Better suppliers. Lower landed cost. Managed risk.
Services delivered under product sourcing
New product sourcing
For NPD, private-label launches or replacing an obsolete SKU, we build the specification, identify capable suppliers and take the product from concept to first production run.
- Specification and total-cost model definition
- Long-list of suppliers matched to volume, quality and lead-time needs
- Sample rounds, tooling design and first-article approval
- Contract, quality agreement and ramp-up plan
Re-sourcing existing products
Where an incumbent supplier is under-performing on price, quality or lead time, we benchmark the market, qualify alternatives and manage a controlled transition.
- Benchmark of current unit and landed cost against market
- Alternative supplier qualification without disrupting supply
- Parallel-run and switch-over plan to protect service
Dual and multi-sourcing for resilience
Single-source exposure is one of the largest hidden risks on the balance sheet. We identify critical SKUs and put a qualified second source in place - either country of origin diversification or backup within the current geography.
Low-cost country sourcing
- China, India, Vietnam, Turkey, Eastern Europe and Mexico coverage
- Factory audits, IP protection and compliance due diligence
- Duty, tariff and Incoterm optimisation
- In-country quality control and pre-shipment inspection
Packaging, print and consumables sourcing
- Structural and graphic packaging redesign for cost and sustainability
- Print consolidation across marketing, retail and operational categories
- MRO and consumables catalogue rebuild
Components and engineered items
- Should-cost modelling and value engineering
- Manufacturability review with candidate suppliers
- Tooling ownership, amortisation and transfer terms
Why it pays
Product sourcing that only compares unit price misses most of the value - and most of the risk. We model landed cost, working capital, quality cost and single-source exposure so the winning supplier is the one that is best for the business over the contract term, not just the cheapest quote.
Typical outcomes: 10-25% landed cost reduction on switched items, dual sourcing on critical components, and shorter, more reliable lead times. This complements our offshoring and supply chain work.
Before signing a new supplier, we use should-cost modelling to build a bottom-up target price for the part so negotiations start from evidence, not the incumbent’s quote.
Frequently asked questions
How does Caventis source products?
We start with a total-cost model - unit price, freight, duty, tooling, quality cost and working capital - then build a long list of vetted suppliers across UK, EU, near-shore and Asia. RFQ, sample assessment and factory due diligence narrow the list, and we handle commercial negotiation, contract and first-article approval through to ramp-up.
Do you source from China and other low-cost countries?
Yes. We have live supplier networks across China, India, Vietnam, Turkey and Eastern Europe, alongside UK and EU options for near-shoring. The right geography depends on landed cost, lead time tolerance, IP sensitivity and tariff exposure - not a default.
What kinds of products do you source?
Finished goods and private-label products, engineered components and sub-assemblies, packaging and print, and raw materials or consumables. If it has a specification and a repeat buy volume, we can source it.
How much can product sourcing save?
10-25% landed cost reduction on switched items is typical, with additional value from dual sourcing, shorter lead times and reduced working capital. Savings are highest on categories that have not been re-sourced in 3+ years or where the incumbent has been in place since founding.
Do you handle quality control and factory audits?
Yes. Factory due diligence, sample assessment, first-article inspection and ongoing quality agreements are part of every engagement. On critical products we can arrange in-country QC and pre-shipment inspection through our partner network.
Related services
Specialist areas that complement this work.
About Caventis
Caventis (Caventis Ltd, registered in England & Wales, company number 17158263) is a UK procurement, supply chain and cost reduction consultancy. It works with mid-market and PE-backed businesses to identify and deliver savings across procurement, operations and back-office spend, typically on a shared-savings basis where the majority of the fee is tied to realised, P&L-verified outcomes.
The firm was founded by Matt Buckley (MCIPS, Cranfield MBA, FCMI Chartered Manager), who leads every engagement personally, drawing on 15+ years of procurement, supply chain and cost transformation experience at bp and General Motors. Caventis is headquartered in the United Kingdom and serves clients nationwide.
Need a better supplier?
Tell us the product. We'll come back with a sourcing plan and target cost.