Global sourcing services for UK and international businesses
We find the right international manufacturers for your products, check them before you commit, negotiate on your behalf and manage the order through to delivery.
Overview
Buying directly from overseas manufacturers can lower your costs and widen your range, but it takes time, local knowledge and a careful process. Most problems in international sourcing come from the same few places: an unchecked supplier, a vague specification, a price that leaves out hidden costs, or goods that are only inspected once they arrive.
Legitech’s global sourcing service handles each of those stages for you. We research the supplier market, shortlist manufacturers that already make products like yours, check them, negotiate price and terms, arrange quality checks before shipment, and coordinate freight and customs documentation so the goods reach you as agreed.
Who this service is for
Retailers, wholesalers, distributors, e-commerce brands and manufacturers in the UK and internationally who want to:
- launch a new product line or expand an existing range
- find niche or hard-to-source items
- secure a consistent supply of raw materials
- move away from a supplier who is unreliable or too expensive
- buy direct from manufacturers without building an in-house overseas buying team
What’s included
- Supplier market researchWe identify where your product is made well and which manufacturers fit your volume and specification.
- Supplier checksBackground, business practices, certifications, production processes and track record reviewed.
- Quotations comparedSeveral suppliers quoted so you can compare price, minimum order quantity and lead time.
- Direct negotiationWe negotiate price and terms with the supplier on your behalf.
- Samples and specificationSamples approved against a written specification before production.
- Pre-shipment inspectionGoods checked against your specification before they leave the factory.
- Freight optionsAir freight for speed or sea freight for cost, through logistics partners.
- Customs documentationSupport with the paperwork needed for customs clearance at the destination.
How it works
- BriefYou tell us the product, specification, quantity, target price and timescale.
- Research and shortlistWe research the supplier market and shortlist suitable manufacturers.
- Check suppliersEach shortlisted supplier is checked before we recommend it.
- Samples and negotiationYou approve samples; we negotiate price, terms and lead time.
- Production and inspectionWe follow production and arrange inspection before shipment.
- Freight and deliveryWe coordinate freight and customs documentation through to delivery.
What to send us
The more of this you can share, the faster we can come back with suitable options. If you don’t have everything yet, send what you have.
- The product, with a specification, drawing, photo or link to a similar item
- The quantity you need, per order and per year if you buy regularly
- A target price or budget, if you have one
- The delivery destination (town or port and country)
- When you need the goods
- Any standards, certifications, labelling or packaging requirements
Request a quote for global sourcing
What you receive
- A shortlist of checked suppliers with their quotations
- A written product specification agreed with the supplier
- Negotiated prices, terms and lead times
- Inspection findings before goods are shipped
- Shipping and customs documents coordinated for delivery
Why work with Legitech
You deal with one account manager who knows your product and speaks to suppliers for you, instead of managing several overseas contacts yourself.
Suppliers are checked before money moves, and goods are checked before they ship, which is when problems are cheapest to fix.
You can use us for a single product or across your range, and step in or out of the process at the stages that suit you.
Frequently asked questions
What is a global sourcing company?
A global sourcing company finds and manages overseas suppliers for other businesses. Legitech researches the supplier market, checks manufacturers, negotiates prices and terms, arranges inspection and coordinates delivery to the UK.
Which products can you source?
Our product categories include ferrous metal, electronics, solar panels, FMCG commodities and building materials, and we support sectors from fashion and textiles to industrial machinery and food and beverage. See products we source.
Where are your suppliers based?
We work with suppliers in key manufacturing regions across Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa, chosen for each product.
Can I source a small quantity?
Often, yes. Minimum order quantities vary by manufacturer and product. We tell you each supplier’s minimum when they quote, and we work with small businesses as well as larger buyers.
How do you check suppliers?
We review each supplier’s background, business practices, certifications, production processes and track record. See how we verify suppliers.
Related services
Talk to us about global sourcing.
Share the product, the quantity and your timescale. We will come back to you with the next steps, usually within one working day.