FAQ
Split by reader: first the questions from clients who want something sourced, then the questions from manufacturers who received an enquiry from us.
From clients
That depends on the product, not on a fixed number. What matters is the minimum order quantity of factories in your category — simple plastic parts sit somewhere quite different from sewn goods or electronics. If your quantity is not enough, we say so in the first conversation instead of selling you a search that leads nowhere.
It depends on scope and product. We discuss it in the first conversation, before anything is commissioned, and you get it in writing before we start.
No. The contract of sale is between you and the manufacturer, and you pay them directly. We are a service provider in the sourcing process, not a middleman in the payment chain.
For a product of moderate complexity without dedicated tooling: roughly three to four months to loading, plus sea freight. The step-by-step timeline is on the process page. Holidays in Asia and additional sample rounds move that noticeably.
Everything arising from your brief — specification, drawings, modifications, packaging design — is yours. We fix that in the agreement with the manufacturer as far as it is enforceable. To be honest about it: tooling sitting in someone else's factory is legally yours but practically hard to move. If that matters to you, it should be handled early and deliberately.
That is why inspection happens before loading, while the factory can still rework. If something only becomes visible later, we support the claim against the manufacturer. Nobody who does not produce the goods themselves can seriously guarantee an outcome.
We hand over to your freight forwarder, or introduce one if you do not have any yet. Customs clearance and import formalities run through your forwarder or customs agent — we supply the documents but do not act as a customs service provider.
Yes. If you already have the manufacturer and only need inspection before loading or an independent check of the plant, commission exactly that.
From manufacturers
A buying agent. We source on behalf of clients in German-speaking Europe. The contract of sale is between you and our client; we select, verify and accompany.
Every enquiry belongs to a specific client project. Our clients buy on our recommendation — so you are looking at a buyer with a budget and a timeline, not at a survey.
No. Sample cost and shipping are paid. The same applies if a sample has to be remade because of changes we asked for.
Yes. We reply to every serious quotation, including with a refusal. Where we can, we tell you what the reason was.
Your prices and documents go to the client whose project you were asked about — not to your competitors and not to third parties.
We write only from addresses at @tl-sourcing.de. If in doubt, reply directly to the email or write to info@tl-sourcing.de. We never change bank details by email — if you receive such a message, call us before acting on it.
Send it to us. If it comes up more than once, the answer ends up on this page — which saves the next person an email.
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