What to include in a sourcing brief for a Chinese factory
Prepare a sourcing brief that makes specifications, quantities, quality expectations and quotation terms clear before you approach factories in China.
Questions worth asking before you order
A clearer basis for sourcing in China
Practical guides to comparing factories, approving samples, following production and preparing shipments. Start with the questions that matter at your next purchasing decision.
All guidesA good place to start
What to include in a sourcing brief for a Chinese factory
Prepare a sourcing brief that makes specifications, quantities, quality expectations and quotation terms clear before you approach factories in China.
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Find the checks that matter at your next decision.
Choose a topic to explore the questions relevant to your current stage of sourcing.
01 /
Factory sourcing
Define the brief, check suppliers and compare quotations on equal terms.
How to compare factory quotations beyond the unit price
Build a quotation comparison around matching specifications, included costs, order constraints and delivery terms, so price differences can be explained.
A landed cost checklist for sourcing products from China
Build a purchasing cost estimate that separates product, development, inspection, transport and destination charges, with clear assumptions and update points.
How to verify a Chinese supplier before placing an order
Check the business identity, relevant production capability, sample performance and order responsibilities, while recording what has and has not been verified.
02 /
OEM and ODM
Approve samples and product versions, with development requirements on record.
OEM and ODM sample approval: creating a production reference
Agree the development scope, assess sample differences and keep an approved specification so the sample process gives production a clear reference.
03 /
Production and inspection
Follow production milestones, inspection findings and release conditions.
Pre-shipment inspection: what to check and how to read the report
Agree acceptance criteria, sampling scope, defect records and release authority so a pre-shipment inspection produces findings you can act on.
How to follow production progress with milestones and evidence
Set meaningful production checkpoints, assign responsibility and request relevant evidence so progress updates lead to clear decisions and timely exception handling.
04 /
Shipment planning
Align cargo details, documents, schedules and handover responsibilities.
Factory-to-forwarder handover: a shipment information checklist
Align cargo details, packaging, documents, responsibilities and timing before goods move from the factory to the freight forwarder.
These guides provide general practical information for purchasing decisions. Confirm the requirements and commercial terms for your own project.
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