# Product and supplier evaluation workbook

## Product opportunity

Product: __________  Customer: __________  Market/channel: __________
Price assumption: __________  Supply model: __________
Alternative the customer currently chooses: __________
Reason to choose this offer: __________

### Required gates

- [ ] Intended sale/channel is permitted and applicable requirements are understood.
- [ ] Required intellectual-property and brand permissions are in place.
- [ ] Relevant product claims and documentation can be verified.
- [ ] Supplier can meet the essential product and delivery specification.
- [ ] Expected contribution before acquisition is positive or the model is deliberately being reworked.

A failed gate means pause and resolve the issue. It cannot be cancelled out by a high score elsewhere.

### Weighted comparison

Score 0–4 based on evidence. Use “unknown” where evidence is missing. Do not calculate a complete score until all dimensions are evaluated.

| Dimension | Weight | Score | Evidence/source | Confidence | Next question |
|---|---:|---|---|---|---|
| Customer demand | 25 | | | | |
| Contribution potential | 25 | | | | |
| Differentiation | 15 | | | | |
| Operational fit | 15 | | | | |
| Supplier reliability | 10 | | | | |
| Marketing fit | 10 | | | | |

Weighted score = sum((dimension score / 4) × weight).
Planning bands: 75–100 consider a limited pilot; 50–74 resolve uncertainties; below 50 rework/deprioritize. These are editorial planning thresholds, not validated success probabilities.
Example: scores 3,3,2,4,3,3 produce 75/100.

### Pilot decision

Largest uncertainty: __________
Smallest honest test: __________
Budget/time limit: __________
Evidence needed to continue: __________
Conditions requiring pause: __________
Outcome and revised assumptions: __________

## Supplier comparison

| Question | Supplier A | Supplier B | Evidence needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product specification matches? | | | |
| Minimum quantity and lead time? | | | |
| Sample represents ordinary stock? | | | |
| Packaging/instructions acceptable? | | | |
| Stock update method? | | | |
| Tracking and delivery experience? | | | |
| Defect and return responsibility? | | | |
| Cancellation/change process? | | | |
| Landed cost and payment terms? | | | |
| Required documentation verified? | | | |
| Named support contact and response process? | | | |

## Sample-order inspection

Record order, acknowledgement, dispatch, tracking, and delivery dates. Photograph the package and item. Check dimensions, material, function, variants, instructions, included items, damage, and consistency with the listing. Record unresolved questions before buying more.

Pass/fail criteria: __________
Defects and corrective action: __________
First-order quantity and cash exposure: __________
Reorder conditions: __________
Backup plan: __________