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:
Demand Analysis: Collaborated with the client to define exact specifications, materials, quality requirements, and functional needs.
Supply Market Analysis: Leveraged proprietary databases, B2B platforms, fair directories, and networks to identify 80 potential suppliers.
Phone Screening: Shortlisted 27 suppliers through calls based on criteria such as material expertise, experience, certifications, and export readiness.
NDA Administration: Ensured confidentiality by executing Non-Disclosure Agreements with eligible suppliers.
RFI/RFQ Development: Created a scorecard-based RFI/RFQ focused on business credentials, production capability, quality management, and social responsibility.
RFI/RFQ Distribution: Sent to 22 suppliers, of which 11 responded with complete data.
Supplier Analysis: Evaluated all RFI/RFQ responses using a 100-point scorecard.
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:
| Criteria | Weight |
|---|---|
| Business Information | 40% |
| Production Management | 20% |
| Quality Control Management | 20% |
| Social Responsibility | 10% |
| Cooperation Willingness | 10% |
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.
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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.