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Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about sourcing better import deals through Trade Sourcer.
- What is Trade Sourcer?
- Trade Sourcer is a B2B parallel-import sourcing platform. We connect local retailers and distributors with vetted overseas supplier lots — the right brand, quantity, and price — so you can source merchandise below what your formal importer charges.
- What is parallel import?
- Parallel import (also called parallel-market sourcing) means buying genuine, brand-name goods through channels other than the brand's official local importer. The products are authentic; they simply reach your market via a different, often cheaper, route.
- How much does it cost to register?
- Registration is free. Creating a buyer account unlocks full offer details and indicative resale pricing. There is no subscription or platform fee to browse and enquire.
- Why can't I see prices as a guest?
- Indicative resale prices are shown only to registered buyers. Guests see offer teasers with the brand, merchandise type, quantity, and origin. Register for free to view pricing.
- How are deals negotiated and closed?
- Once you find a lot that fits, you contact us directly — a pre-filled WhatsApp message opens instantly from the offer page. Final terms, pricing, and logistics are agreed in that conversation.
- Which product categories are available?
- Offers span many merchandise categories and change constantly as we source new lots. Browse the Categories page to see what is currently available.
- Which countries and markets do you serve?
- Trade Sourcer serves a global, English-first B2B audience. Each offer lists its origin country and the target markets it suits.
- How are suppliers vetted?
- We source from suppliers we have checked for reliability before listing their lots. Deals are brokered directly by our team, so you always transact through Trade Sourcer.
- What happens after I make contact?
- We discuss quantities, pricing, and delivery, then coordinate documentation and shipping once terms are agreed. We handle the deal end-to-end.
- Is parallel importing legal?
- In many markets, importing genuine branded goods outside the official channel is lawful; in others, trademark rules restrict it. The deciding factor is your market's "trademark exhaustion" regime, and normal import compliance (labelling, duties, certifications) always applies. Our guide on the legality of parallel imports explains the landscape; confirm the rules for your own market before buying.
- Are parallel imports genuine products?
- Yes — by definition. A parallel import is an authentic, brand-made product that reached your market through a different distribution channel than the official importer. It is not a counterfeit. We list lots from vetted suppliers only, and provenance can be discussed as part of any deal.
- Do parallel-imported goods come with a warranty?
- Usually not the official local importer's warranty — after-sales support is typically arranged by the seller or by you as the buyer. Warranty and support terms are part of the deal conversation, so raise them when we discuss a specific lot.
- Is there a minimum order quantity?
- Offers are lot-based: each listing shows the available quantity, and lots are generally sold as a whole. If a lot is larger than you need, ask us about a split — sometimes possible, depending on the supplier and logistics.
- Who handles shipping and customs?
- We coordinate logistics end-to-end once terms are agreed: documentation, shipping arrangements, and delivery tracking. Import duties and taxes in your market are part of your landed cost — our landed-cost guide explains how to estimate them before you commit.