Question 1

Who does FathomKite serve, and where can it source?

Accepted Answer

FathomKite supports U.S. marketplace sellers, direct-to-consumer brands, retailers, and small manufacturers. Its sourcing coverage spans global markets.

Question 2

What sourcing services are available?

Accepted Answer

The published service list covers supplier vetting, factory audits, sample and pricing coordination, pre-shipment inspections, and shipment tracking.

Question 3

What is the sourcing process?

Accepted Answer

The published process has four steps, in order: (1) Set the brief—align product needs, order scope, and sourcing priorities; (2) Vet suppliers and verify the factory—review suppliers, audit the factory, and coordinate samples; (3) Agree pricing and samples—coordinate samples and pricing before production; (4) Inspect before shipment and follow through to delivery—check the order before shipment and track it through delivery.

Question 4

What are the published fee options?

Accepted Answer

For order-led work, the published option is a 3–8% commission based on order value. For ongoing oversight, the published option is a $2k–$10k monthly retainer, with a fee for each inspection. Both fee ranges are guidance, not a quote. The published pricing does not give an inspection-fee amount.

Question 5

Is tariff and customs compliance support included?

Accepted Answer

Tariff and customs compliance support is optional and can be added when it fits the sourcing brief. It is not automatic or included in every engagement.

Question 6

What should I check when evaluating a supplier?

Accepted Answer

The supplier-verification guide recommends comparing the supplier’s legal name, registration details, address, contacts, and payment beneficiary across documents. Clarify whether you are dealing with a factory, a trading company, or both; identify the actual production address and who will make the goods; and ask about relevant equipment, processes, capacity, subcontractors, quality checkpoints, and traceability records. Compare those details with your product requirements.

Question 7

How should I use references, samples, and acceptance criteria?

Accepted Answer

The guide suggests asking for recent customer references you have permission to contact and asking specific questions about consistency, communication, packaging, defects, and issue handling. Compare samples with the proposed production specification, record what you approved, and define acceptance criteria before production. A sample shows what was sent for sampling; it does not prove that a later production run will be identical.

Question 8

What payment safeguards does the guide recommend?

Accepted Answer

Keep specifications, quantities, tolerances, packaging, delivery terms, inspection rights, and remedies in writing. Where appropriate, consider staged payments tied to documented milestones. Verify the payment beneficiary and bank details through a separate trusted channel before sending funds, and independently confirm any account change. The guide also describes options such as inspection before final payment, escrow, or a letter of credit; each has conditions, costs, and limits.

Question 9

Do supplier checks guarantee quality, delivery, or compliance?

Accepted Answer

No. The supplier-verification guide is general information, not legal, customs, accounting, or financial advice. No verification step guarantees supplier performance, product quality, delivery, or compliance. The guide’s buyer checks and government guidance are not guaranteed FathomKite deliverables.

Global sourcing, clearly answered.