Help me source [PRODUCT] for sale through [SALES CHANNEL] in [TARGET MARKET]. My expected first order is [ORDER VOLUME], target landed cost is [TARGET LANDED COST], and target retail price or margin requirement is [PRICE OR MARGIN TARGET]. Product and operating requirements: - Materials, dimensions, performance, packaging, or customization: [PRODUCT SPECIFICATION] - Non-negotiable compliance, safety, ethical-sourcing, shipping, or brand constraints: [REQUIREMENTS] Create a sourcing plan before recommending any supplier. First, state the exact supplier type I should prioritize (manufacturer, trading company, wholesaler, distributor, or private-label partner) and why. Then produce: 1. A supplier brief I can send, including specification, quantity, requested Incoterm, sample request, lead-time request, quality expectations, and required documents. 2. A source-validation checklist covering legal entity, manufacturing capability, references, sample consistency, minimum order quantity, payment terms, production capacity, inspection rights, intellectual-property handling, and shipping origin. 3. A weighted comparison scorecard for 5-10 candidate suppliers. Include unit price, tooling, sample, packaging, freight, duty/tax assumptions, defect allowance, and payment risk so I can compare landed cost rather than quoted unit price. 4. A negotiation sequence from sample through purchase order, with stop conditions. Flag product claims or certifications that require evidence, and identify which requirement must be verified by a qualified testing, customs, or legal professional. Do not invent suppliers, certifications, current freight rates, tariff classifications, or regulatory approval. Ask up to 3 clarifying questions only if a required input is missing. Before answering, check that the cost model includes costs after factory price and that every supplier-selection criterion can be evidenced rather than accepted as a sales claim.
Fill in
| Placeholder | What to enter | Example |
|---|---|---|
| [PRODUCT] | Describe the product you want to buy or manufacture. | Insulated stainless-steel water bottle with a silicone carry loop |
| [SALES CHANNEL] | State where you will sell it, such as Amazon, Shopify, retail stores, or wholesale. | Shopify store and independent outdoor retailers |
| [TARGET MARKET] | Enter the country or countries where the product will be sold. | United States and Canada |
| [ORDER VOLUME] | Enter your expected initial order quantity or annual volume. | 1,500 units for the first order |
| [TARGET LANDED COST] | Enter the maximum all-in cost per unit after shipping, duties, and handling. | No more than $8.50 per unit delivered to a New Jersey warehouse |
| [PRICE OR MARGIN TARGET] | Enter your intended retail price or minimum gross-margin goal. | $32 retail price and at least 65% gross margin before marketing |
| [PRODUCT SPECIFICATION] | List required materials, dimensions, functions, packaging, and customization. | 24 oz, 18/8 stainless steel, powder coat, leakproof lid, laser-etched logo, recycled cardboard carton |
| [REQUIREMENTS] | List safety, compliance, sourcing, shipping, sustainability, and brand requirements. | Food-contact safety documentation, no logo reuse, factory audit available, ocean freight acceptable, no plastic window packaging |
How to use
- Paste the prompt with a real specification and a cost ceiling that includes freight and duties.
- Use the supplier brief unchanged for the first outreach so quotes are comparable.
- Score suppliers only after collecting documents, samples, and written terms; do not let the lowest factory quote win by default.
- Follow up with: “Build a spreadsheet-ready landed-cost formula using the quote details from these three suppliers: [QUOTES].”
Variations
Supplier outreach email
Use this when you already know the product and need comparable first quotes.
Write a concise supplier inquiry for [PRODUCT] with these requirements: [SPECIFICATION]. I need [QUANTITY] units delivered to [DESTINATION] by [TARGET DATE]. Ask for unit pricing at stated volume breaks, MOQ, sample cost and lead time, tooling, packaging, production lead time, Incoterms, payment terms, factory location, and relevant test reports. Include a request for photos or video of similar production, but do not claim certifications I have not verified. Output a subject line and email under 250 words.
Private-label scorecard
Use this when selecting among existing products that you will brand.
Create a private-label supplier scorecard for [PRODUCT CATEGORY] sold in [MARKET]. Compare candidates against [BRAND REQUIREMENTS], [ORDER VOLUME], and a maximum landed cost of [COST LIMIT]. Use weighted criteria for product differentiation, MOQ flexibility, branding options, documentation, sample quality, delivery reliability, payment exposure, exclusivity limits, and total landed cost. Output a scoring table, the evidence to request for each item, and disqualifiers. Do not assume marketplace or regulatory eligibility without documents. Ask up to 3 questions only if needed.
Factory audit questions
Use this before paying a deposit to a new manufacturer.
Create a factory-audit question list for a manufacturer making [PRODUCT] in [COUNTRY]. My major risks are [RISKS]. Group questions under ownership and legal entity, capacity and subcontracting, incoming materials, in-process quality control, final inspection, worker conditions, environmental controls, records, IP protection, and shipment release. For each question, state the proof to request and what answer should trigger further investigation. Output a printable checklist. Do not treat a certificate photo as proof of current operating practice.
Tips
- Quote at least one larger volume break, but compare it against cash tied up in inventory and storage rather than treating a lower unit price as automatic savings.
- A pre-production sample proves appearance; it does not prove consistent mass production, so define inspection criteria and an acceptable defect rate in the purchase order.
- Ask where the product is actually made and whether any step is subcontracted; a supplier’s office location can hide the relevant factory.
- Treat product tests, labeling, import classification, and safety claims as evidence-based workstreams, especially when selling into a regulated market.
FAQ
Can AI find suppliers for me?
It can define search terms, screening criteria, and outreach, but supplier claims still need direct verification. Use samples, documents, references, and inspections before making a purchase decision.
What is landed cost?
It is the full cost to get a unit ready for sale, including factory price, packaging, freight, insurance, duty or tax, brokerage, inspection, and receiving costs.
Should I pay a supplier before receiving an inspection?
Payment terms depend on the relationship and order, but define inspection and shipment-release terms before the deposit. A qualified local inspector can help validate production before final payment.