Frequently Asked Questions

GlobalSourcing is a B2B procurement platform that connects businesses with verified global manufacturers. You submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ), receive competitive quotes from verified factories, select your preferred supplier, and manage the entire order — payment, production, inspection, and shipping — through one unified platform.

The platform is designed for procurement managers, sourcing teams, importers, distributors, and business owners who need to source products from international manufacturers. Both SMEs and large enterprises are welcome. Individual consumers are not the intended audience.

Yes, creating an account and submitting RFQs is completely free. GlobalSourcing earns a platform service fee only when a transaction is successfully completed. There are no subscription fees or hidden charges for buyers.

Every factory undergoes a structured verification process that includes business license validation, on-site or virtual audit, quality management system review (ISO 9001 or equivalent), and ongoing compliance monitoring. Only factories that pass all criteria receive "Verified Supplier" status.

After logging in, navigate to "New Sourcing Request" and complete the RFQ form: describe your product, upload technical specs or reference photos, specify quantity, target price, and required delivery date. Our team reviews and routes your RFQ to matched verified factories within hours.

Most RFQs receive their first competitive quote within 48 hours. Complex or highly customized orders may take up to 5 business days. You'll be notified by email and in-platform as each quote arrives.

Yes. Once you receive a quote, you can send messages, request price adjustments, or ask for a revised proposal directly through the platform's secure messaging system. All negotiations are recorded and tracked for transparency.

If your RFQ does not receive a response within 5 business days, a GlobalSourcing sourcing specialist will personally review your requirements and either suggest modifications to improve matchability or manually approach specific factories on your behalf.

When you confirm an order, your payment is held in a secure escrow account — it is never sent directly to the factory. Funds are released in milestones: a portion upon production start confirmation, and the balance only after you confirm satisfactory receipt of the goods. This protects you from fraud and quality disputes.

We accept international bank wire transfers (SWIFT/SEPA), major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), and for qualifying accounts, deferred payment terms. Payment by cash or informal channels is strictly prohibited.

Funds are released in agreed milestones: typically 30% advance upon production start, and the remaining 70% after pre-shipment inspection approval and your delivery confirmation. You always have the final say before any funds are disbursed.

If a dispute arises, funds remain frozen in escrow while our mediation team reviews the case. Both parties can submit evidence. Our team issues a binding resolution within 7–14 business days. Please refer to our Refund Policy for full details.

Yes. GlobalSourcing coordinates logistics through our certified network of freight forwarders. We manage the end-to-end logistics workflow — booking, customs documentation, and tracking — on your behalf. You can also use your own freight forwarder if preferred.

Once your shipment departs, a live tracking link is added to your order dashboard. You can monitor the shipment's location, estimated arrival, and any customs milestones in real time. Email and SMS notifications are sent for key status changes.

Import duties, VAT, and customs fees in the destination country are the responsibility of the buyer (importer of record). GlobalSourcing can assist with documentation preparation and connect you with licensed customs brokers, but the fees themselves are not included in the platform's service.

If goods arrive damaged, document the damage immediately (photos, delivery note annotations) and open a dispute through your order dashboard within 5 business days of receipt. Our team will review the pre-shipment inspection report and work with you and the carrier to determine responsibility and process a refund or replacement.