What is the AutoDS Sourcing Service
The AutoDS Sourcing Service is a feature designed as an alternative for dropshippers working with Chinese suppliers, who often face challenges such as long shipment times, product quality issues, and communication difficulties with suppliers. This service was designed to address these common problems by offering competitive prices, high-quality inspections, various shipping options, and direct communication with the Sourcing team.
Benefits
The AutoDS Sourcing Service provides several key benefits for your business:
Compare supplier prices, delivery times, and ratings.
Access better profit margins and exclusive products.
Full automation with tracking included via Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA).
Works for both products and existing orders.
Communicate directly with the sourcing team.
Requirements to use the Sourcing Service
Before you can start using the AutoDS Sourcing Service, you must complete specific requirements to ensure your account is configured correctly for this feature.
Note: A Sourcing Quote is a price and product proposal created by the Sourcing team in response to your request for a specific product. When you receive a quote, you can compare it with your current supplier by evaluating factors like price, product quality, and shipping options from different Chinese suppliers. If the quote meets your needs, you can link it to your product. Once linked, all future orders for that product will automatically be processed and fulfilled using the new quote instead of your original supplier.
To use the AutoDS Sourcing Service, follow these steps:
Add AutoDS Sourcing as a supplier with China as the warehouse.
Enable the Order Processor add-on in your account, since the AutoDS Sourcing Service requires Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) to handle your orders automatically.
Ensure your AutoDS balance covers both product and shipping costs, and that you have sufficient AO credits.
Note: When requesting Sourcing, you may receive offers for similar products (not identical), but with better prices or shipping times from any supported supplier.
Costs and fulfillment
The costs and fulfillment structure for the AutoDS Sourcing Service work as follows:
Order-based sourcing requests: Free of charge when requesting quotes for orders on the Orders Page. This applies when you already have an order placed and want to source it through the AutoDS Sourcing Service.
Product sourcing requests: 1 AO credit each when using the AutoDS Sourcing Service to look for a better product to upload and import to your store. This applies when you're searching for new products to add to your catalog.
If an order from a non-Chinese supplier already exists, no credits will be deducted for that product again.
Note: AutoDS does not keep any commission or money from your orders. The balance is required to purchase the product and pay the supplier on your behalf, as all payments from your buyers will be directed to your selling channel account, not AutoDS.
How to request sourcing quotes
Requesting quotes is the first step to using the AutoDS Sourcing Service. You can request quotes for both products and orders, but only for unmonitored products or supported suppliers (except Wish).
Here is how to request quotes:
From the Product Page: Click the three-dot menu, then select 'Sourcing Request'.
From the Orders Page: Find the Sourcing column, then click Request Sourcing +.
If the button does not appear, this feature is not available for this specific order.
Select and link quotes
Immediately after requesting a quote from the AutoDS Sourcing Service, you will be redirected to a page where you can compare products from different suppliers, select the one that better fits your needs, and link it to your product or order.
Follow these detailed steps to complete the Sourcing quote linking process:
Select the source product based on image search.
Review the results: Compare price, similarity, shipping options, and supplier rating. If none of the options meet your needs, click Request Manual Sourcing to have our team search for a match from trusted Private Suppliers.
Choose the best match or click Request Manual Sourcing if needed.
View product tabs:
Product information: Supplier rating, total products sold by the supplier, and shipping prices.
Ship to Country: Available shipping destinations and the option to select different countries if offered by the supplier.
Variants Information: Detailed information about variations, SKU, name, type, price, and shipping costs.
Select product variations: Choose only what you need, as you cannot add more later. Product variations are different versions of the same item, like size, color, or model (for example, a T-shirt in S, M, L, and red, blue, green). If the number of variations exceeds your plan's limit, you will need to remove some products or variants or upgrade your plan.
Link product: Finalize the process or request a change if you want a different product. You can request a change directly from the Sourcing Details page.
Click here to watch our complete guide on how to link a quote when using the AutoDS Sourcings Service.
Important:
When using the AutoDS Sourcing Service, future orders will be fulfilled using the variation you linked. Linking the wrong one may result in incorrect deliveries.
Regarding Step 4 (Ship to country): When setting preferences, choose a carrier for each country you plan to sell in. If you skip this step, the system will automatically assign a default carrier, which may lead to longer delivery times than what your shipping policy promises.
Once an order is placed, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to switch the carrier to the one you wanted. So always select the preferred carrier for each country, and save your settings.
Note: If you see the error "Product is out of stock (OOS)" when requesting a Sourcing quote, click "Request Manual Sourcing" at the top of the screen, and our team will search the product for you.
What happens after linking a quote
After linking a quote from the AutoDS Sourcing Service, it is essential to know what to expect.
