Have Questions? Resolve your queries about Sourcing Sharkk and Sourcing from India
Have Questions? Resolve your queries about Sourcing Sharkk and Sourcing from India
About Sourcing Sharkk
What is Sourcing Sharkk?
Sourcing Sharkk is a global sourcing and procurement partner based in India, working on behalf of international buyers. We help buyers identify suitable Indian suppliers, evaluate capabilities, compare options, coordinate samples and quotations, support negotiations, and coordinate the sourcing process from India. Think of us as your local sourcing team in India.
Why should I use a sourcing partner in India?
Finding a supplier is easy.
Finding the right supplier is much harder.
Language barriers, inconsistent information, unclear specifications, quality concerns, pricing negotiations, factory verification, documentation and logistics can make sourcing from another country challenging.
Sourcing Sharkk gives you an on-ground partner who understands both your requirements as an international buyer and the Indian supplier ecosystem.
Why source from India through Sourcing Sharkk?
India offers a broad manufacturing and supply ecosystem across many industries. But accessing that ecosystem efficiently can be challenging from outside the country. Sourcing Sharkk provides the local presence, supplier discovery, communication, evaluation and coordination required to make sourcing from India simpler.
How is Sourcing Sharkk different from an online supplier directory?
A supplier directory gives you names. We help you move from names to qualified sourcing options. Our role can involve: Research → Shortlisting → Verification → Communication → Negotiation → Samples → Quality → Logistics → Coordination. The goal is not to give you hundreds of suppliers. The goal is to help you find the right suppliers.
Do you guarantee that a supplier will be perfect?
No. Supplier selection always involves commercial and operational risk. We use appropriate evaluation and verification processes to reduce that risk, but buyers should still conduct appropriate due diligence and use suitable contractual and quality-control safeguards.
Sourcing & Supplier Discovery
Can Sourcing Sharkk find suppliers for any product?
We work across a wide range of product categories and industrial sectors. Depending on your requirement, we can search for suitable Indian manufacturers, suppliers, exporters or other qualified sources. If your product requirement is highly specialized, we first evaluate whether India has suitable supply capabilities before proceeding.
Do you work with manufacturers or traders?
Our sourcing approach depends on the buyer’s requirement. Where direct manufacturing is important, we focus on identifying suitable manufacturers. Where traders, distributors or specialized suppliers provide a better solution, they may also be considered. Our priority is finding the right supply source for the buyer, rather than simply finding the cheapest supplier.
How do you find suppliers in India?
We use a combination of market research, supplier discovery, industry networks, existing sourcing knowledge and supplier evaluation. Potential suppliers are assessed against the specific buyer requirement rather than being selected simply because they appear in an online directory.
Can you source exclusively for our company?
Depending on the requirement and engagement structure, dedicated sourcing arrangements can be discussed. This can be useful for buyers who have recurring requirements, multiple product categories or strategic sourcing programs in India.
Can you help me source from multiple suppliers?
Yes. If you are looking for multiple products, product categories or supply sources, we can manage a broader sourcing project. This can help buyers consolidate their sourcing activities through one India-based partner.
How quickly can you find suppliers?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the product and the level of verification required. Standard products may be sourced relatively quickly, while highly technical, customized or regulated products may require more extensive supplier research and qualification. We prioritize relevance and supplier quality over simply sending the first available options.
Supplier Verification & Quality Control
How do you verify Indian suppliers?
Supplier verification can include reviewing: company information, manufacturing or supply capabilities, product specifications, certifications, production capacity, export experience, quality systems, factory information, commercial capabilities, and relevant documentation. Where required, additional factory verification, inspections or third-party checks can also be arranged.
Can you physically visit or inspect a supplier?
Yes, where required. Depending on the assignment, we can coordinate factory visits, supplier verification, quality inspections and other on-ground activities in India. This can be particularly valuable when the buyer cannot travel to India personally.
Can you help me compare multiple Indian suppliers?
Yes. Instead of presenting a long list of suppliers, we can help narrow the options based on factors such as: product fit, quality, capacity, certifications, pricing, lead time, export capability and commercial terms. The objective is to help you make a more informed sourcing decision.
Can you help with quality control?
Yes. Quality control can be incorporated into the sourcing process depending on your requirements. This may include pre-production checks, during-production inspections, pre-shipment inspections, product testing, quantity verification, packaging checks and specification verification. Third-party inspection services can also be coordinated where appropriate.
