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AutoDS Product Sourcing Service

Learn how to use our streamlined sourcing process for faster, more profitable order fulfillment.

Introduction

Working with traditional Chinese suppliers like AliExpress can present challenges such as:

  • Long shipping times
  • Lack of quality inspection of products, which can result in customers receiving defective items and negative reviews
  • Difficult communication and customer support with suppliers

At AutoDS, we’ve built a sourcing solution to overcome these problems and help your business scale more efficiently.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the AutoDS Product Sourcing Service: how it works, when and how to use it, and what to expect at each step.

Quick Jump



Why use AutoDS’s Product Sourcing Service?

The AutoDS Sourcing Service connects you with suppliers from our trusted network from China, helping you access better pricing, faster and more flexible shipping options, and quality-controlled products. You’ll benefit from:

  • Increased profit margins with competitive pricing
  • Pre-shipment inspection through our China warehouse
  • Multiple shipping carrier options by destination country
  • A dedicated communication channel with the sourcing team

It’s your all-in-one solution for consistent, reliable product fulfillment.

NOTE:

  • AutoDS does not keep any commission or money from your orders.
    The balance is required to buy the product and pay the supplier for you, as all payments from your buyers will go to your selling channel account, not AutoDS.
  • When requesting sourcing, you may receive offers for similar (not identical) products but with better prices or shipping times from any supported supplier.

 

 

Getting Started: Requirements

Before requesting sourcing quotes:

Step Details
Enable Order Processor

Requires the Fulfilled by AutoDS automation.

Ensure you enable the Order Processor add-on, your AutoDS balance covers product + shipping costs, and that you have enough AO credits.
Add the Sourcing Supplier Go to Settings > Add Supplier, select AutoDS Sourcing and China as the warehouse, then click Add Supplier.

 

 

Sourcing Costs & Fulfillment

  • Order-based sourcing is free of charge. For product sourcing, 1 AO credit is required per product.

    If an order from a non-Chinese supplier already exists, no credits will be deducted for sourcing that product again.

  • Requires Fulfilled by AutoDS (FBA) service.

  • Ensure wallet balance is loaded. Learn more.

 


How to request sourcing

You can only request quotes for unmonitored products or supported suppliers (except Wish).

  1. From the Product Page: Click the 3-dot menu > Sourcing Request
  2. From the Orders Page: Find the Sourcing column > Request Sourcing +
    If the button doesn’t appear, sourcing isn’t available for this specific order.

Linking Quotes

Status is Ready:

  1. Click the product image or Sourcing Details.

  2. Review product info, pricing, shipping, and photos.

    If you’re not satisfied with the product, click Request a Change and share your reasons so our team can review your request.

To set preferences:

  1. Click the pencil icon next to the offer.

  2. Choose the destination country and shipping carrier.

  3. Click Save.
    Repeat for each country you plan to sell in.

  4. Once everything looks good, click "Link Product".

  5. Select the correct product variation (size, color, etc).

  6. Optional: check box to apply quote to existing unfulfilled orders. This will update the Buy ID accordingly.

⚠️ Important: Future orders will be fulfilled using this variation. Linking the wrong one may result in incorrect deliveries.

 

What happens after linking a quote

  • The quote replaces the original Buy ID in the product/order.

  • Product image/description stays the same unless manually changed.

  • Future orders will auto-fulfill using the selected quote.

  • Supplier shown as AutoDS Sourcing.

  • Shipping info appears on the variant level.

 

 

Sourcing Request Statuses

Status Meaning
In Progress Product is being sourced (typically within 48 hours).
Cannot Be Sourced No suitable supplier was found.
Ready The quote is available.
Linked The quote has been attached to a product/order.
 

 

 

How to contact the Sourcing Team

Where to Contact How
Sourcing Request Page Click on Actions > Message about this sourcing request.
Order Details Page Go to the Orders page > 3 dots icon > Message about this order.
Messages Tab Send a message with the order ID for faster assistance.

Note: Check the Messages section regularly from the left-hand menu. Suppliers may reach out to you for order reviews, and your response is required before the order can move forward.

 

 

Sourcing Returns & Policies

 
Scenario Policy
Product returns Product returns are not accepted for items that are not damaged or missing.
Incorrect address/name Non-refundable if the order fails due to incorrect shipping details.
Large volume items Carriers may apply additional shipping charges.
Damaged/missing items

Please contact our support team within 7 business days of delivery so we can assist you.

Make sure to reach out through one of the following methods:

  • The Sourcing Request page

  • The Order Details page

  • The Messages tab (please, include the Order ID)

 

 

Sample Orders: Try before you sell

Test products before selling with Sample Orders. Place a test order directly from AutoDS, no store connection needed. Evaluate shipping times and product quality with ease.

Ordering a sample through AutoDS is a quick and convenient option, but please keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for covering the full cost of the product and its shipping. AutoDS simply places the order on your behalf with the supplier.

→ Learn more about  the step-by-step guide and full details on sample orders. 

Note Details
Does not affect selling channel Order won’t appear on the store or affect metrics.
Currency Only supported in USD. In the Marketplace, the option will be greyed out for products in other currencies, but you can easily switch to USD for the same product.
Suppliers Available only for USD-compatible suppliers supported by the AutoDS Fulfillment System.
Add balance If balance is low, you'll get a warning but can proceed.
Not counted in Sold Quantity Sell ID will be empty, tooltip: “Sample Order is not created with the selling channel”
Product isn't Supported May not appear on product page if not supported, but always available in Marketplace.

 

 

Possible Issues & Workarounds

Problem Solution
The sourcing quote offered the wrong product Click Request for a Change, explain the issue, and confirm. The request status will update so you can track it.
Can't find "Create Sourcing Request" on Orders Page If linked to a non-Chinese supplier, the button is hidden. Submit via Product Page instead.
Don’t want to fulfill with linked quote Edit the order, choose Fulfill using a different product, update supplier/Buy ID. Or delete and re-upload product.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I request sourcing from any supplier site?
A: Only from unmonitored or supported suppliers (not Wish). See full list here.

Q: How long does sourcing take?
A: After you submit a sourcing request, our team usually provides a quote within 48 hours.

Once you link the quote and place the order:

  • Handling time begins (typically 3–4 days for the item to arrive at our warehouse)

  • After inspection, the item is shipped to the buyer.

Q: Difference between AutoDS warehouse and private suppliers?
A: The warehouse contains pre-imported products; private suppliers may offer exclusive items via the AutoDS platform.

Q: Can I source from non-Chinese suppliers?
A: Yes, but terms and processes may vary.