Frequently asked questions

We act as your buying office. We find and check manufacturers, collect comparable quotes, arrange samples, follow production, inspect goods before loading and coordinate shipping documents. You buy from the manufacturer directly.

We earn a commission that depends on the product, order size and work involved. It is agreed in writing before you place an order, and you see it separately from the supplier's price.

No. You pay the manufacturer directly into their company bank account, against their proforma invoice. Your money for goods never passes through us.

We serve buyers in any country worldwide.

From India, where we are based, and from manufacturers worldwide. We recommend the origin that gives you the best price and quality for your specification, and you can also name a preferred country.

It depends on the product. Many products, such as food ingredients, pipes and chemicals, usually ship as at least one 20-foot container. Some suppliers accept smaller trial orders or LCL shipments at a higher price per kilo.

Yes. Suppliers send samples by courier. Sample and courier costs are usually paid by the buyer and may be adjusted against the first order.

We agree a written specification with you and the supplier, approve a reference sample, and inspect goods, packing and labels before loading. You can also appoint an independent inspection agency such as SGS or Bureau Veritas.

Send us photos and, if possible, a lab report from arrival. We take the claim up with the supplier on your behalf, using the signed specification and our inspection records.

Typical terms are an advance (often 30%) with the balance against shipping documents, or a confirmed letter of credit. Terms are agreed between you and the supplier.

Most orders are FOB or CIF. From India we ship mainly through Mundra, Pipavav, Kandla and Nhava Sheva. CFR and EXW are also possible.

It depends on the origin and destination. As an example, sea transit from western India is roughly 1 week to the Gulf, 2–4 weeks to Africa, Europe and Asia, and 4–6 weeks to the Americas. Air freight takes a few days. Production adds time before that.

Yes. We coordinate with the supplier and the approved inspection agency for programmes such as KEBS PVoC (Kenya), SONCAP (Nigeria), SABER (Saudi Arabia), TBS (Tanzania) and UNBS (Uganda), so the certificate is ready before shipment.

Usually a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin, plus product documents such as a phytosanitary certificate, certificate of analysis or test certificates. Tell us your country's import requirements and we make sure they are covered.