Product
Reference item, drawing, specification, materials, dimensions, performance and intended use.
How the process works
A sourcing project built around approvals, evidence and clear responsibilities
The exact work changes with the product, but the project should make important decisions visible before deposits, production, final payment and shipment.
Before work begins
Start with enough information to identify the real unknowns
A product link can begin the conversation, but the first review should establish intended use, quantity, destination, customization, budget assumptions and timing.
Commercial
Estimated quantity, target price and currency, reorder plan and any existing supplier quotation.
Market
Destination country, sales channel, packaging, labels and known regulatory or testing needs.
Timing
Required delivery date, whether it is fixed, and any sample, launch or seasonal milestones.
01
Discovery
Review the brief and define scope
Calgary Imports reviews the information supplied and identifies missing decisions, unrealistic assumptions or specialist questions that must be resolved. The project scope should state the requested services, customer responsibilities, deliverables, exclusions and commercial basis.
Decision:
Is the project sufficiently defined to begin supplier research or another requested service?
02
Supplier work
Research, compare and verify
Potential suppliers are assessed against the same product and commercial request. Quotations are normalized where possible so materials, minimums, tooling, samples, packaging, payment terms and lead times are not mistaken for equivalent offers.
Decision:
Which supplier option deserves further verification, sampling or negotiation?
03
Product approval
Develop samples and freeze requirements
Samples and revisions are coordinated against written feedback. The approved product reference should be connected to the final specification, artwork, packaging and any inspection criteria before the customer authorizes bulk production.
Decision:
Has the customer approved the exact reference and commercial terms for production?
04
Production
Coordinate information and changes
Production timing, supplier questions and approved changes are tracked within the agreed scope. Material changes to specification, price or schedule should return to the customer for approval rather than being treated as minor.
Decision:
Is production complete enough for the planned inspection or release checkpoint?
05
Inspection
Check the agreed scope before release
The inspection brief identifies the product reference, sampling basis, checks, defect criteria, packaging and decision deadline. The resulting findings support the buyer’s approve, correct, re-inspect or hold decision.
Decision:
Does the buyer authorize final payment or shipment, request correction, or require additional evidence?
06
Shipping
Book using final cargo details
The shipment plan is updated using confirmed cartons, dimensions, weight, value, origin, destination and service requirements. Supplier pickup, forwarder handoff, documents and delivery information are coordinated with the responsible parties.
Decision:
Are the goods, documents, importer arrangements and destination ready for movement?
How quotations work
Scope before price
A responsible quotation depends on the product and the work required. Sourcing a standard catalogue item is different from developing an OEM product, verifying a supplier, managing repeated inspections or coordinating multi-supplier cargo.
Calgary Imports may need clarifications before presenting a service or shipment quotation. Product price and freight estimates can also change when specifications, quantities, packing, exchange rates or routes change.
Customer approvals
You retain the commercial decisions
- Approve the project scope and service quotation
- Select the supplier and commercial option
- Approve samples, artwork and specifications
- Authorize production, payment and shipment
- Confirm Canadian importer and compliance arrangements
Project communication
Keep one current version of important information
Good coordination does not eliminate risk, but it reduces decisions based on missing or outdated information.
Written approvals
Record which product, sample, artwork and quotation version the customer approved.
Open-item list
Separate answered questions from issues still waiting on the customer, supplier or specialist.
Change control
Show how a requested change affects price, production, inspection, packing or delivery.
Where is your project now?
Whether you are comparing suppliers, revising a sample, preparing an inspection or planning freight, send the current documents and the next decision you face.