How do you find an international supplier?
The main steps of a sourcing search and the information to gather before starting.
Guides
Understanding international sourcing
Practical reference points to prepare a request. This content is neither legal nor customs advice.
How do you prepare a sourcing request?
Product, volume, quality, destination, lead time: what a partner needs to be able to answer.
What is a MOQ?
Why a minimum order quantity exists and what it means for a first order.
How do you import from China?
Reference points on product categories, customisation and usual documents.
How do you import from Ethiopia?
Specifics of agricultural supply chains and points to confirm depending on the product.
How does international sourcing work?
From the initial request to shipment towards the preferred destination port.
What should you ask a supplier?
Specifications, capacity, lead times, packaging, documents: the useful checklist.
How do you choose a destination port?
Le Havre, Marseille, Antwerp, Rotterdam: practical criteria to consider.
Incoterms: understanding the main rules
Who pays what, who bears the risk and from which point.
How do you place a first international order?
Pilot volume, samples, validation and logistics organisation.
Mistakes to avoid on a first sourcing project
Vague specifications, unrealistic volumes, overlooked regulatory constraints.