How does TL charge for sourcing projects?
The service structure depends on the work involved, rather than a single published rate for every project.
The short answer
Support is structured around the project scope, with the service model agreed upfront based on the level of sourcing and coordination required. We discuss the work involved before agreeing the commercial arrangements. There is no universal fee structure that suits every brief.
What affects the scope
A straightforward requirement from an established supplier differs from a custom product that needs development and revisions. A multi-category program can also involve separate suppliers, production schedules, quality criteria and shipping arrangements.
- Number of products, categories and suppliers
- Development, samples, tooling or technical clarification
- Production follow-up, inspection and testing coordination
- Consolidation, freight coordination and ongoing support
Separate the different costs
It is useful to distinguish product costs from service costs, samples, testing, freight and other project expenses. What is included, excluded or payable separately should be clear in the agreed arrangement.
The same applies to work carried out by other providers. An inspection company, laboratory or freight provider may have a separate scope and charge. A project discussion helps identify these requirements before they become unexpected additions.
What if the requirement changes?
Additional products, new suppliers or changes after approval can alter the coordination work. If the brief expands, we review the extra scope and its commercial implications with you. A small change to a drawing can sometimes affect sampling or production as well as the product price.
For recurring supply, the support model can be discussed around the ongoing tasks rather than treating each order as a completely unrelated project. The arrangement still needs to reflect the actual work required.
How TL supports this
We work through the requirement and explain which sourcing and coordination activities are relevant. This allows you to assess the proposed support alongside the product and delivery requirements. Share your brief and any existing supplier information so we can discuss a suitable structure.
Have a sourcing requirement in mind?
Tell us what you need, from an individual product to a multi-category project.