NOST TECH editorial team · Updated 28 October 2026 · Supplier selection
Decide whether the supplier is ready for a sample order
Before ordering a sample, establish four things: who contracts for the order, which product is proposed, what the sample must demonstrate and who handles a failed check. If those answers are missing, the proposal is not ready for the next payment.
A manufacturer and a sourcing partner may divide the work differently. Name the parties responsible for production, inspection and after-sales support instead of relying on the supplier’s label.
Use each kind of evidence for the question it answers
| Evidence | Question it can help answer | What it does not establish on its own |
|---|---|---|
| Company and contracting information | Who is responsible for the order? | Product performance |
| Wheel drawing and specification | Which product is proposed? | A completed test or an approved installation |
| Identified test / inspection records | What was checked, under which conditions? | Coverage of every size or later design change |
| Approved sample and retained references | What appearance or agreed features were accepted? | Every production item or all engineering requirements |
| Written order and delivery terms | What will be supplied, and by whom? | A destination-specific legal approval |
Use the table to connect each document to a purchasing question. A tour may show a facility and a certificate may identify a test, but neither alone explains the complete product offer.
Give the sample a specific job
Give the sample an agreed purpose: dimensions, finish, branding, packaging or another specified requirement. Keep appearance approval separate from the engineering evidence needed for the wheel.
For a changed design, identify the drawing revision before sample approval. BC Forged’s published process provides an example of written order records and profile review; its commercial terms do not apply to other suppliers.
Retain the accepted finish reference, with its sample identification and comparison conditions. Link later orders to that reference rather than a photograph whose lighting is unknown.
Make inspection specific enough to use
| Ask for | Check in the response |
|---|---|
| Product identification | Model, drawing revision and each supplied specification |
| Dimensional checks | What will be measured and how results will be recorded |
| Appearance | Approved finish reference and agreed defect criteria |
| Test information | Product, dimensions and conditions covered by the report |
| Packing | Protection, quantity per carton and required identification |
| Problems | Who reviews a failed check and how rework or replacement is agreed |
Agree the checklist with the technical reviewer and supplier before placing the order. A report needs a product identity to be useful. For third-party inspection, settle access and timing as well as the measurements, records and response to a failed check.
Check the document and delivery responsibilities early
The International Trade Administration’s document overview distinguishes the commercial invoice, packing list and transport documents. Have the importer and forwarder establish the documents needed for the actual shipment.
Keep the delivery point, payment conditions, estimated shipping date and quote validity in the final offer, as set out in the ITA’s pro forma guidance. Revise that offer if the goods or terms change.
Destination-specific duties and product approval need their own checks with the responsible parties before shipment commitments are made.
Start with a small, complete enquiry
Send a complete set of RFQ order lines and mark the open questions. For NOST TECH enquiries, use the custom project route for development or the wholesale route for supply discussions. Keep the agreed specification, sample and terms available for the next order.
Explore wheel options
Start with the wheel catalogue to identify the product type and specification you want the supplier to quote.
See project examples and wheel collections on the NOST TECH homepage.
References
- BC Forged NA: Ordering
- International Trade Administration: Common Export Documents
- International Trade Administration: Pro Forma Invoice
Links checked 28 October 2026. Manufacturer examples describe those manufacturers’ products and policies.