Beata Leyland
Sourcing Agent & Consultant & Author of this article
I am searching for manufacturer who ... , in Europe and Asia , and I need XYZ sounds familiar, right ?
Intrigued ?
Sourcing Campaigns from a very high level is an art of research based on certain, specific criteria for every entity.
Some search based on product, some based on human capital, and some based on savings opportunities.
I would distinguish 3 types of campaigns:
- Freestyle. As a company we have a free hand and only one goal to be achieved, for instance finding the best suppliers for nuts in the whole world. As an add-on, the client wants business knowledge. Some clients came to us only for business research.
Case Study
Our client from Asia came to us with the desire of creating a business based on dry goods.
Our task was to create a sustainable supply-chain model based on a few continents to make sure his business will come together within a year.
Of course, establishing a solid foundation based on honest communication was key to make sure we can make our work as best as possible. Weekly and daily ad-hoc checkups were sufficient for him.
What was done ?
Based on this campaign research on all continents, trends and target pricing have been defined. Many interesting and influential phone calls /video calls later my client got almost 50 offers from all over the world.
The samples phase is always a big reality check and after choosing a few companies we can go ahead and start production.
This phase can also be very stressful, with first payments to a new supplier, and (usually delayed) first delivery experience, but also a great lesson about the power of communication and how important it is to trust the process.
It’s a great feeling ( … ) to see how confident and mature the project becomes and how the client becomes a business owner.
- Restricted Campaigns. Our client comes to us with technical drawings of their product, defined area of target pricing, and an area from where the products should come from.
Case study
Many talented people come to us with blueprints of their ideas (always NDA is signed upfront!) and our task is to find someone who can create a prototype out of the drawing.
What kind of products do we help to manufacture?
Some examples are tools, cosmetics, supplements, and everyday products which will be created using your label.
So many business-savy people knocked on our door with their business ideas from all continents.
Every project was different and the process of discovering the industry, creating connections, and gaining more and more knowledge has been an absolutely fantastic experience.
I had calls full of fun and joy; philosophical and nostalgic but also very tense ones.
It’s a great feeling to grow with the project and client, to see how confident and mature the project becomes and how the client becomes a business owner.
I need to say that so many of my clients bloom like radiant flowers now.
This specific type of campaign requires following strict guidelines but being open and receptive is a huge part of success.
It also includes an honest review of samples, visiting manufacturing plants, and taking time to be strategic.
- Mixed Model. Certain criteria are already set but the client is open for comprehensive market research which will be an outcome of the campaign.
That’s the most common type which we offer.
You provide us with the criteria, and the rest is our knowledge and expertise which allows ourselves to be surprised, curious and strategic.
Our connections help you save time and time is money.
In addition, your growth helps us grow as fair play cooperation is what makes both parties stronger.
Case Study
A great example is a perfume project from a few weeks ago which was based on specific market research criteria on one continent.
The project was a very specific niche and although partially it was a reality check of what is possible and not, it ended up being successful.
Why?
Because we know how to talk to people, how to approach difficult situations and aren’t afraid to be curious and people can feel it.
I am sure you ask yourself how we find suppliers.
Well … it’s a company secret but I can tell you it truly depends on the type of campaign and with all our clients we choose tools individually that bring us to our goal.
There are enough tools but they the key is understanding the needs /methodology/approach of the project and being as transparent as possible.
We have connections on every continent, and in almost all branches.
Schedule a consultation today so we can help you too!
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