Buyer & Supplier Intelligence
Presenting supply so buyers can compare it
Buyers compare suppliers on the same few dimensions. A supply profile that answers them directly is easier to shortlist.
What buyers compare
Across categories, buyers tend to compare suppliers on:
- Specification fit — grades, standards and tolerances you can meet consistently.
- Minimum order and real capacity — what you can deliver per month, not at peak.
- Origin and loading point.
- Lead time from order.
- Certifications and inspection — what you hold, and what you accept.
- Commercial terms you normally work on.
Credibility comes from precision
Specific, verifiable statements — a standard, a certification with its issuer, a realistic monthly capacity — build more confidence than broad claims. Buyers discount what they cannot check.
What it means
- Lead with specification and capacity.
- State certifications precisely.
- Be realistic about lead time — it is a commitment.
Limitations
- General guidance; category-specific expectations vary.
Sources
This article draws on Offport’s own approach and general trade practice; it cites no external data.