| 1 | Define the product specification before requesting prices | Confirm waist-size range, absorbency level, core construction, fastening design, packaging format, unit count per pack, and units per carton. | Compare samples using the same size and intended use case. Record waist fit, leg-cuff recovery, leakage-guard height, softness, odor control, and ease of tearing the side seams. | Create one written specification sheet with measurable acceptance criteria, such as size tolerance, pack count, carton count, and maximum allowable defect rate. | Request prices for identical specifications so that a lower quotation is not caused by reduced material weight or a different absorbency class. | Assign separate inventory codes to each size and absorbency level; do not combine visually similar products in one stock record. |
| 2 | Review samples under realistic conditions | Check fit, dryness, rewetting, leakage protection, skin-contact materials, elastic comfort, and package integrity. | Test at least three samples per size where possible. Use a consistent liquid volume and test interval, then document leakage, clumping, tearing, and surface wetness. | Use a scored checklist from 1–5 for fit, comfort, dryness, odor, leakage resistance, and packaging. Approve only samples meeting the buyer’s minimum score in every critical category. | Ask whether the approved sample will be the production reference sample and include a retained sample in the purchase agreement. | Hold new-product stock in a quarantine location until quality inspection and sample comparison are completed. |
| 3 | Verify compliance and product documentation | Review material declarations, test reports, labeling rules, packaging claims, safety documentation, and destination-market requirements. | Match the documents to the exact product specification, size range, packaging artwork, and production material. Check issue dates and laboratory details. | Maintain a document file containing the specification sheet, inspection criteria, test reports, packing list, and applicable import or labeling records. | Make document delivery and accurate labeling contractual requirements rather than informal promises. | Block receiving if carton labels, lot information, or delivered specifications do not match the approved purchase order. |
| 4 | Compare total landed cost, not only unit price | Include product cost, packaging, inspection, freight, insurance, duties or taxes, customs clearance, warehousing, and potential rework. | Build a cost-per-piece and cost-per-carton comparison using the same delivery terms, shipment quantity, currency, and exchange-rate assumption. | Use the formula: Landed cost per unit = total delivered cost ÷ sellable units received. | Negotiate carton optimization, consolidated shipping, reduced packaging complexity, or payment timing instead of sacrificing absorbency or fit. | Store landed cost by stock-keeping unit so margin reports reflect freight and import expenses accurately. |
| 5 | Negotiate MOQ, lead time, payment, and quality terms together | Clarify minimum order quantity, production lead time, sampling time, shipment window, deposit balance, inspection rights, and remedy for nonconforming goods. | Request a written quotation showing price breaks at different quantities, lead times, carton quantities, and payment milestones. | Use a realistic planning range of approximately 30–60 days for production and shipment preparation when importing, then confirm the actual schedule in writing. | Trade volume commitments for better pricing only when the MOQ matches forecasted demand and available storage capacity. | Set a reorder trigger that accounts for supplier lead time, transit time, receiving time, and a safety-stock buffer. |
| 6 | Plan inventory by size and demand velocity | Track weekly sales by size, absorbency, channel, season, and customer type instead of using one average demand figure. | Review at least 8–12 weeks of demand where available. Separate fast-moving sizes from slow-moving sizes before placing a bulk order. | Calculate days of supply = available sellable units ÷ average daily demand. Set different minimum and maximum stock levels for each size. | Ask for mixed-size cartons or a size ratio aligned with the sales forecast rather than accepting an inflexible equal-size allocation. | Use FEFO where lot or expiry information applies, and apply FIFO for products without expiry dates to reduce aged inventory. |
| 7 | Use inspection, replenishment, and supplier scorecards | Measure shipment accuracy, defect rate, on-time delivery, fill rate, complaint rate, document accuracy, and response time. | Inspect cartons, quantities, packaging, dimensions, labeling, and product appearance before release. Record defects by lot and size. | Set internal targets such as 100% carton-count accuracy, on-time delivery above 95%, and a documented corrective action for every critical defect. | Link repeat orders and volume increases to verified performance rather than quoted price alone. | Review the scorecard monthly and adjust reorder quantities, safety stock, or supplier allocation when performance changes. |