Frequently asked questions about international sourcing and importing

A sourcing agent helps a business identify and qualify factories, specify products, obtain comparable bids, coordinate samples and communicate with suppliers. Good sourcing involves documented supplier selection, not simply forwarding a catalog.

A sourcing agent searches for manufacturers on the buyer’s behalf. A wholesaler supplies products at business volumes. A distributor may resell goods locally and add a margin for stock, service or access. The appropriate model depends on volume, risk allocation and total landed cost.

We examine recurring purchases, supplier invoices, order history and forecasts to identify goods suitable for factory-direct quotes. Alternatives are evaluated against specifications, quality, minimum order volumes, regulatory obligations and landed cost rather than headline price alone.

Outsourced procurement means delegating some or all purchasing work to a specialized external team: spend reviews, supplier searches, RFQs, negotiations, quality follow-up and order coordination. It can supplement an in-house purchasing department or provide added capacity.

Yes. We evaluate wholesale needs, recurring purchase volumes and factory-direct alternatives for professional buyers. Availability, minimums, pricing and commercial terms depend on the products and manufacturers involved.

The comparison begins with technical drawings, materials, dimensions, tolerances, test standards and required documentation. Samples, factory audits and inspections may be appropriate. Similar-looking products are not necessarily interchangeable.

MOQ stands for Minimum Order Quantity. A manufacturer may set different minimums by color, model, packaging format or private-label configuration. MOQ should be considered alongside unit pricing, capacity and inventory risk.

Often, yes, subject to manufacturer terms. Samples can help assess materials, finishes and packaging. For regulated categories, they do not replace production testing, required certificates or market-specific approvals.

A factory audit examines the manufacturing site and its processes, quality controls, capacity, traceability and potential mismatches with the buyer’s requirements. The scope should be proportionate to product risk and order value.

These are Incoterms trade rules that allocate responsibilities and costs. EXW generally places extensive transport tasks on the buyer, FOB relates to delivery on board at a named port, and DDP assigns broad destination responsibilities to the seller. Always confirm the named place and applicable Incoterms edition.

Tariff classification, origin, customs value and the destination country’s rules determine the starting point. Trade remedies such as antidumping measures can also matter. A customs broker should verify the classification and duties for each product.

Not necessarily. Regulatory, testing and labeling obligations depend on the product category, intended use and country. A supplier’s document should be assessed for scope, validity and whether an additional local approval is needed.

Landed cost is the full cost of bringing an item to the delivery point. It may include factory price, packaging, testing, freight, insurance, duties, customs clearance, port charges and inland transportation. Comparing factory prices alone can be misleading.

Full Container Load (FCL) may suit larger orders. Less-than-Container Load (LCL) can suit smaller shipments but has different consolidation and destination charges. Volume, weight, timing and destination influence the best option.

We can help locate manufacturers, define private-label specifications and coordinate purchases. The seller must still meet marketplace policies, safety requirements, labels and local import obligations.

Our sourcing and commercial development span North America, Central America, South America, Europe and Asia. We are headquartered in Montréal, have a Florida presence and maintain contacts in several markets. Availability is confirmed for each project.

Timing includes manufacturer selection, sampling, testing, production, inspections, shipping and customs. It varies by product and season. A dependable timeline comes after confirming production and logistics arrangements.

Share product specifications, dimensions, materials, expected volume, target delivery date, market of sale and existing reference products. Historical invoices and purchase orders can support a confidential purchasing review.

We can evaluate B2B sourcing projects for businesses in Montréal, Ottawa and the Capitale-Nationale region, including Québec City. Supplier research, purchasing reviews and import coordination are scoped to the buyer’s products and requirements. These service markets do not represent additional physical offices.

We can review the purchasing needs of developers, hotel groups, retailers and construction contractors in Miami, Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale. Our Florida presence supports commercial discussions; compliance, customs and delivery requirements are assessed separately for every project.

Lima, Medellín, Cali and Panama City are among our markets of interest for sourcing and international business development in Latin America. The feasibility of supplier identification, delivery and market compliance is reviewed case by case before recommending a sourcing plan.

Yes. We can evaluate hotel construction, fit-out or purchasing needs in Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, La Romana and Punta Cana. Potential categories include guestroom equipment, lighting, furniture and construction materials, with attention to brand specifications and Dominican import requirements.