What if the supplier sends a product that does not meet my specifications?
Your agreed specifications should be clearly documented before production. Where inspection or quality-control services are part of the engagement, checks can be conducted against the agreed requirements. The exact inspection and dispute-resolution process depends on the commercial arrangement with the supplier.
Can you help protect me from unreliable suppliers?
Supplier evaluation and due diligence are important parts of our sourcing process. We aim to identify credible suppliers and highlight potential commercial or operational risks before you proceed. However, no sourcing partner can eliminate every business risk. Appropriate contracts, inspections, payment safeguards and due diligence remain important.
Can you find alternative suppliers if my existing supplier fails?
Yes. Supplier diversification is an important part of supply-chain risk management. We can search for alternative Indian suppliers based on your existing product specifications and commercial requirements.
Can Sourcing Sharkk help reduce my dependence on one supplier?
Yes. We can help identify additional qualified suppliers so that your business is not completely dependent on a single source. This can provide greater flexibility in pricing, capacity and supply continuity.
Product Requirements, Customization & Samples
Can you source products according to our exact specifications?
Yes. We can work from product specifications, technical drawings, samples, photos, product catalogues, bills of materials, quality standards, packaging specifications, certifications and buyer-specific requirements. The more detailed the requirement, the more accurately we can identify suitable suppliers.
Can you source customized or OEM products?
Yes. We can look for Indian suppliers capable of producing customized, OEM, ODM or private-label products where the required manufacturing capabilities exist. Customization requirements are evaluated based on the technical and commercial specifications provided by the buyer.
Can you arrange samples before I place an order?
Yes. We can coordinate with shortlisted suppliers to obtain samples for evaluation. Depending on the product, this may include sample production, customization, packaging and shipping arrangements.
Can you source small quantities?
Yes, depending on the product and supplier. However, Indian manufacturers may have minimum order quantities (MOQ), especially for customized or industrial products. We evaluate MOQ as part of the supplier-selection process.
Pricing, Negotiation & Payment
Can you negotiate prices with Indian suppliers on my behalf?
Yes. We can support commercial discussions with suppliers based on your requirements. This may include product pricing, MOQ, payment terms, packaging, lead time, Incoterms, shipping arrangements, sample costs and long-term volume pricing. Our role is to represent the buyer’s commercial interests while maintaining a professional relationship with the supplier.
Can you negotiate better pricing than I could directly?
Potentially, yes. Our understanding of the local supplier ecosystem, market pricing and commercial practices can help buyers negotiate more effectively. However, we do not promise the lowest possible price. Our focus is on achieving the right combination of price, quality, reliability and commercial terms.
Can I buy directly from the Indian manufacturer?
Yes. Our objective is to create sustainable supply relationships. Depending on the sourcing structure, buyers may purchase directly from the selected Indian manufacturer/exporter, while Sourcing Sharkk supports the sourcing and coordination process.
Can you help me calculate the landed cost?
We can help buyers evaluate the overall sourcing economics, including factors such as product cost, packaging, inland logistics, freight, insurance, duties/taxes and other applicable charges. The actual landed cost depends on the destination country, product classification, shipment structure and applicable regulations.
What payment terms are available?
Payment terms vary by supplier, product, order size, buyer profile and relationship. Possible structures may include advance payment, balance against shipment, letter of credit or other mutually agreed arrangements. We can help facilitate the commercial discussion, but final payment terms are agreed between the buyer and supplier.
Shipping, Logistics & Documentation
Can you help with export documentation?
Yes. We can coordinate with the supplier and relevant logistics partners regarding export documentation required for the shipment. Depending on the product and destination, this may include commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, inspection certificates and other applicable documents.
Can you arrange shipping from India to my country?
Yes, where logistics coordination is part of the engagement. We can coordinate with freight forwarders, shipping agents and other logistics partners for international shipments. Shipping arrangements may be structured on terms such as FOB, CIF, CFR or other agreed Incoterms, depending on the transaction.
Can you consolidate products from multiple Indian suppliers?
Yes, where commercially and logistically feasible. For buyers purchasing different products from multiple suppliers, consolidation can potentially simplify shipment management and reduce logistical complexity. The feasibility depends on product type, supplier locations, shipment volumes and destination.
