Case Study: – A Smart Approach to Injection Moulded Product Procurement

In an era where global procurement is increasingly critical to operational success, sourcing complex, multi-component products requires a combination of local expertise, stringent supplier vetting, and smart analytics. This case study explores how Dragon Sourcing supported a client in sourcing silicon and plastic injection moulded portable bidet bottles from China, offering insights into methodology, results, and supplier recommendations.

Project Objectives & Scope

The client approached Dragon Sourcing with a clear set of goals:

  • Product: Portable bidet bottles composed of high-quality silicone and polyethylene.

  • Objective: Identify and qualify competitive, reliable, and socially responsible suppliers from Asia, specifically China.

  • Deliverables:

    • Supplier database

    • RFI-RFQ templates

    • RFI/RFQ evaluation reports

    • Supplier profiles with objective rankings and recommendations

Methodology: The Dragon Sourcing Approach

Dragon Sourcing deployed an 8-step approach that combined qualitative research with quantitative supplier evaluation:

  1. Demand Analysis: Collaborated with the client to define exact specifications, materials, quality requirements, and functional needs.

  2. Supply Market Analysis: Leveraged proprietary databases, B2B platforms, fair directories, and networks to identify 80 potential suppliers.

  3. Phone Screening: Shortlisted 27 suppliers through calls based on criteria such as material expertise, experience, certifications, and export readiness.

  4. NDA Administration: Ensured confidentiality by executing Non-Disclosure Agreements with eligible suppliers.

  5. RFI/RFQ Development: Created a scorecard-based RFI/RFQ focused on business credentials, production capability, quality management, and social responsibility.

  6. RFI/RFQ Distribution: Sent to 22 suppliers, of which 11 responded with complete data.

  7. Supplier Analysis: Evaluated all RFI/RFQ responses using a 100-point scorecard.

  8. Supplier Recommendation: Identified the top four suppliers based on score, pricing, certifications, and strategic fit.

Product Specs: Portable Bidet Bottle

  • Materials: Silicone (main body), Polyethylene (supporting parts)

  • Capacity: 500ml

  • Dimensions: 273mm (expanded), 172.3mm (collapsed)

  • Functionality: Collapsible design, user-friendly nozzle with press-button water release

This made it a moderately complex injection-moulded product requiring experience in dual-material manufacturing and assembly.

Supplier Screening Results

From the 80 suppliers identified:

  • 27 passed initial phone screening

  • 22 signed NDAs and received RFI/RFQ

  • 11 submitted full RFI/RFQ responses

Rejection Analysis

  • Phone Screening:

    • 60% lacked relevant experience

    • 17% were unreachable

    • Others were uninterested or at capacity

  • RFI/RFQ Stage:

    • 44% found product too complex post-evaluation

    • 31% refused NDA terms

    • 19% admitted pricing non-competitiveness

RFI Scoring Framework

Suppliers were scored across five weighted categories:

CriteriaWeight
Business Information40%
Production Management20%
Quality Control Management20%
Social Responsibility10%
Cooperation Willingness10%

Notable scorecard criteria included:

  • Experience in producing collapsible silicone products

  • Use of ERP and traceability systems

  • ISO certifications (9001, 14001, BSCI, etc.)

  • Audit history with international brands

  • Responsiveness and completeness of RFI data

Pricing & Cost Breakdown

Total unit costs (FOB) for portable bidet bottles ranged from $2.30 to $9.10, with most competitive suppliers quoting between $2.30–$3.00. Mould costs varied from $14,434 to over $70,000, depending on complexity and part count.

Key Observations:

  • Some suppliers declined to quote per-part pricing, assuming the product would be sourced as an assembled unit.

  • Packaging costs remained unclear due to the lack of final artwork or design from the client.

  • Estimated assembly and packaging costs were provided as placeholders, subject to final prototyping.

Recommended Suppliers

Dragon Sourcing recommended four suppliers based on score, pricing, and capabilities:

1. Supplier CN01

  • RFI Score: 71

  • Strengths:

    • Most competitive pricing

    • 13 years of experience

    • Full compliance with ISO standards

    • Owns patents; no litigation history

    • 200 employees, 15,000 m² facility

    • Logistics and distribution readiness for South Africa

2. Supplier CN02

  • RFI Score: 70

  • Strengths:

    • Export experience to South Africa

    • Clients include Disney, TikTok, Target

    • ISO9001, ISO14001, BSCI certified

    • Responsive and ready for one-stop production

3. Supplier CN03

  • RFI Score: 75

  • Strengths:

    • Serves ZARA, SONY, Target

    • Full one-stop capabilities

    • Proven QC system and patent ownership

4. Supplier CN06

  • RFI Score: 86 (Highest)

  • Strengths:

    • Largest facility (20,000 m²) and employee count (250)

    • Works with Disney, Walmart, NIKE

    • Holds ISO and BSCI certifications

    • Quick to respond and fully aligned with client needs

Key Takeaways

  • Structured screening and scoring can dramatically narrow down suitable suppliers from a large initial pool.

  • Material-specific expertise (silicone + polyethylene) is a rare and valuable capability in China’s manufacturing landscape.

  • Supplier transparency and NDA compliance remain hurdles at the RFI/RFQ stage.

  • Companies sourcing multi-material, assembled products must engage early on packaging and assembly specifics to get accurate quotes.

  • Working with a sourcing partner like Dragon Sourcing adds strategic value through local vetting, detailed analytics, and risk mitigation.

Reach Us

Download the Case Study:

Final Thoughts

This case study highlights the power of combining rigorous sourcing methodologies with local market expertise. Dragon Sourcing’s approach ensured that the client could move forward with confidence, cost efficiency, and quality assurance—critical elements in today’s complex global procurement environment.

If you’re planning to source specialized injection moulded products or need help navigating the Chinese supply market, this case study is a perfect illustration of how expert support can make all the difference.

Share This:

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *