SOURCING BRIEF / AMAZON & DTC
What to put in a pet product sourcing brief.
What to put in a pet product sourcing brief for a mixed small-batch private label order: references, quantities, labels, packing, channel and destination.
THE SHORT ANSWER
A pet product sourcing brief lists what to make and how it will be sold: reference styles and changes, quantity by style, colour and size, labels and packing, sales channel, destination and target arrival. One brief can cover apparel, bandanas and beds; MOQ and price are confirmed on the quotation.
Start from references, not adjectives
For each product line, name a reference style or attach your own sample, drawing or tech pack, then list the changes you want. PRETTY development references include D01 and D02 (apparel), N01–N03 (bandanas and neckwear) and B01 (textile bed). A reference plus a change list is easier to review than a description of the look you want.
Quantities by style, colour and size
Write the quantity for every style, colour and size, not only the total. Ask whether the minimum is counted per style or per variant, and confirm it on the quotation; a total alone hides whether each line can proceed. If a quantity is still open, mark it as a range or as to be discussed rather than leaving it blank.
Labels, packing and sales channel
Say where the goods will be sold, for example an Amazon listing or your own DTC store, and list what each unit needs: brand label, size and care label, hangtag, polybag or retail box, the barcode labels your channel requires, and carton marks. Check your channel’s current rules yourself; they change.
Destination, trade term and timing
Give the destination country, the trade term you want quoted (for example FOB or EXW) and your target arrival date. The factory works back from that date; sample, production and shipping time are confirmed on the quotation for your project.
One brief for a mixed small-batch range
Amazon and DTC sellers often launch several products together. Put apparel, bandanas and beds in one brief, and mark which lines are priority and which can wait for a later order. PRETTY focuses on mixed small-batch private label, so the full range can be reviewed in one brief; how lines combine is confirmed on the quotation.
| Brief field | What to write | Confirm on the quotation |
|---|---|---|
| Reference | Style reference or your sample, plus a change list | Feasibility and what needs development |
| Quantities | Quantity by style, colour and size | How the minimum applies to each line |
| Materials | Fabric, colour and trim references | Material options for the quotation |
| Labels and packing | Label map, unit pack and carton marks | Packing scope in the quotation |
| Channel | Amazon listing, DTC store or wholesale | Which unit labels to plan for |
| Destination and timing | Country, trade term and target arrival | Schedule and trade term on the quotation |
Common gaps in a buying brief.
Sending only a total quantity
Break it down by style, colour and size.
Leaving labels and packing for later
List them in the first brief so the quote covers them.
YOUR NEXT CONVERSATION
Bring these details to the discussion.
Choose the points you want to review. Your selection will be added to the editable specification notes in your enquiry.
Apparel measurement briefBlank CSV worksheet · opens in a spreadsheetNEXT STEP