Buying Through an Online Marketplace

For straightforward products and experienced importers, online marketplaces can work extremely well.

They allow buyers to:

• Search large numbers of suppliers

• Compare products

• Request quotations

• Communicate directly

• Order samples

• Find manufacturers in different regions

But finding a supplier is only the beginning of the process.

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The Challenge Comes After Finding the Product

Once you've found a potential manufacturer, you still need to determine whether they're suitable.

Questions include:

Who are you actually dealing with?

Can they manufacture consistently?

Is the quotation based on the exact specification you requested?

Are the materials correct?

Who monitors production?

Who checks the finished goods?

What happens if something goes wrong?

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What Does a Sourcing Company Do?

A good sourcing company acts as the link between the buyer and manufacturer.

Depending on the service required, this can include:

• Finding manufacturers

• Comparing quotations

• Communicating technical requirements

• Organising samples

• Negotiating

• Monitoring production

• Factory visits

• Quality inspections

• Packaging coordination

• Shipping assistance

This can be particularly valuable for smaller businesses without their own purchasing team or staff in China.

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Is a Sourcing Company Always Necessary?

No.

For a simple, low-value product from an established supplier, managing the purchase yourself may make perfect sense.

However, as order values increase or products become customised, the consequences of mistakes become considerably greater.

The question isn't simply whether you can buy directly.

It's whether the additional support, oversight and local knowledge provide enough value to your business.

A More Personal Approach to Sourcing

East West Sourcing is a small company by design.

Rather than clients being passed between departments, we aim to provide personal, one-to-one support throughout the sourcing process.

With experience and resources in both the UK and China, we help bridge the gap between businesses and manufacturers.

Found something on Alibaba but aren't sure about the supplier? Talk to us before committing to a large order.