How we work
Brief to arrival. Up to eight steps.
Not every trade needs all eight: some buyers do not want a sample, others need only part of the sequence. We agree at the start which steps apply to yours, and you always know which one you are on and what has to happen for the next to start.
Your steps, not a fixed sequence
Agreed at the brief.
Buy through us and we take on the steps your trade needs. Hire us for one part and we take on that part alone. Four examples:
A full tradeBought through us
Steps used: all eight.
Without a sampleBought through us
Steps used: all except 03, Sample.
A supplier searchHired for one part
Steps used: 01, Brief, and 02, Sourcing.
An inspectionHired for one part
Steps used: 01, Brief, and 06, Inspection.
Examples only. The steps for your trade are agreed in step 01, the brief.
The eight steps
What happens at each one.
What each step involves, and what you have in hand when it is done.
- 01
Brief
You send the product, the quantity, the destination and a target price. If a specification exists we work to it; if not, we help write one. This is also where we agree which of the next steps your trade needs.
You getThe steps your trade needs, agreed before anything starts.
- 02
Sourcing
We shortlist suppliers in Asia or Europe who can actually make it at that volume, and come back with quotations you can compare on the same basis.
You getQuotations you can compare on the same basis.
- 03
Sample
If you want one, a physical sample is approved in writing before production starts. If you do not, the written specification is what the goods are checked against.
You getAn approved sample, or the written specification as the reference.
- 04
Order
Terms, payment structure and delivery date are fixed in a purchase order. From here the order has one reference number.
You getOne purchase order and one reference number. Buying through us, one contract and one invoice.
- 05
Production
You get progress updates without asking. Where it matters, production is inspected as it runs rather than only at the end.
You getProgress updates without asking.
- 06
Inspection
Pre-shipment inspection against the approved sample or the specification, with photographs. We attend in person where we can, and commission an independent inspector where we cannot or where you want third-party sign-off.
You getAn inspection report with photographs.
- 07
Shipping
Booking and loading, or handing over to your forwarder, depending on the terms agreed. The transport document, invoice, packing list and any certificates the market requires travel together.
You getThe full document set, together.
- 08
Arrival
Documents reach you before the goods do, so the paperwork is not what holds them up on arrival.
You getThe documents before the goods.
Payment and terms
So neither side carries all the risk.
Payment is structured so that neither side carries all the risk, and the terms are held once they are agreed. They are fixed in the purchase order at step 04, alongside the Incoterms, which set where the goods and the risk pass to you.
- T/T as standard; L/C and other terms where they fit
- Payment linked to milestones where it helps
- Advice on Incoterms if you are not sure which fit
Next
Start with the brief.
Product, quantity, destination and target price are enough for step 01.