Procurement
Sourcing from Asia.
Support through delivery.
From specifications to supplier selection, we support international procurement projects with technical understanding and commercial discipline.
Anonymised client projects
From our project work
01Large building materials manufacturer · Asian procurement
13% lower total procurement costs. Average capital tie-up period reduced by 23 days.
Procurement and logistics taken over: total procurement costs reduced by 13% and the average period of capital tied up shortened by 23 days. The cost comparison covers total procurement costs on an annual basis.
View references ↗02Automotive supplier · Welded assemblies for a German vehicle manufacturer
27% lower total procurement costs, with required quality maintained.
Complete assembly sourced from China: total procurement costs reduced by 27%, with required quality standards maintained. The cost comparison covers total procurement costs on an annual basis.
View references ↗ View references · 5 ↗Sourcing from components to traded goods.
01Industrial components and assemblies
Drawing-based components, manufactured parts and assemblies. Key issues are materials, tolerances, production methods, sampling and documented technical approval.
02Technical products and traded goods
Products for defined business applications or resale. Beyond function and unit price, enquiries cover packaging, labelling, available evidence, spare parts and delivery model.
03Alternative suppliers and recurring demand
Second sources, new sourcing markets or a structured comparison of existing suppliers. The objective is a traceable decision considering total cost and supply risks.
01Define requirements
Document product, drawing revision, quantity, target market and testing requirements.
02Qualify suppliers
Identify manufacturers, review evidence and coordinate sampling.
03Evaluate quotations
Compare tooling, freight, customs, quality and delivery terms.
04Support execution
Coordinate ordering, milestones and agreed quality checks.
A quotation is only useful when its basis is clear.
01Comparable total costs
We consider unit price, tooling, minimum quantities, transport, payment terms and required inspections together. Open items are flagged so a low price is not based on incomplete scope.
02Evidence relevant to the product
Together we define technical documentation and checks needed for the product and destination market. Supplier statements are distinguished from available evidence. Specialist tests and laboratory services can be included separately.
03Approvals before serial supply
Drawing revision, samples, inspection characteristics and owners are aligned. Deviations should be resolved before ordering or series approval. Our review is limited to the agreed assignment; it is not blanket product certification.
Decision guideA sound basis for comparing quotations
Begin with the same specification and volume assumptions. Keep unknown cost items visible instead of treating them as zero.
- Product and tooling
- Compare specification revision, material, annual volume, minimum lot size, tooling cost and ownership.
- Quality and evidence
- Include inspection scope, sampling, required evidence and the response to non-conformities in the quotation.
- Transport and import
- Compare delivery terms, packaging, route, insurance and applicable import costs on the same basis.
- Capital and inventory
- Show payment milestones, transit time, safety stock and financing separately from the unit price.
Award decisions should consider technical equivalence, total costs and supply continuity together. A lower unit price alone does not demonstrate savings.
Three ways of working. Roles defined in the mandate.
01Procurement advisory
You retain the direct supplier relationship. Black Darter® undertakes agreed research, comparison and coordination; the goods contract is between you and the supplier.
02Intermediation and project support
We help establish and coordinate relationships with selected suppliers. Scope, authority to act and remuneration are expressly agreed.
03Trading in our own name
For specifically agreed trading transactions, Black Darter® buys and sells itself. Contracting parties, scope, payment, checks and responsibilities are defined in advance.
What makes your enquiry actionable.
- Product description or drawing with current revision
- Material, dimensions, function and critical quality characteristics
- Sample needs, initial order quantity and expected annual volume
- Destination country, delivery location and timing
- Required checks, available evidence and special packaging
- Target costs or budget, where already defined
Not everything available yet? Start with the product, quantity and objective. We will clarify the outstanding requirements with you. For original CAD data or particularly large files, we agree a suitable transfer method.