Sourcing…
The process
Eight checkpoints between your spec and your dock.
Every order goes through the same tracked steps, whatever the industry or material. Below is a standard custom order. Wholesale buyers ordering standard SKUs get a lighter version, and net terms become available after a credit check.
01
Send us your spec
Tell us the product, the quantity and where it's going. A photo or a sample you already have is enough to start.
02
Get a landed quote
Factory cost, freight, duty, customs and our commission, all in one number, within 48 hours.
03
Approve and pay the deposit
A 50% deposit starts production. You pay the balance on delivery, not before.
04
Production starts
Usually 14–21 days, depending on the product and the volume.
05
Quality control
We inspect during production and again before shipping, sampling to AQL 2.5. You get a photo QC report before anything leaves.
06
Export and freight
We coordinate the freight forwarder, file the ISF and handle US customs entry through a licensed broker.
07
Delivery
The goods arrive at your warehouse or FBA fulfillment center. You then have 14 days to check them against the QC report.
08
Balance and close-out
We invoice the remaining 50% on delivery and keep your spec on file, so reordering is quick.
What our quality control actually checks
We check every stage below on every order, and you get the pre-shipment photo report before anything leaves the factory.
| Stage | Checked | By whom |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-production | GSM weight, burst factor, ring crush test; certification documents on file | Supplier + CrateSource verification |
| In-process | Print and foil registration, die-cut accuracy, crease quality, seal integrity | CrateSource representative |
| Pre-shipment | AQL 2.5 random sampling, burst/seal strength, dimensional verification, unit count | CrateSource, with a photo report |
| Client acceptance | Review against QC report, 14-day window | You |
Every shipment leaves with a photo QC report.
Dimensions, burst and seal strength, unit count and photos of the sampled cartons. You get it before the container is sealed, not after it lands.
How long an order actually takes
First order
8–14 weeks
Includes tooling, sampling and qualifying the supplier
Reorder by sea
5–7 weeks
The usual route for volume orders
Reorder by air
2–3 weeks
For urgent restocks; the freight costs more
Common questions
What happens if the shipment is defective?
You have 14 days from delivery to raise a claim against the QC report. We take it up with the supplier directly, so you don't have to. Our liability is capped at the order value.
Who pays the import duty?
Your landed quote already includes it. You won't get a separate duty bill after delivery.
Can I visit the factory?
Yes. Once we've worked together, we're happy to arrange a visit.