How Cosmo Sourcing Works

From your first product brief to direct factory introductions, every step is designed around one principle: you get full transparency, original pricing, and a factory relationship you own. No commissions, no markups, no middleman games.

Cosmo Sourcing team on a factory visit in Vietnam
The Cosmo Sourcing team on a factory visit in Vietnam
1
Plan

Tell Us What You Need

Every sourcing project starts with a conversation. You tell us what you need manufactured, and we help you compile your product details into a clear spec sheet and Request for Quotation (RFQ) so your requirements are ready for factories to quote accurately.

What happens at this stage

We help you compile a clear, detailed RFQ
All projects are tariff-aware
2
Find

Source and Vet the Right Factories

We research and pre-qualify manufacturers against your specific requirements, drawing from our factory network in Vietnam (since 2014), Mexico (since 2023), China, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, the Philippines, and beyond. We do not send your RFQ to a generic list. Every factory shortlist is custom-tailored to your specific product, requirements, and target market.

You receive 2 to 6 original, unaltered factory quotes with full factory contact details and a comprehensive sourcing report. We do not mark up pricing or hide factory identities. You see exactly what the factory quoted.

What you receive

Original factory quotes (unaltered, no markup)
Sourcing report with supplier profiles, quotes, capabilities, certifications, and our assessment
Full factory contact details (names, emails, phone numbers, addresses)
Direct introductions to your chosen factories
Cosmo Sourcing founder Jim Kennemer on a factory visit in Vietnam
Jim Kennemer, Cosmo Sourcing founder, on a factory visit in Vietnam
3
Make

Sampling and Factory Handoff

Once you select a factory, we stay with you through sampling to make sure specs are dialed in.

From there, the factory relationship is yours. You have full contact details, a direct introduction, and everything you need to move forward independently.

If you want Cosmo to stay involved through production, our Beyond Sourcing services cover sample evaluation, contract negotiation, production oversight, quality assurance, inspections, and shipping coordination. These services are available to clients who have completed a sourcing package.

Included in your sourcing package

Sample coordination with the factory
Support through sampling until specs are confirmed

Available through Beyond Sourcing

+ Contract negotiation and manufacturing agreements
+ Production oversight and quality assurance
+ Product and factory inspections (in-line, pre-shipment, factory audits)
+ Shipping and logistics coordination
Jim Kennemer reviewing products with a factory in Vietnam
Reviewing products with a manufacturer in Vietnam
4
Own

You Own the Factory Relationship

At this point, you have everything you need: vetted factories, original pricing, full contact details, and a direct introduction. The factory relationship is yours. You decide whether to manage production independently or keep Cosmo involved.

You can take over at no additional cost with all supplier information and documentation, or keep Cosmo involved through production. Our Beyond Sourcing services include sample evaluation, contract negotiation, production oversight, quality assurance, inspections, and shipping coordination. Optional add-ons like landed cost analysis and confidentiality agreements are also available.

What you walk away with

Direct factory relationship (you own it)
Complete sourcing report for your records
Full factory contact details and introductions
Option to continue with Cosmo or go independent

After Factory Introductions

Once sourcing is complete, you choose how to move forward. You can take over and manage production independently, or keep Cosmo involved. Our Beyond Sourcing services are available to clients who have completed a sourcing package.

Hourly Support

Sample evaluation, contract negotiation, production oversight, quality assurance, and shipping coordination. Billed hourly, pay only for what you need.

Factory Visits

We send a representative to visit the factory for basic visual inspections and relationship building. For more complex audits, we work with trusted third-party experts. Car, driver, and meal expenses billed separately.

Third-Party Services

Product spec sheets, tech packs, factory and product inspections, lab testing, and certifications (REACH, CPSC, UL, BSCI, FSC, and more) through our partner network.

Cosmo Sourcing clients visiting a nitrile glove factory in Vietnam
Cosmo Sourcing clients after visiting a factory in Vietnam

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not like any of the factories you find?
If none of the initial factories are the right fit, let us know. Our goal is to find you the right manufacturer, not just any manufacturer.
What if my product is complex or requires multiple components?
Products involving multiple materials, components from different factories, or specialized manufacturing processes (footwear, precision-engineered items, children's products, medical-grade goods) may require additional sourcing effort. We offer a Complex Products add-on for these types of projects.
Do I really get the factory's direct contact information?
Yes. We provide as much contact information as possible for every vetted manufacturer, including factory names, emails, phone numbers, and addresses, along with a direct introduction. You can communicate with the factory independently at any time. This is a core part of how Cosmo works and one of the biggest differences between us and commission-based sourcing agents who keep factory details hidden.
How is Cosmo different from a sourcing agent?
Sourcing agents typically work on commission (5% to 15% of your order value), mark up factory pricing, and do not share factory contact details because their revenue depends on staying in the middle. Cosmo Sourcing is a sourcing company that charges a fixed fee regardless of your order size. You see original factory quotes, you get full contact details, and you own the relationship. Our incentive is to find you the best factory, not the one that pays us the highest commission.
Which countries do you source from?
We have our own teams in Vietnam (since 2014) and Mexico (since 2023), and we source from China, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, the Philippines, and beyond. The right country depends on your product type, order volume, target market, and whether trade agreements or tariff considerations apply.
How long does a typical sourcing project take?
A typical sourcing project takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks. A Rush Projects add-on is available for expedited sourcing in under four weeks, given priority scheduling.
Can I visit the factories myself?
Absolutely. We arrange guided factory visits in Vietnam with bilingual guides, transportation, and a custom itinerary built around your products. Many clients visit to meet the factory team in person, inspect production, and build the relationship.
What happens after the sourcing project is complete?
You choose how to move forward. You can take over and work directly with the factory at no additional cost, or keep Cosmo involved for sample evaluation, contract negotiation, production oversight, quality assurance, inspections, and shipping coordination through our Beyond Sourcing services. View our services and pricing →

Ready to Find the Right Factory?

Tell us what you need. We will take it from there.

Book a Free Consultation