Product-first sourcing support
Supplier discovery & comparison
Turn your product requirements into a manageable supplier shortlist, with comparable quotes and clear next checks.
The buying decision
Put the right questions before the order.
A list of suppliers is only useful if you can compare what each one will actually deliver. Manufacturers, trading companies and distributors can all serve a brief, but their role, capacity and obligations need to be explicit.
How the work moves forward
- 01
Define one buying brief
Record materials, dimensions, variants, packaging, quality criteria, initial quantity and delivery destination. Mark requirements that cannot change separately from preferences.
- 02
Build and qualify a shortlist
Research suitable channels, establish company roles and request evidence relevant to the product. Record unavailable evidence rather than filling gaps with platform badges or assumptions.
- 03
Compare like for like
Align quote currency, quantity, specification, shipping basis, samples and lead times. Highlight differences that need a supplier response before a buying decision.
What you take forward
- A product brief and supplier selection criteria
- A shortlist with legal identity, role and evidence status
- A comparable quote matrix and recommended next checks
We agree deliverables, evidence requirements, timing and responsibilities before work starts. Supplier terms, third-party costs and BrownBag’s service fee are recorded separately.
Questions before you start
Does a shortlist mean the suppliers are approved?
No. Each shortlist records what has been checked and what is outstanding. Order approval, sample acceptance and any inspection scope are separate decisions.
Can I bring an existing supplier?
Yes. An existing quotation can be compared with alternatives on the same specification, quantity and delivery basis. Share only material you are authorized to share.