How should you compare suppliers?
Send the same requirements and quantity to each supplier. Ask for business identity, production capability, material information and sample terms. Evaluate responsiveness and documented evidence alongside price. Do not treat a marketplace badge as a substitute for due diligence.
What belongs in the purchase agreement?
Record size tolerances, color references, labeling, packaging, inspection method, defect remedies and shipment terms. Confirm minimum order by variant, not just the combined order. State who pays for rework, returns and extra handling.
How do you prepare for import?
Check product restrictions and labeling before production. Confirm tariff classification, commercial invoice details and the importer’s responsibilities with your broker. Obtain packed dimensions early enough to compare air and sea options.
How do you prepare a repeatable supplier inquiry?
Use one specification version for every supplier: item use, material, measurements, variant quantities, packaging, sample requirements and destination. Ask each supplier to identify deviations rather than silently substituting a cheaper option. Keep price, sample lead time and production commitments in separate fields. The resulting comparison should show which offer meets the requirement before it compares the total cost.
Which product details should your sourcing brief include?
Use the category to decide what a useful sample must demonstrate. The questions below are a starting point for your specification, not verified attributes of a listed product. Ask the supplier to answer for the exact variant and retain the sample reference with the quotation.
| Category | Details to request | Sample check |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing | Fiber composition, garment measurements, size grading and care labels | Measure the requested size and check seams and closures. |
| Footwear | Size system, insole length, upper and sole materials, pair packaging | Compare the pair for size, construction and fit. |
| Bags and accessories | Dimensions, material, closure, strap length and intended load | Check fasteners, stitching and the intended carrying setup. |
| Watches | Exact movement reference, case dimensions, power source and documented claims | Check the agreed functions; do not infer water resistance from appearance. |
Frequently asked questions
Is the minimum order always shared across all sizes and colors?
Do not assume it is. Ask the supplier to state the minimum for each variant and the total order, including any mixed-size or mixed-color restrictions.
What should happen after a sample is accepted?
Record the accepted specification and tolerances, inspection method, payment milestones and defect remedy. Confirm the final batch against that record before authorizing export.
Sources & editorial notes
- 1688 business overview ↗Official owner description; no supplier prices or brand authorizations verified. Source reviewed: 2026-11-09.
- US CBP — basic importing and exporting ↗Further official reference for transaction-specific import checks. This exact page has not been substantively reviewed; it is not evidence of compliance for a product.
Content review identifies the source basis, not a guarantee of future availability, authenticity or delivery. Read our editorial policy.
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