Keep variants clear
List sizes, colors and quantities against each supplier order. Specify whether receiving work is carton-level or includes an agreed item-level check.
Choose the packing scope
Discuss how presentation, protection and packed volume should be balanced. Keep retail packaging or request repacking only after agreeing the handling instructions.
Plan around the stock date
Share your stock-in date and supplier readiness. Compare a consolidated dispatch with a separate urgent shipment using the same receiving requirements.
A situation to plan for
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE
A supplier packs several sizes under one style number. A carton count can confirm the number of outer packages, but not the size mix inside them. If that mix matters for your launch, define the item-level check and approval process before the cartons arrive, and keep the agreed assortment with the order.
Prepare your product brief
Add these product details to your shipment outline. Mark anything still unknown and identify who can confirm it.
- Variant breakdown
- List style, size, colour and quantity for each order. Note mixed cartons and whether the supplier has provided a carton-by-carton contents list.
- Packaging to preserve
- Identify retail boxes, hangers, inserts or labels that must remain. Request approval before removing packaging solely to reduce shipment volume.
- Check depth
- Specify carton counting, an agreed sample or item-by-item checks. Record what should be photographed and which differences need your decision.
- Release by collection
- Share the stock-in date for each collection and the orders that must travel together. Decide in advance who can approve partial dispatch if a supplier is late.
NEXT STEP
Warehousing & packing
Temporary storage, agreed-scope inspection, repacking and shipment preparation in China.
