How to Prepare a B2B Sourcing Brief
A clear brief is the single most useful document in a sourcing project. Here is what it should contain.
A sourcing brief describes what your business needs to buy, in what quantities, and under what conditions. The more precise it is, the more relevant the supplier options you will receive.
Start with the product
Define specifications, standards, packaging and any regulatory requirements. A product that is only loosely described produces offers that are hard to compare.
Define volumes and frequency
State quantities, units and whether supply is one-off or recurring. Recurring supply changes the commercial conditions and the suppliers worth approaching.
Set delivery and timing
Origin, destination, delivery terms and the timeframe within which goods must arrive. These shape both the supplier shortlist and the logistics plan.
List documentation requirements
Certificates, origin proofs and compliance documents should be listed up front. They are part of the brief, not an afterthought.
A well-prepared brief does not guarantee a result, but it makes the comparison meaningful and the next step clear.