1688 sourcing & purchasing

Have a product in mind?

Share a reference photo, candidate 1688 links or a previous order. We can review the supplier questions and purchasing work needed, then agree support around your stock plan. Useful starting details include:

• Reference images or product links, with the sizes, materials and quantities you know
• Supplier quotes or the previous order, with changes and unresolved questions marked
• Any samples, checks or product documents you require
• Your UK postcode and intended stock date

Buy to your stock plan

Send the products you want to sell, the variants you need and your target quantities. We help clarify the supplier’s offer so your order reflects the stock you intend to receive.

• Product links or reference images, specifications, sizes and colour combinations
• Minimum quantities, sample requirements and available stock
• Supplier questions, price discussions and order conditions
• A record of the agreed product and purchasing scope

Make the payment terms part of the order

Purchasing and payment support are agreed around your order. Before funds are committed, confirm the payee, currency, service fees, payment stages and the point at which each payment becomes due.

• Identify the supplier and the order being paid
• Record the exchange-rate basis and payment-related charges
• Agree approval points for samples, balances and dispatch
• Keep payment records alongside the supplier order

Resolve issues while the goods are in China

A wrong variant or damaged item is easier to discuss when it has been identified before international dispatch. We can coordinate supplier questions, returns and exchanges within the agreed service scope. The supplier’s acceptance, costs and timing need to be confirmed for each case.

Turn a reference image into supplier questions

A photograph can show the appearance you want. Add the dimensions, material, quantity and packaging requirements that the image cannot settle. Share any candidate product links and mark what is still unknown. We can review the supplier enquiries and purchasing work needed before agreeing the scope.

• Identify the features that must match and any acceptable alternatives
• Ask the supplier to confirm the selected variant and quotation basis
• Record sample or document questions before approving the order

Prepare a repeat order from the last approved version

Send the previous order reference, specification and any sample record. State the new quantities, intended changes and issues from the last delivery. We can help reconfirm supplier availability, price and purchasing terms for the proposed order. Keep changes visible so the next purchase is approved against current information.

Agree the terms before you approve purchasing.

The agreed purchasing brief identifies the products, supplier terms, payment stages and approval points. Your quotation should state our work and charges, the exchange-rate basis and which costs need separate confirmation. Approve these before funds are committed.