Start with the destination and use case.
The same model can require a different specification, steering configuration, charging standard, documentation pack or commercial route in different markets. A useful sourcing brief should state:
- Destination country and preferred port or inland city
- Buyer type: dealer, importer, fleet, business, individual or parts distributor
- Brand and model, or the job the vehicle must perform
- New or used condition, model year and acceptable mileage
- Quantity, target budget and preferred trade terms
- Required powertrain, seating, payload, body type and steering side
If the exact model is unknown, describe the operating need. For example: “five electric city cars for a rental fleet” or “a 4×4 SUV for mixed highway and unpaved-road use.”
Confirm the exact supply status.
A vehicle displayed online can represent a model family, a factory programme or an exact stock unit. Buyers should know which one they are reviewing before comparing offers.
| Supply type | What to request | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| New vehicle programme | Model year, trim, colour, configuration, lead time and warranty terms | Final specification may differ by production batch and destination |
| Exact new stock unit | VIN or stock reference, production date and unit photos | Connects the offer to a particular vehicle |
| Selected used vehicle | VIN, mileage, condition report, photos, video and known repair history | Condition cannot be judged from generic model images |
| Commercial project | Chassis, payload, body, axle, route and operating requirements | The application defines the correct configuration |
For used vehicles, verify the exact unit.
A strong evidence pack should use the same vehicle reference across the quotation, inspection material, contract and loading evidence. Ask for:
- VIN or another traceable stock reference
- Odometer photo and dashboard warning-light check
- Exterior, interior, tyre, underbody and engine-bay images
- Cold-start and operating video when relevant
- Condition notes describing visible defects and known repairs
- Independent or pre-shipment inspection when the transaction requires it
Generic images are useful for discovering a model. They are not evidence of the condition of a used unit.
Make every quotation comparable.
A quotation should identify what is included and excluded. Compare offers on the same basis rather than comparing the headline vehicle price alone.
| Check | Questions to answer |
|---|---|
| Vehicle identity | Is this a model indication, production order or exact stock unit? |
| Price basis | Which currency and trade term are used? How long is the offer valid? |
| Included costs | Are inland transport, export handling, inspection, port charges and freight included? |
| Documents | Which invoice, contract, title or registration, export and shipping documents will be supplied? |
| Payment | Who is the contracting party and payment beneficiary? What milestones apply? |
| Delivery | What is the estimated preparation and shipping window, and what can change it? |
Review feasibility before the formal offer.
Vehicle eligibility, import age limits, steering rules, emissions or safety requirements, taxes and local registration procedures can vary by destination and can change. The buyer and exporter should verify current requirements for the final country, vehicle and shipment.
Common delivery planning includes inland movement in China, export processing, port handling, ocean or land freight, cargo insurance where selected, destination clearance and onward transport. The responsible party for each step should be written into the offer.
Add the first service-parts plan.
For a fleet, dealer order or model that is new to the destination, consider adding filters, brake wear items, suspension parts, lamps, sensors, body consumables and model-specific diagnostic needs. VIN-matched parts reduce ambiguity when a model has multiple configurations.
What should you ask before paying?
- What exact company will sign the contract and receive payment?
- What vehicle or production reference appears on the offer?
- What evidence is available for the exact unit?
- Which specification and destination checks have been completed?
- What does the price include, and which costs remain at destination?
- What documents and shipping milestones will be provided?
- What happens if the confirmed specification or condition differs?
Turn the checklist into one sourcing brief.
Choose any destination market, add a port or city, and combine vehicles and parts in one structured enquiry.
Build a global enquiry