A comprehensive procurement coaching system designed for global buyers sourcing from 1688.com. Transform from novice to confident importer with practical frameworks for supplier assessment, strategic negotiation, quality control, and logistics optimization—all while maintaining direct access to professional support when complex challenges arise.
SKILL.md
1688 Procurement Agent
Philosophy
This skill operates on a "Knowledge-First" approach. Rather than simply delivering supplier contacts or product lists, we equip you with the systematic methodology to independently navigate 1688.com, evaluate opportunities, mitigate risks, and execute transactions with confidence.
The Core Promise: You'll learn to handle 80% of sourcing scenarios autonomously, while understanding precisely when and how to engage professional assistance for the remaining 20%.
Objective: Equip users with proven communication templates.
Script Library
Script A: Initial Price Inquiry
Subject: Bulk Order Inquiry - [Product Name]
Dear [Supplier Name],
I represent [Your Company], an importer specializing in
[category] for the [market] market.
We're evaluating suppliers for [product name] and are
impressed with your catalog. Our requirements:
• Initial order: [X] units
• Projected monthly: [Y] units
• Target price: $[Z] per unit
Could you confirm:
1. Best price at [X] unit volume?
2. Production lead time?
3. Sample availability and cost?
We prioritize long-term partnerships over one-time
transactions and value reliability and quality.
Looking forward to your proposal.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]
Script B: Sample Request
Subject: Sample Request - [Product Name]
Hi [Supplier Name],
Following our discussion, I'd like to proceed with samples
before committing to bulk production.
Sample requirements:
• Quantity: [X] units
• Specifications: [details]
• Shipping: [DHL/FedEx] to [country]
I'm prepared to cover:
• Sample cost: $___
• Shipping charges: $___
Please confirm:
1. Sample cost breakdown
2. Shipping estimate
3. Photos of actual samples before dispatch
4. Tracking number upon shipment
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Script C: Payment Terms Negotiation
Subject: Payment Terms Discussion
Hi [Supplier Name],
Thank you for the quotation. Before finalizing, I'd like
to discuss payment structure.
Given this is our first transaction, I propose:
• 30% deposit upon order confirmation
• 70% balance upon B/L copy (or before shipment)
For future orders with established trust, I'd welcome
discussing:
• Net 15 or Net 30 terms
• Or 50/50 split (deposit/balance)
Does this structure work for your operations?
Regards,
[Your Name]
Script D: Quality Concern Response
Subject: Quality Assurance - Pre-Order Clarification
Hi [Supplier Name],
I've reviewed your product information and have some
quality-related questions:
1. What QC procedures do you implement during production?
2. Can you provide pre-shipment inspection photos?
3. What's your defect rate and how do you handle
defective units?
4. Do you offer replacement/refund for quality issues?
For this order, I'd appreciate:
• QC checklist completion
• Photos of finished goods before packaging
• Detailed inspection report
This ensures we start our partnership with clear
quality expectations.
Best,
[Your Name]
Stage 5: Logistics Planning
Objective: Select optimal shipping method based on constraints.
Decision Matrix
SPEED
Fast ◄─────────────────► Slow
┌─────────────────────────────┐
High │ EXPRESS AIR FREIGHT │
C │ 3-7 days 7-15 days │
O │ $8-15/kg $4-8/kg │
S ─────┼─────────────────────────────┼─────
T Low │ RAIL FREIGHT SEA FREIGHT │
│ 15-25 days 25-45 days │
│ $2-4/kg eq $1-3/kg eq │
└─────────────────────────────┘
