A product link is the best starting point for a sourcing quotation, but it is rarely a complete product specification by itself.
Chinese suppliers often place several materials, sizes, colors, models and packaging options on the same product page. The price shown at the top of a listing may apply only to the least expensive option, a limited quantity range or a basic version of the product.
Providing a few additional details with each link helps the sourcing team confirm the correct product, ask suppliers more precise questions and compare quotations on the same basis.
What to send with each product link
You do not need to prepare a complicated purchasing document. For most standard products, the following information is enough to begin a quotation.
1. The original product link
Send the direct link to the individual product page whenever possible. Links from 1688, Taobao, Tmall, Alibaba or a supplier's own website can all be used as references.
Avoid sending only a marketplace homepage, search-result page or shopping-cart page. These pages may change and may not clearly identify the product you want.
2. A screenshot or reference image
A screenshot is useful when a listing contains many options or when the page may require an account to view. Mark or describe the exact model, color, size or design shown in the image.
If the original link later becomes unavailable, the screenshot also provides a visual reference for supplier matching.
3. The exact product variation
Many listings contain several products that look similar but use different specifications. Please indicate the option you need, such as:
- Color or pattern
- Size or dimensions
- Material or fabric composition
- Model number
- Voltage, plug type or power rating
- With or without accessories
- Standard packaging or gift packaging
If you are not sure which option is suitable, explain the intended use. The sourcing team can then ask the supplier to clarify the differences.
4. The expected quantity
Quantity has a direct effect on unit price, minimum order quantity, packaging method and domestic shipping cost. A request for 10 pieces may receive a very different quotation from an order for 500 pieces.
Please state whether the quantity is:
- A sample or trial order
- An estimated first order
- A regular monthly requirement
- A mixed order containing several colors or sizes
If the final quantity has not been decided, provide an approximate range. For example, “100 to 200 pieces” is more useful than leaving the quantity blank.
Clarify product variants and order structure
One of the most common reasons for an inaccurate quotation is that the buyer and supplier are referring to different variants of the same listing.
For example, a product page may show a low starting price, but that price may apply only to the smallest size, the simplest material or an option without accessories. The main image may show a more expensive version.
When sending a link, describe the required option in words instead of relying only on the selected image. A clear note might say:
- Black, 40 cm width, stainless-steel version
- White dress, size M, without custom logo
- European plug, 220V, including standard accessories
- Three colors mixed equally, 100 pieces per color
For mixed-size or mixed-color orders, include the quantity breakdown if it is already known. This allows the supplier to confirm whether mixed variants are accepted within the minimum order quantity.
Packaging, branding and product requirements
Standard supplier quotations usually assume basic factory packaging. If you require retail-ready packaging, private labeling or customized presentation, include these requirements from the beginning.
Useful information may include:
- Logo printing, embroidery, engraving or labels
- Custom color or material
- Individual polybags, boxes or retail packaging
- Barcode, SKU label or carton mark requirements
- Instruction manuals or language labels
- Inner-box and outer-carton requirements
- Product testing or certification requirements
For customized products, send any available artwork, drawings, measurements or reference samples. Vector logo files and dimensioned drawings are more reliable than small screenshots.
If the product will be sold in a regulated market, mention the destination and any known compliance requirements. The supplier may need to confirm materials, labeling, testing documents or production standards before giving a final quotation.
Destination and shipping information
The destination country is important even when you are initially requesting only a product quotation. It can affect packaging, labeling, plug type, voltage, shipping method and product restrictions.
Please provide:
- Destination country
- Postal code, when available
- Commercial address or residential address
- Preferred shipping method, if known
- Required arrival date or project deadline
For an early product comparison, the exact delivery address may not be necessary. However, an international shipping estimate normally requires information about the packed weight, carton dimensions, quantity and destination.
When these details are not yet available, the first quotation may separate product cost from estimated shipping cost. A more precise freight quotation can be prepared after the supplier confirms the final packing information.
How Axoha compares supplier quotations
A low price does not always mean that two suppliers are offering the same product. To make quotations easier to compare, Axoha reviews the request and checks the main commercial conditions with the supplier.
The comparison may include:
- Confirming the exact product model and selected variation
- Checking current availability and minimum order quantity
- Confirming whether mixed colors or sizes are accepted
- Separating standard-product and customization costs
- Checking domestic delivery, packing and sample charges
- Reviewing estimated production or preparation time
- Identifying information that still needs buyer confirmation
This process helps prevent a quotation from appearing cheaper only because it excludes packaging, accessories, customization or another required item.
Supplier listings and marketplace prices can also change without notice. The product link should therefore be treated as a reference, while the supplier's confirmed quotation is used for the actual purchasing decision.
Common mistakes that delay a quotation
A quotation may take longer when important details are missing or when the product cannot be clearly identified. The following issues are especially common:
- Sending a search page instead of the individual product page
- Sending many links without numbering or labeling them
- Not providing an estimated quantity
- Writing only “same as the picture” when several options are shown
- Not specifying the destination country
- Assuming that the lowest displayed marketplace price applies to every option
- Requesting an exact international freight cost before packing data is available
- Requesting custom branding without providing logo or packaging details
For multiple products, number each item as Product A, Product B or Product C. This makes it easier to match supplier answers, prices and follow-up questions with the correct link.
Example of a clear product-link request
A simple request can be written in the following format:
Product: Women's evening dress
Product link: Original 1688 or Taobao product link
Required option: Dark blue, size M and L, without logo
Quantity: 100 pieces, mixed equally between the two sizes
Destination: Japan
Packaging: One piece per clear polybag
Deadline: Required to arrive before the end of September
Additional request: Please confirm material composition, packed weight and whether a sample is available.
This amount of information is usually enough to begin supplier confirmation. Additional questions can be handled after the supplier reviews the product and order requirements.
FAQ
Can I send several product links in one request?
Yes. Number each product clearly and provide the quantity and required option for every link. This helps prevent prices or specifications from being matched to the wrong product.
Can I send only a photo if I do not have a product link?
Yes. A clear photo can be used to search for similar products. However, a photo may not show the material, dimensions, internal structure or exact quality level, so the first result should be treated as a reference rather than a guaranteed identical match.
Can I combine 1688, Taobao and Alibaba links?
Yes. Links from different platforms can be included in the same sourcing request. The important point is to identify the required product, variation and quantity for each link.
Do I need to know the shipping method before requesting a quotation?
No. You can provide the destination country and approximate quantity first. After the product weight, carton dimensions and delivery deadline are known, suitable shipping methods can be compared.
Can I request a quotation for custom logo or packaging?
Yes. Include the logo file, printing position, preferred method, packaging design and estimated quantity. Customization normally requires separate confirmation of setup cost, minimum quantity and production time.
Why is the supplier's confirmed price different from the price shown on the product page?
The displayed price may apply to a different size, material, quantity range or basic configuration. It may also exclude accessories, customization, domestic shipping or current stock conditions. The supplier's confirmed quotation should match the exact requirements submitted by the buyer.
What happens if the original product link is no longer available?
A screenshot, product title, supplier name or reference image may still help identify the item. When possible, save a screenshot of the selected option when submitting the request.
A clear sourcing request does not need to be long. A direct product link, the exact variation, an estimated quantity, the destination and any special requirements are usually enough to make the first quotation more accurate and easier to compare.