# LaunchDeck — Supplier Tracker

Use this before you spend any real money. Compare at least 3 suppliers before committing.

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## Supplier Comparison Matrix

| | Supplier A | Supplier B | Supplier C |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Name** | | | |
| **Location** | | | |
| **Website / Contact** | | | |
| **Product or Service** | | | |
| **Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)** | | | |
| **Unit Cost (per item)** | | | |
| **Shipping / Import Fees** | | | |
| **Total Cost per Unit** | $ | $ | $ |
| **Lead Time (days/weeks)** | | | |
| **Sample Cost** | | | |
| **Sample Lead Time** | | | |
| **Payment Terms** | | | |
| **Languages Supported** | | | |
| **Has References / Reviews?** | | | |
| **Red Flags Noted** | | | |

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## Lead Time Tracker

| Supplier | Order Date | Expected Delivery | Actual Delivery | Notes |
|----------|-----------|------------------|----------------|-------|
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |

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## Pricing Negotiation Log

| Date | Supplier | Contact | What We Discussed | Outcome |
|------|----------|---------|-------------------|---------|
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |

**Negotiation tips:**
- Always ask for a lower price than they quote — you can always go up, you can't go down easily
- Ask about "mix and match" orders — sometimes you can combine products for a better per-unit rate
- Inquire about payment terms: 30% deposit, 70% on delivery is standard for first orders

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## Quality Issues Log

| Date | Supplier | Issue | How It Was Resolved | Would Use Again? |
|------|----------|-------|---------------------|-----------------|
| | | | | |
| | | | | |

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## Key Questions to Ask Every Supplier

Before placing any order — even a sample:

1. What are your payment terms for first-time customers?
2. Can I see photos of a recent order before it ships?
3. What happens if the product arrives damaged or wrong?
4. How do you handle returns or defects?
5. What's your typical response time for emails / messages?
6. Do you offer dropshipping for small orders?
7. Can I get a reference from another customer in my niche?
8. What's the price break at [double my MOQ]?

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## Decision Checklist Before Placing First Order

- [ ] Got quotes from at least 3 suppliers
- [ ] Ordered and received at least 1 sample
- [ ] Verified sample quality meets your standard
- [ ] Confirmed total cost including shipping and fees
- [ ] Understood lead time and built it into your launch timeline
- [ ] Negotiated payment terms (never pay 100% upfront to an unknown supplier)
- [ ] Have a written agreement or order confirmation (email is fine)
- [ ] Know exactly what happens if something goes wrong
- [ ] Have budgeted for a worst-case scenario (order is wrong + shipping = $$)

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## Supplier Red Flags

🚩 Refuses to send samples
🚩 Only accepts crypto or wire transfers with no buyer protection
🚩 Prices are dramatically lower than every other supplier (it's almost never real)
🚩 Communicates only through WhatsApp with no business email or website
🚩 Gets defensive or aggressive when you ask questions
🚩 Has no reviews, references, or social media presence
🚩 Pushes you to "act fast" because "prices are going up tomorrow"

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*Never rush a supplier decision. A bad first order can cost you hundreds of dollars and weeks of delay. Use this tracker every time.*