India's Verified B2B Marketplace for Exporters & Suppliers

The 7-step sourcing playbook

A repeatable checklist that seasoned buyers follow before placing any first-time order for B2B suppliers.

1. 1. Nail down the specification

   Write a one-page spec sheet: dimensions, tolerances, material grade, packaging, target price band and target MOQ. Every negotiation is faster when both sides agree on what's being quoted.

2. 2. Shortlist 8–12 suppliers

   Filter Today Adviser's B2B suppliers listings by verification, business type (manufacturer / trader / exporter) and geography. Save 8–12 candidates before starting outreach — enough for a competitive quote round.

3. 3. Send a structured RFQ

   Attach the spec sheet, ask for FOB and CIF quotations, and specify your target shipment window. Serious suppliers reply within 24–48 hours with itemised pricing.

4. 4. Order a paid sample

   Never skip sampling on a first order. A ₹1,000–₹5,000 sample cost is nothing compared to a rejected container. Test against your own quality checklist, not just a visual review.

5. 5. Negotiate the full commercial terms

   Lock down price, MOQ, lead time, packaging, Incoterm, payment terms, penalty for late shipment, and warranty. Ask for a Pro-Forma Invoice covering every line — signed by both sides.

6. 6. Book a pre-shipment inspection

   For orders above roughly USD 5,000, book a third-party inspection at 80% production. Costs USD 200–350; catches nearly every defect before the container is sealed.

7. 7. Track shipment & release balance

   Release the balance only after your inspector clears the goods and against the BL copy. Track the container via your forwarder and pre-clear import duty to avoid demurrage at destination.

Five costly mistakes first-time buyers make

Trade terms every buyer should know

A quick reference to the vocabulary that appears in almost every quotation, contract and shipping document you will handle while sourcing B2B suppliers.

MOQ

Minimum order quantity — the smallest batch a supplier will produce or ship at the quoted price. Ask whether it applies per SKU, per colour or per shipment.

FOB

Free On Board: the supplier delivers the cargo on board the vessel at the origin port; freight and insurance from there are your cost and your risk.

CIF

Cost, Insurance and Freight: the supplier arranges and pays for sea freight and insurance up to your destination port. Easier for first-time importers.

EXW

Ex Works: you collect from the factory gate. Cheapest headline price but you carry inland transport, export clearance and every downstream cost.

Pro-Forma Invoice

The pre-payment document that fixes price, quantity, specification, Incoterm, lead time and bank details. Treat it as your contract and sign both sides.

Letter of Credit

A bank-backed payment instrument that releases funds only against compliant shipping documents. Standard for large first-time orders.

Bill of Lading

The carrier's title document for sea cargo. Whoever holds the original controls the goods — never release full payment before you hold a copy.

HS Code

The harmonised tariff code that decides your import duty. Confirm it before ordering; a wrong code can double your landed cost.

Pre-shipment inspection

A third-party check at roughly 80% production completion, verifying quantity, workmanship, packing and labelling before the container is sealed.

Lead time

Production days plus transit days. Always ask suppliers to state the two separately so you can plan your own stock cover honestly.

Demurrage

Port charges accruing when a container sits uncleared at destination. Pre-file your import documents to avoid it.

Certificate of Origin

Proof of manufacturing country, often required for preferential duty under a free-trade agreement. Ask whether yours qualifies.