Once you link a quote, the following changes occur automatically:
The quote replaces the original Buy ID in the product or order.
The product image and description remain the same unless manually updated.
Future orders will auto-fulfill using the selected quote.
Supplier is shown as AutoDS Sourcing.
Sourcing Service request statuses
Request statuses from the AutoDS Sourcing Service help you track the progress of your requests.
Each status indicates where your request stands in the process:
Status | Meaning |
In Progress | Your product is currently being sourced by the team. This process typically takes up to 48 hours, after which you will receive a quote to review. |
Cannot Be Sourced | No suitable supplier was found for your product. This means the team was unable to find a match that meets the quality and pricing standards for your request. |
Ready | The quote is available and ready for your review. The next step is to compare the quote details and link it to your product if it meets your needs. |
Linked | The quote has been successfully attached to your product or order. All future orders for this product will now be fulfilled using this linked quote. |
Note: When you request the AutoDS Sourcing Service through the standard process, you will receive multiple quote options automatically and can link them immediately to their product. In this case, the status will automatically update to "Linked".
Processing time
The AutoDS Sourcing Service processing time refers to the period it takes from placing an order to when the product is ready to ship to your customer. This timeline is essential to understanding when working with suppliers from China, as it can sometimes vary due to several factors.
Typical processing time
At AutoDS Sourcing Service, we strive to process orders as efficiently as possible, with most orders being completed within 3 to 5 business days. However, the dropshipping model operates differently from traditional eCommerce. Since we work with a vast network of suppliers and manufacturers across China, products are not stored in a central warehouse waiting to be shipped. Instead, they are sourced after the order is placed, which can sometimes lead to variable processing times.
The fulfillment process
Once you place an order through the AutoDS Sourcing Service, the fulfillment process begins.
Here is a detailed overview of each step in the sourcing fulfillment process:
Order fulfillment: Once you confirm and use the managed balance to pay for an order, our sourcing team in China begins working to obtain the product from the supplier.
Product acquisition: The supplier packages and ships the item to our warehouse for further processing.
Quality check: Upon arrival, the item is inspected to ensure it meets the quality standards you and your customers expect.
Shipping: Your order is finally dispatched for shipping, with tracking information provided to you and your customers via your selling channel.
In most cases, this sourcing fulfillment process is completed within three days. However, there are instances where external factors might delay this timeline.
Common reasons for delays
Despite our best efforts, some delays are outside of our control when using the AutoDS Sourcing Service. These common reasons can help you set realistic expectations with your customers.
Here are three scenarios that might extend processing times:
Supplier stock issues: Occasionally, when our team orders an item from the supplier, it may be temporarily out of stock. In such cases, the supplier must manufacture additional units before the item can be sent out, which can lead to delays.
Shipping delays: The supplier may experience longer-than-expected delivery times, which can delay the entire fulfillment process.
Holiday seasons: During major holidays in China, such as the Chinese New Year or Golden Week, many suppliers and factories shut down their operations temporarily. This pause in production and shipping can significantly delay the fulfillment process, as orders pile up and are processed only after the holidays end. You can check Chinese holidays for any year by entering it on this website.
How to contact the sourcing team
To resolve issues or ask questions about the AutoDS Sourcing Service, you need to know how to contact the team. You can reach out to the team through multiple channels depending on your needs.
You can reach out to the Sourcing team through multiple channels depending on your needs:
On the Sourcing Request Page:
Click on the Actions button.
Click on the Message button about this sourcing request.
On the Order Details Page:
Go to the Orders page.
Click the three dots icon.
Click on the button Message about this order.
On the Messages Tab:
Go to the left-hand menu > Click on Messages.
Send a message to the AutoDS Sourcing team providing the order ID for faster assistance.
Note: Check the Messages section regularly from the left-hand menu. Suppliers may contact you for order reviews, and your response is required before the order can move forward.
Returns and policies
The AutoDS Sourcing Service has specific return policies that outline what happens in various return scenarios.
These policies help you know what to expect when issues arise:
Scenario | Policy |
Product returns | Product returns from Sourcing requests are only accepted for damaged or missing items. |
Incorrect address or name | Orders fulfilled through the AutoDS Sourcing Service are non-refundable if the order fails due to incorrect shipping details provided. |
Large volume items | For large volume items from sourcing requests, carriers may apply additional shipping charges upon delivery to the final destination. These charges will be communicated when processing the order. |
Damaged or missing items | Please contact our support team within seven business days of delivery for Sourcing orders so we can assist you.
Make sure to reach out through one of the following methods: Sourcing Request Page, Order Details Page, or Messages Tab. |
Sample orders
The AutoDS Sourcing Service also allows you to create sample orders to test products before selling them to customers. You can place a test order directly from AutoDS, making it easy to evaluate shipping times and product quality before committing to selling the item.
