Find and qualify
Supplier search: a shortlist of factories that can really make your product
Marketplaces list traders, showrooms and factories that make something similar. We search through industry networks, associations and our own supplier base, check each candidate and give you a comparison you can decide on.
- Best for
- Buyers starting a new product or replacing a supplier
- Typical timeline
- Shortlist in 2–4 weeks
- You receive
- Comparison of 3–5 qualified suppliers
The challenge
Why finding a supplier takes so long
- 01
Traders posing as factories
Many listings are trading companies; you pay their margin and lose sight of where goods are really made.
- 02
Quotes you cannot compare
Each supplier quotes a different specification, so the cheapest price is rarely the cheapest product.
- 03
No way to check from abroad
Licences, capacity and export experience are hard to verify by email.
What is included
Scope of work
Specification check
We confirm the details suppliers need to quote: materials, sizes, finishes, packing, volumes.
Wide search
Industry networks, associations, trade fairs, our supplier base and online sources.
Pre-qualification
Business licence, factory or trader, main products, capacity, export markets and certificates.
Quote requests
The same request to every candidate, so prices are comparable.
Comparison
Price, MOQ, lead time, payment terms and risks side by side.
Recommendation
Our ranked recommendation, and which candidates deserve an audit.
How it works
Step by step
Brief
You send the specification, volumes and target price.
You receiveConfirmed sourcing brief
Search
We identify and contact candidate suppliers.
You receiveLong list of candidates
Screening
We verify and pre-qualify the candidates.
You receivePre-qualification notes
Quotes
We request and normalise quotes on one specification.
You receiveSupplier comparison and recommendation
Deliverables
- Confirmed sourcing brief
- Long list with source of each candidate
- Pre-qualification notes and licence checks
- Normalised quote comparison
- Ranked recommendation with risks
A good fit if you
- Need a new supplier for a product or category
- Got quotes online but cannot tell who is reliable
- Want factory-direct prices, not trader margins
- Plan to audit the best two or three before ordering
Questions
Frequently asked
Do you only work with suppliers you already know?
No. Our existing supplier base is a starting point, but we search the market for each brief and recommend whoever fits best.
Do suppliers pay you a commission?
No. We are paid by you, so our recommendation is not influenced by supplier commissions.
What if no supplier meets our target price?
We tell you, explain where the cost gap is, and suggest specification or volume changes that could close it.
Works well with
Start a project
Start with Supplier search and shortlisting
Tell us about the product and what you need. We reply within one working day with questions or a written proposal.
Request ready
Thank you. We received your request and will reply within one working day.
Your email app should open with the request filled in. If it does not, copy the text below and send it to dang.victor@worldsteelgroup.com