PRODUCT DEFINITION / REQUIREMENT BLUEPRINT
Product Requirements Checklist for China Sourcing
Before a supplier can answer well, the buyer needs a current product reference and a clear question. A useful requirement record does not need every detail on day one. It needs the details that shape the next supplier conversation, sample request, quotation, or review.
Direct answer: state what the product is, who it is for, what version is current, what matters most, what remains open, and which answer you need from a supplier next.
START WITH THE CURRENT REFERENCE / NOT A PERFECT BRIEF
The objective is a supplier question that can be reviewed, compared, and improved.
A product record may begin with an existing product, sketch, image, sample, rough product idea, customer request, or prior supplier message. Label what is current, rather than treating an early picture or memory as a final requirement. Use this with the product sourcing brief and specification sheet template.
EIGHT REQUIREMENT MODULES / RECORD WHAT SHAPES THE NEXT ANSWER
01 / PRODUCT AND USER
What is the product meant to do, and for whom?
Name the intended user, use context, selling unit, core purpose, and any product reference already in hand.
02 / CURRENT VERSION
Which image, sketch, sample, drawing, or file is current?
Use a date, version, or short label. Keep earlier references separate so a supplier reply can be tied to the right product state.
03 / MATERIAL AND BUILD
What material, construction, finish, or component question matters?
State what is known, what is preferred, what is a reference only, and what needs a product-specific supplier response.
04 / SIZE AND CONFIGURATION
Which dimensions, variation, quantity, or market configuration is relevant?
Record the measurement, variation, pack count, accessory, voltage, language, or other configuration point that affects the next conversation.
05 / APPEARANCE AND BRAND
What should the supplier understand about look, logo, or finish?
Use a reference image, colour, artwork status, logo instruction, or finish preference. Keep open branding questions visibly open.
06 / PACKAGING AND SET
What belongs in the selling unit and how should it be presented?
Identify accessories, insert, retail packaging, carton, label, barcode, or pack-out points that the product question cannot ignore.
07 / COMMERCIAL CONTEXT
What quantity, target stage, and quote question should be named?
Give enough quantity and project context for a supplier response to be comparable, then keep price, MOQ, timing, and scope questions visible.
08 / NEXT DECISION
What answer does the buyer need before moving forward?
Ask for product fit, available evidence, an example, sample route, quotation basis, change explanation, or a pause condition—not a generic “best price.”
PRODUCT QUESTION → SUPPLIER RESPONSE → BUYER REVIEW
Keep one product record moving through the next useful stage.
1 / Build the record.
Use the product brief and specification sheet to label what is current and what is open.
2 / Ask a reviewable question.
Use the inquiry template or RFQ template when the product needs a comparable supplier response.
3 / Move only with the next record.
Connect the supplier answer to a shortlist, sample request, quotation comparison, or evidence review—not a general inbox thread.
BOUNDARY / A REQUIREMENT RECORD IS NOT A PRODUCT APPROVAL
A clearer product question improves the next conversation. It does not settle every risk.
What this checklist can organise
The current product reference, buyer priorities, open questions, supplier inquiry context, sample route, and the buyer decision that needs a clearer response.
What this checklist does not determine
It does not approve a product, verify a supplier, confirm product safety, compliance, legal rights, costs, commercial terms, timing, quality outcome, or suitability for a particular market or use.
When the record needs specialist input
Where a product involves regulated claims, technical requirements, safety, compliance, testing, intellectual property, legal, tax, customs, insurance, or financial questions, obtain appropriate qualified or official input before a decision.
MAKE THE PRODUCT QUESTION MORE SPECIFIC
Have a product reference and a sourcing question that needs a clearer next record?
Bring what you have, name what is open, and start with the decision you need to prepare next.