What Incoterms can Indian suppliers offer?
Depending on the supplier and transaction, Indian suppliers may offer terms such as EXW, FOB, FCA, CFR, CIF or other mutually agreed Incoterms. We can help you understand the commercial implications of different options.
Getting Started & Process
Do you act as my representative in India?
Yes. For buyers who need an on-ground presence without establishing their own office in India, Sourcing Sharkk can act as their sourcing and procurement partner. We can represent your requirements in discussions with potential suppliers and coordinate activities locally.
Can you help me if I have never sourced from India before?
Absolutely. You do not need to already have an established supplier network in India. We can help you navigate the process from: Requirement → Supplier Search → Evaluation → Quotation → Samples → Negotiation → Order → Quality Control → Shipment.
Can I send you an RFQ?
Yes. You can send us your Request for Quotation (RFQ) with as much detail as possible. Ideally, include the product, specifications, quantity, target price (if available), destination country, packaging requirements, required certifications, delivery timeline, preferred Incoterm and payment preference. We can then evaluate the requirement and identify potential Indian supply sources.
What information do you need from me as a buyer?
The more clearly you define your requirement, the better the sourcing outcome. At minimum, we generally need: what you need, quantity, specification, destination and timeline. Additional information such as target pricing, certifications, packaging and Incoterms can make the sourcing process more precise.
What happens after I contact Sourcing Sharkk?
The process is simple: 1) Share Your Requirement – tell us what you want to source from India. 2) Understand the Requirement – we clarify specifications, quantity, destination and commercial expectations. 3) Search & Evaluate – we identify potentially suitable Indian suppliers. 4) Shortlist – we narrow the options based on your requirements. 5) Quote & Compare – we coordinate commercial proposals and help you evaluate them. 6) Sample & Verify – where required, samples, factory verification and quality checks can be arranged. 7) Place the Order – you proceed with the selected supplier under agreed commercial terms. 8) Coordinate the Supply – we can continue supporting communication, quality and logistics coordination as agreed.
Fees, Confidentiality & Long-Term Partnership
Can you handle large-volume recurring orders?
Yes. Recurring and high-volume sourcing is particularly suitable for a structured sourcing partnership. We can help evaluate supplier production capacity, scalability, lead times and ability to support repeat orders.
Can you help me develop a long-term supplier network in India?
Yes. Rather than sourcing only for one transaction, we can help buyers develop a reliable supplier base over time. This can include identifying primary suppliers, alternative suppliers and backup sources for strategic products.
Do you work with buyers of all sizes?
Yes. We can work with businesses ranging from emerging importers and distributors to established international companies, depending on the sourcing requirement. The key consideration is whether there is a clear and commercially viable sourcing requirement.
Which countries do you support?
We work with international buyers across global markets. Our role is to connect buyers with suitable Indian supply sources, regardless of whether the buyer is located in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific or another international market.
How do you charge for your sourcing services?
Our commercial model depends on the scope of the assignment. Depending on the project, we may work through a sourcing fee, professional service fee, commission, transaction-based arrangement or another mutually agreed structure. The commercial model is discussed transparently before work begins.
Do I have to pay before you start sourcing?
This depends on the type and scope of the sourcing assignment. For certain projects, an initial professional or sourcing fee may apply. For other arrangements, compensation may be transaction-based. The applicable commercial terms are clearly agreed before commencement.
Are my product requirements and business information confidential?
Yes. We treat buyer information and sourcing requirements as confidential business information. Where appropriate, confidentiality arrangements such as NDAs can be established before sensitive technical or commercial information is shared with suppliers.
Will you disclose my identity to suppliers?
Only the information necessary to execute the sourcing assignment is shared with relevant suppliers. Where confidentiality or anonymity is important, the communication structure can be discussed before supplier engagement.
Can you work as our long-term sourcing partner in India?
Yes. For companies sourcing regularly from India, Sourcing Sharkk can function as a long-term local sourcing and procurement partner. Instead of repeatedly searching for suppliers from overseas, you have an India-based team that can support your sourcing activities on the ground.
Can you support us after the first order?
Yes. Our goal is not simply to help you complete one transaction. For ongoing engagements, we can continue supporting supplier communication, repeat orders, quality coordination, new sourcing requirements and supplier development.
