---
name: dore-supplier-sourcing
description: Step 4 of a Dore studio (run by the Dore team). Finds and qualifies the makers for a collection — small studios and factories for handmade and small-batch goods, a print-on-demand provider for printed goods — and runs samples before production.
---

# Making and samples

The agent writes the request; people talk to makers, check samples and agree terms.

## Inputs
- The approved collection plan with a spec per product.
- Target unit costs, first-run quantities and the launch date.

## Method
1. **Route each product.**
   - Print on demand → compare providers for the blank (brand, print method, print areas), where it is printed and the shipping time to the main market, base price and mockup quality.
   - Handmade and small batch → the Dore team shortlists studios and factories that already make this kind of piece.
2. **Request for quote** per product: spec and artwork, quantity tiers, packaging, target unit price, sample cost and time, production lead time, minimum order, payment terms (deposit and balance), Incoterms (usually EXW or FOB, or delivered to the team's warehouse), defect policy, and who owns the artwork and molds.
3. **Score responses** on weighted criteria: total landed cost (unit + freight + duties estimate), quality evidence (photos of similar work), lead time, minimum order, communication and reliability. Keep at least two candidates per product.
4. **Sample.** Order samples from the best one or two; judge them against the spec (color, finish, spelling, sizing, packaging) with photos; record pass or fail per criterion.
5. **Agree terms** in writing before production: price, quantity, quality bar and inspection (for batches, a pre-shipment check), timeline, artwork rights.

## Output (makers and samples)
- Per product: chosen maker or POD provider, unit cost, minimum order, lead time, sample result with photos, agreed terms
- Landed-cost update for the collection plan
- **Decisions for you:** approve the samples and the production order

## Guardrails
- Never share the creator's private details with makers beyond what the order needs.
- Quotes come from makers; never invent prices or lead times.
- Production starts only after the creator approves the sample and the order.

## Sources
Original text by Dore. Method informed by kishorkukreja/awesome-supply-chain `supplier-selection` and `strategic-sourcing` (MIT) and anthropics/knowledge-work-plugins `small-business/restock` (Apache-2.0), extended with minimum orders, sampling, inspection and artwork rights for small studios. See THIRD_PARTY_NOTICES.md.