiable in practice | Whether the minimum moves for your order |
| Lead time | Stated production and dispatch windows | Real dispatch performance |
| Logistics | Stated shipping methods, Incoterms where published, typical transit bands | Landed cost and customs treatment |
| Quality signals | Published specifications, stated certifications, listing completeness | Whether claims hold up on inspection |
| Access | Registration requirements, trade account conditions, territory limits | Whether you qualify |
The right-hand column is not a gap in the work — it is the part that only you can close, and the pack is arranged so you can see exactly which questions to put to a party before committing.
What sourcing work here does not include
No contact
We do not contact, approach or register with any party on your behalf. Approach notes are written for you to use.
- No outreach
- Notes for you
No negotiation
No price discussion, no terms negotiation, no agreement of any kind.
- No price talks
- No agreements
No commitment
We never commit you to an order, quantity, contract or obligation.
- No orders
- No obligations
Have a category in mind?
Send it over. We will tell you which channels are actually researchable and what the pack would cover.