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AutoDS Sourcing Service: Self-Select your Quote

Compare supplier options, choose a quote, and link it to a product or order. Request manual sourcing only if needed.

Introduction

The AutoDS Sourcing Service lets you compare supplier options, select the quote yourself, and quickly link it for automated fulfillment—giving you more autonomy and speed while maintaining quality checks through our China warehouse.

Instead of dealing with long shipping times, inconsistent quality control, and communication hurdles, you can choose the best option and move forward faster.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly when and how to use manual quote selection, and what to expect after linking.

Benefits

  • Compare supplier prices, delivery times, and ratings

  • Access better profit margins and exclusive products

  • Full automation with tracking included (via FBA)

  • Works for both new products and existing orders

  • Communicate directly with the sourcing team

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.

Quick Jump

  1. Getting Started: Requirements
  2. Sourcing Costs & Fulfillment
  3. How to Request Sourcing
  4. Steps to select and link sourcing manually
  5. What happens after linking a quote
  6. Sourcing requests statuses
  7. How to contact the Sourcing Team
  8. Sourcing Returns Policy
  9. Sample order: Try before you sell
  10. Possible Issues & Workarounds
  11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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 Load Balance to Your 'Fulfilled by AutoDS' Account?


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.

 


Steps to select and link sourcing manually

After requesting sourcing, the following steps apply to both product and order sourcing:

  1. Select the source product (based on image search)

  2. 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.

  3. Choose the best match or click Request Manual Sourcing if needed.

  4. View product tabs:

    1. Product information:
      Supplier rating, total products sold by the supplier, and shipping prices.
    2. Ship to Country:
      Available shipping destinations and the option to select different countries if offered by the supplier.
    3. Variants Information:
      Detailed information about variations, SKU, name, type, price, and shipping costs.

  5. 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 (e.g., a T-shirt in S, M, L, and red, blue, green).

    If the number of variations exceeds your plan’s limit, you’ll need to remove some products or variants or upgrade your plan.

  6. 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.

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

Note: If you see the error “Product is out of stock (OOS)”, 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

  • 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: How to Create and Manage 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: You can use it for unmonitored or supported suppliers (not Wish).

👉 Learn More: AutoDS Supported Suppliers and Selling channels

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.