When you order a sample through AutoDS, please note that you will be responsible for covering the full cost of the product and its shipping. AutoDS simply places the order on your behalf with the supplier.
Click here to learn more about how to create and manage sample orders.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I request quotes from any supplier site using the AutoDS Sourcing Service?
Can I request quotes from any supplier site using the AutoDS Sourcing Service?
You can use the AutoDS Sourcing Service for unmonitored products or supported suppliers (except Wish). To view all AutoDS-supported suppliers, click here.
How long does the AutoDS Sourcing Service take to process manual requests?
How long does the AutoDS Sourcing Service take to process manual requests?
After submitting a manual request through the AutoDS Sourcing Service, our team typically provides a quote within 48 hours.
Once you link the quote and place the order, the handling time begins, usually taking 3 to 4 days for the item to arrive at our warehouse in China.
After inspection, the item is shipped to the buyer.
To calculate the total timeline, you should consider:
Quote response time: 48 hours (2 days).
Handling time: 3 to 4 days.
Total time: 5 to 6 days before shipping to the buyer.
What should I do if the quote offered the wrong product or if i want to request a change?
What should I do if the quote offered the wrong product or if i want to request a change?
If you are not satisfied with the product offered in the quote provided through the AutoDS Sourcing Service, you can:
Click 'Request a Change' on the sourcing request's page.
Explain the issue.
Click the "Request a Change" button.
The request status will be updated, allowing you to track the progress of your new request.
Why can I not find the "Create Sourcing Request" button on the Orders Page?
Why can I not find the "Create Sourcing Request" button on the Orders Page?
If you cannot find the "Create Sourcing Request" button on the Orders Page, this is likely because your order is linked to a non-Chinese supplier. The AutoDS Sourcing Service button is hidden for orders connected to suppliers outside of China.
Workaround to request a quote:
Important: A supplier for an order can only be changed while the order is still in Pending status.
You can follow the workaround below if Auto-Order is disabled for this product, as the order will not be processed automatically and will remain in Pending status.
Go to your Products Page, locate the product, click on the three-dot icon, and request a quote.
Link the AutoDS Sourcing quote to your product.
Return to the order and change the status to "Send To Auto Order" so it will be processed with the AutoDS Sourcing Service.
If Auto-Order was already enabled when you received the order:
The order will be automatically processed with the original supplier. In this case, you can still request a quote through the Products Page (following steps 1-2 above), but the AutoDS Sourcing option will only apply to new orders for this product, not the current one.
Tip: To avoid this situation in the future, disable Auto-Order for products where you want to manually choose AutoDS Sourcing as your supplier.
What should I do if I no longer want to use the linked quote?
What should I do if I no longer want to use the linked quote?
If you do not want to fulfill the linked quote from the AutoDS Sourcing Service, you have two options:
Option 1: Change the supplier by editing the variant information in your order.
Find the specific order on the orders page.
Click on the product's image to open a new pop-up window.
Go to the Product tab.
Click the "Use Different Product" button.
Change the data for the supplier’s name, warehouse region, and buy variant ID.
Click on the Save button.
Option 2: Delete and re-upload the product to start fresh.
Go to your Product Page on AutoDS.
Find the product you want to delete.
Click the three dots icon.
Click on Delete.
To check how to upload your product, click here.
Is the AutoDS Sourcing Service worth it for shipping to countries like the USA or more distant regions?
Is the AutoDS Sourcing Service worth it for shipping to countries like the USA or more distant regions?
Whether the AutoDS Sourcing Service is worth it for shipping to countries like the USA or more distant regions depends on several important factors you need to consider.
You can use AutoDS Sourcing Service for orders to these regions, but keep in mind that products typically ship from China, which means longer delivery times compared to local or regional suppliers.
Key considerations:
Delivery times: Shipping from China to far-distance countries like the USA can take longer. Make sure to check the estimated delivery times for each country you plan to ship to when reviewing quotes in the AutoDS Sourcing Service.
Platform policies: If you're selling on platforms with strict delivery time and tracking requirements (such as Amazon, eBay, or others), longer shipping times could negatively impact your store's performance metrics, ratings, or even account standing. Always verify your selling channel's policies before using AutoDS Sourcing.
Additional costs: Consider possible customs fees and import taxes that may apply to your shipments, as these can affect your profit margins.
Bottom line: It's ultimately the seller's responsibility to ensure that their chosen supplier aligns with their business needs and platform requirements. For some products or markets, AutoDS Sourcing may work well, while for others, you might need to consider alternative suppliers with faster shipping options.