Introduction
In the emerging world of global sourcing, organizations constantly search for partners that can deliver reliable, cost-effective, and high-quality supply chain solutions. Dragon Sourcing, a leading international sourcing and procurement services provider, successfully completed a comprehensive sourcing project for stainless steel kitchen sinks, demonstrating its expertise in supplier identification, qualification, and end-to-end procurement management.
This case study explains how Dragon Sourcing searches and reaches out to the client to identify alternative suppliers in China and Mexico to improve product quality, strengthen long-term supplier relationships, and optimize sourcing operations.
Project Context and Objectives
Dragon Sourcing showed an approach to the client with two main objectives:
- To source food-grade stainless steel sinks (Type 304) that maintain strict quality standards.
- The client also checks to identify different suppliers who could provide product consistency, certification compliance, and long-term reliability.
The two sourcing countries selected were China and Mexico, both known for their strong stainless steel manufacturing bases and cost structures that are also competitive.
Scope and Deliverables
After taking the project, Dragon Sourcing divided it into two key phases to ensure structured execution and measurable outcomes.
Stage 1: Research and Supplier Identification
Deliverables included:
- RFI/RFQ (Request for Information/Quotation) Analysis Report
- Recommended supplier list for audit and sampling
Stage 2: Evaluation and Contracting (to be initiated after Stage 1)
Deliverables planned:
- Supplier audits (if required)
- Sample testing and validation
- Final contracting
The first phase was targeted to be completed within eight weeks, adhering to a detailed week-by-week project timeline.
Sourcing Strategy and Execution
Dragon Sourcing started the work with its proven Global Strategic Procurement (GSP) methodology, which is also supported by its proprietary digital sourcing platform to manage the process efficiently. The strategy involved the following key steps:
Demand Analysis
Gathering the knowledge of the product specifications was crucial. The project covered:
- Hand sinks
- One-compartment sinks with drainboards
- Three-compartment sinks (with one or two drainboards)
- Pre-rinse faucets
All sinks needed to be NSF-certified, made of Type 304 stainless steel, and include side splash guards, 16-gauge depth, and custom sizing flexibility.
Supply Market Analysis
Dragon Sourcing works on its extensive supplier database and external sources to identify 96 potential suppliers (China and Mexico combined).
Telephone Pre-Screening
A pre-screening activity filtered out suppliers that are not suitable based on simple but critical criteria such as:
- Certification (NSF)
- Product portfolio match
- Export experience to the U.S.
- Direct manufacturing capability
After the process, out of 96 suppliers, 8 passed the pre-screening stage and advanced to the next phase.
RFI/RFQ Administration
Dragon Sourcing then conducted a comprehensive RFI/RFQ process. Then Dragon Sourcing evaluated the suppliers on multiple parameters including:
- Business and production capabilities
- Quality management
- Social responsibility
- Certificates and documentation
A scorecard analysis revealed:
- Highest score: 82 points
- Lowest score: 45 points
- Average score: 76.5 points
Supplier Selection and Cost Evaluation
There are three suppliers from China and one from Mexico who have completed the full RFI/RFQ submission. Dragon Sourcing conducted a detailed price comparison across product categories.
Key Highlights:
- There are different price structures that were notable between regions, with Chinese suppliers offering more competitive rates for bulk orders.
- Supplier 1 was disqualified due to missing NSF certification.
- Samples were ordered from Suppliers 2 and 3 for quality verification.
The client, Supplier 2, was chosen after sample testing was completed as the final vendor based on:
- Compliance with technical requirements
- Product quality
- Competitive pricing
- Reliable delivery timelines
Rejection Analysis
Rejections during phone screening and RFI/RFQ administration provided valuable insights:
- 55% of suppliers lacked NSF certification.
- 13% did not produce the required products.
- 10% only manufactured home sinks (non-commercial).
- 9% were unreachable.
- 7% lacked U.S. export experience.
Like the structured rejection reasoning, it ensures transparency and improved supplier databases for future projects.
Tools and Technology: Dragon Sourcing’s GSP Platform
Dragon Sourcing works through its Global Sourcing Platform (GSP), a proprietary online system created to manage every phase of a sourcing project, from supplier identification to contracting.
Key benefits of the GSP:
- Centralized supplier database with verified profiles
- Streamlined RFI/RFQ administration
- Supplier ranking and qualification tools
- Real-time progress tracking
Conclusion and Key Outcomes
This case study, the kitchen sink sourcing project, opened up Dragon Sourcing’s ability to deliver end-to-end procurement support, from supplier discovery to final selection.
Final Results:
- Supplier 2 was selected after an extensive evaluation process and product testing phase.
- The product production orders were successfully placed, ensuring cost efficiency and quality improvement.
- The client gained access to a stronger and more reliable supply base in Asia.
This project strengthens Dragon Sourcing’s commitment and professionalism to helping global clients enhance supply chain resilience, reduce costs, and secure sustainable supplier partnerships.
FAQs
Q1. What industries benefit most from Dragon Sourcing’s services?
A1. Industries like hospitality, food services, consumer goods, manufacturing, and many more benefit greatly from Dragon Sourcing’s international sourcing and procurement expertise.
Q2. How does Dragon Sourcing ensure supplier quality?
A2. Through multi-layer audits, RFQ scoring systems, sample product testing, and ongoing supplier performance monitoring.
Q3. Why were China and Mexico chosen for this project?
A3. After checking many companies from many countries, both of these countries offer robust stainless steel manufacturing capabilities, competitive pricing, and proximity to major global markets.
Author’s Bio:
Pankaj Tuteja
Head of Operations – India
https://www.dragonsourcing.com