What to know before you source through us.

The flagship flow: you describe the need, an agent qualifies it and runs a tender across pre-vetted factories, you get comparable quotes scored on the same grid.

• 1How does the agent pick which factories to invite?

  By category, region and required certifications. Every factory in the pool is KYC-verified (registration, export licence, sample product). The agent prioritises those whose track record matches your brief.
• 2How long until I see the quotes?

  Target 24 business hours for qualification, then 5 to 7 days to gather quotes (depending on brief complexity and the factory's time zone).
• 3Is there an upfront research fee?

  On highly specific requests the agent may charge a research fee (€125/day or €500/week). It's credited back in full toward your order if you accept a quote within 30 days of paying it.
• 4Can I edit my request after sending it?

  Yes until the tender goes out — ping your agent. Once factories have been invited, any material change resets the quote round.
• 5What if none of the quotes work for me?

  Reject them all at no cost (excluding any research fee already paid). The agent can re-tender with a refined brief if you'd like.

Catalogue of products already in stock at our partner factories. You buy directly, no agent in the loop, with payment split into two stages.

• 1How is this different from a B2C site?

  Prices are net of VAT, MOQ and lead times are shown on every listing, and payment sits in our Wise escrow until you confirm conforming delivery.
• 2When am I charged?

  30% deposit at checkout, 70% balance on shipment. Both payments land in our escrow IBAN.
• 3Can the factory change price or stock after I order?

  No. Once your order is in, the price and terms are locked. If the factory can't honour it, the order is cancelled and the deposit refunded in full.
• 4Can I order below MOQ?

  Not on the marketplace. For smaller quantities or a variant, start a sourcing request instead.

Factories list lots for sale by bidding. Highest bid at close wins; some lots include a buy-now price for instant purchase.

• 1How does the commission work on auctions?

  A progressive 10%–15% curve depending on the final amount. It comes out of the factory's settlement, never added to your bid.
• 2What happens if I win?

  An order is created on your dashboard with a 30% deposit / 70% balance schedule, payable by Wise wire.
• 3What if I'm outbid at the last second?

  You get an instant notification with a link to bid again. Minimum increment between bids is €1.
• 4What if no one meets the reserve?

  The lot goes unsold — no order is created and no one is charged. The factory can relist it.
• 5Can I cancel an auction I've won?

  No. A winning bid is legally binding. Cancelling means losing the deposit and a flag on your profile.

For products that aren't on the marketplace or in auctions: bespoke tooling, custom packaging, validation samples. Always via the agent-led sourcing path.

• 1What's the minimum lead time for a custom run?

  31 calendar days at the factory + transit. Below that we can't guarantee quality or the validation chain. The platform warns you in the request wizard.
• 2What deposit is required for custom?

  The factory chooses 30%–50% at quote time. It's higher than the marketplace because the factory commits raw materials and tooling before anything ships.
• 3Can I validate a sample before the full run?

  Yes, and we recommend it. The quote can include a separately-priced sample; full production starts after your written sign-off.
• 4Who owns the IP of designs I share?

  You do, fully. Partner factories agree to a no-reuse clause on customer designs via the platform's terms.

Our Wise escrow lets us freeze final settlement while a dispute is open. Here's who pays what when things go wrong.

• 1How long do I have to open a dispute?

  7 calendar days from declared conforming delivery. After that, the balance is released to the factory automatically.
• 2Who decides if there's a disagreement?

  Our support team arbitrates based on photos, certificates and messages from the order thread. The decision is communicated in writing to both sides.
• 3Sourcing/custom: who pays for non-conformity?

  The factory covers replacement or full refund if non-conformity vs. the signed quote is proven. Agent and platform fees are refunded pro-rata.
• 4Marketplace: what if the product doesn't match the listing?

  You get a full refund (deposit + shipping already paid). The factory loses access to publishing until the dispute is closed.
• 5Auctions: is the guarantee the same?

  For lots described as "new", yes. For clearance / used lots, the guarantee is limited to material non-conformity (dead stock, counterfeit, false claims). Read the lot description carefully before bidding.
• 6Is the platform liable in any way?

  Yes for intermediation and payment security. No for hidden manufacturing defects outside the qualification scope — the factory remains responsible for production.