What to Ask a Stocklot Supplier Before Ordering: 12 Questions
Most stocklot disappointments trace back to questions that were never asked. These twelve convert vague promises into checkable statements — ask them before money moves, whoever you buy from.
Part of the buyer journey: Find & Verify a Supplier Before Money Moves — stage 2 of 8, with the other guides for this stage.
Questions 1–6: the goods
1. What is the exact composition of the lot, category by category, with quantities per category? 2. What percentage, if any, is not first quality, and how is it described? 3. Can I see photographs or video of the actual goods, taken recently? 4. What is the label and branding situation, and can it be stated in writing? 5. What is the size breakdown, and which size system does it use — EU, UK or US? 6. What is the fibre composition and fabric weight (gsm) for the knits?
Questions 7–12: the deal and the logistics
7. How is the lot packed — polybags, bulk cartons, retail-ready — and how many cartons? 8. What are the payment terms, confirmed in writing before any payment? 9. Which delivery terms — FOB port of loading or delivered — and what exactly do they include? 10. Can a third-party inspection be arranged before shipment, and who pays? 11. What export documents are provided, and do they match what my customs broker needs? 12. What happens if the goods received do not match the description — what is the process?
What the answers tell you
Each question converts a vague promise into a specific, checkable statement. A reliable supplier answers quickly and precisely because their business is built on lots that survive scrutiny. An unreliable one stalls, generalises, or manufactures urgency — “this lot is going fast, decide now” — precisely when you need specifics.
And one question to ask yourself
Does the price make sense? Prices dramatically below the market are the most reliable red flag in this trade. Real stocklot discounts come from real recovery situations, and they are still anchored to the value of export-quality garments.
What documents should you request before paying?
Beyond the twelve questions, four documents turn answers into evidence: a packing list with counts per bale or carton, photos or video of the actual lot (not catalogue stock), the export document set they will ship with (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading), and — for first orders — a written grade definition for the lot on offer. A supplier who produces these in a day is showing you their normal operation; a supplier who stalls on documents is answering the questions you did not ask yet.
What stocklots are available right now?
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Buyer questions, answered
What is the single most important question?
“Can I see photographs or video of the actual goods in this lot, taken recently?” Everything about a supplier’s reliability shows in how they answer it.
Should I ask about inspection if the lot is small?
For smaller lots, a live video inspection of the goods at pack-out is a reasonable minimum. For container-scale purchases, third-party inspection is standard.
Is it rude to ask so many questions?
It is standard practice. Professional suppliers expect due diligence and answer it for a living — the questions are how repeat business gets built in this trade.
What answer should end the negotiation?
Refusal to document the label situation in writing, or pressure to pay before terms are written. Both are stop signs, not negotiation points.