Field Notes / Sourcing playbook
Sourcing playbook

Sourcing playbook.

14 field reports in this category. Hand-picked, written for operators.

Latest in Sourcing playbook All field reports →
An Etsy order moves into a checked Excel handoff, with each purchased item on its own row.
Sourcing playbook

How to export Etsy orders to Excel for a supplier handoff

Download Etsy's own CSV or build a current-page Excel sheet with the SupplierMafia exporter. Check item rows, options and buyer details before sending it to a supplier.

·6 min
An Etsy order branches into a live ERP connection and a checked spreadsheet handoff, with the supplier and Etsy updates shown as separate steps.
Sourcing playbook

Can you use an ERP with Etsy? Check the order handoff first

Use this order-by-order test to check an Etsy ERP integration, and see where SupplierMafia's Excel and CSV exporter fits.

·6 min
Two blank quote sheets labelled supplier and agent show that responsibilities need to be named before choosing.
Sourcing playbook

Dropshipping supplier vs sourcing agent: who handles what?

Compare a direct dropshipping supplier with a sourcing agent using a practical responsibility map, a complete quote and one test order.

·6 min
A blank personalisation order record connects buyer input and product variant to a hold or release decision before production.
Sourcing playbook

Personalised dropshipping: get each order right

Check per-order personalisation with a supplier, collect the right buyer details and keep each approved instruction with the correct order.

·6 min
Two starting points: an existing-item purchase on AliExpress or a supplier enquiry on Alibaba.com, followed by checking the actual offer against your requirements.
Sourcing playbook

Alibaba vs AliExpress: choose for the order you need

Compare Alibaba and AliExpress for the work your order needs. Check customisation, upfront commitment, samples and individual customer dispatch.

·6 min
Editorial illustration of a canvas pouch sample being compared with its product drawing, with measuring arrows on the drawing and a ruler beside the pouch.
Sourcing playbook

Product sample checklist: what to check before you approve

A practical sample review for online sellers, covering physical checks, personalisation, useful photos and a copyable record of what still needs work.

·6 min
Illustrated comparison of mixed cups grouped under one whole-order minimum and cups separated under a minimum for each colour.
Sourcing playbook

What does MOQ mean? Work out what you actually need to buy

Understand product minimums, mixed variants and upfront stock before you accept a supplier’s price.

·5 min
Illustrated blank worksheet comparing product, packaging, delivery and unconfirmed charges between two supplier quotes.
Sourcing playbook

Supplier quote template: get prices you can actually compare

A copyable request and comparison sheet for product costs, packaging, delivery and the bits left unanswered.

·5 min
Cutaway illustration showing a ceramic bowl held inside a protective insert and outer shipping carton.
Sourcing playbook

Custom packaging for a small business: get the fit right first

Choose the packaging your order needs, check a physical sample and avoid buying printed stock you can’t use.

·5 min
Illustration separating a branding change on the same bottle from a new product specification, with exclusivity agreed separately.
Sourcing playbook

Private label vs white label: decide what needs to change

Separate branding, product changes and exclusivity before comparing the supplier’s offers.

·5 min
Illustration of a vase specification beside the matching physical sample being measured at the rim.
Sourcing playbook

How to find a private supplier in China for your product

Define the work you need, compare suitable suppliers and check the sample before committing to an order.

·5 min
Illustrated packing check showing corner guards, surface protection and an outer carton around a picture frame.
Sourcing playbook

China wholesale home goods suppliers: how to choose a fit

Compare the material, finish and packed order, then check the requirements for the product you want to sell.

·5 min
Illustrated speaker components linked to model records, test reports and battery documentation.
Sourcing playbook

China electronics suppliers: what to check before ordering

Match the exact model to its documents, test plan and shipping arrangement before buying stock.

·6 min
Illustrated order folder linking the specification, sample approval, final quote and dispatch records.
Sourcing playbook

How to work with suppliers: from first brief to repeat orders

A practical order process that keeps the specification, approvals and delivery details together.

·5 min