Why are photos and reference brands not enough for a supplier to quote?
A photo shows how a product looks, not what it is made of, its grade, measurements or tolerances. A reference brand tells a supplier what you like, not what you need. Suppliers can only quote reliably from a written specification, so use photos to support a specification, not to replace it.
What can a photo not tell a supplier?
- Material and grade — two products can look the same and use very different materials
- Measurements and tolerances — sizes, weights and how much variation is acceptable
- Construction — how parts are joined, printed or finished
- Packaging — units per pack, cartons and labelling
- Quality standard — what counts as acceptable for your market
Without these, two suppliers will quote for two different products, and the quotes cannot be compared.
How do you turn a reference product into a specification?
- Write down the features that matter to your customers — the things you will not compromise on
- Add measurements, materials and packaging where you know them
- Mark what is flexible, so suppliers can propose alternatives
- Keep the photo or a physical sample as a reference alongside the written details
If you can send a physical sample of the reference product, suppliers can examine it directly, which is far more useful than a photo.
Why do mock-ups need extra care?
A design that looks right on screen may not be possible on the material or process you have chosen. Special prints, finishes or effects often need a factory test before anyone can confirm them, and the first test sample may involve set-up costs. Treat a mock-up as a starting point for discussion, not as a confirmed product.
How can SiamPartner help?
We turn your reference product into the questions Thai suppliers need answered, and put them to suppliers in Thai, so the quotes you receive are for the same product and can be compared. If a design or effect needs testing first, we raise it at the start — not after the sample arrives.
Common questions
I do not have a specification. Can I still start?
Yes. Start with what you know and a reference product. A sourcing agent or supplier can help turn it into the questions that need answering.
Can a factory copy a reference product exactly?
Usually not, and it may not be allowed if the product or brand is protected. Most factories can make something similar to your specification, not an identical copy.
General information only, based on what we commonly see in our work. It is not legal, tax or customs advice, and every situation differs.DISCLAIMER →
Related reading
- What should you prepare before contacting a sourcing agent in Thailand? →
- Do you need an interpreter for factory visits in Thailand? →
- How many factories can you visit in one day around Bangkok? →