Supplier finder

Find potential suppliers by product, region and requirements. Compare published capabilities, source links and questions to resolve before requesting a quote.

Describe the product and sourcing requirements

Opens your request in Okou. Sign in to run research using available credits. The example below is illustrative.Find potential suppliers
Start with:

What is a supplier finder?

A supplier finder turns a purchasing brief into a structured set of candidate companies. It connects your product, geography and production requirements with publicly described capabilities so that you can decide whom to qualify.

A website claim is not supplier verification. Quality, available capacity, lead times, certifications, creditworthiness and willingness to take an order need direct confirmation. Public research starts the sourcing process; samples and commercial due diligence complete it.

Requirements → candidate companies → public evidence → RFQ questions

How to use a supplier finder

Define non-negotiable requirements before searching.

  1. 01

    Write the purchasing brief

    Specify product, materials, region, quantity and any required standards.

  2. 02

    Check capability evidence

    Compare the actual products and services described on official sites. Mark unsupported requirements as unknown.

  3. 03

    Prepare an RFQ

    Ask shortlisted suppliers to confirm specifications, availability, delivery, minimum quantities and payment terms.

What can you use this research for?

For business owners and operators organizing sourcing work.

  • Initial sourcing

    Build a focused list of possible manufacturers or distributors.

  • Alternative vendors

    Find additional candidates when an existing supplier cannot meet a requirement.

  • Procurement handoff

    Give colleagues the source evidence and unanswered questions behind each candidate.

How supplier discovery becomes company research

Research the identity and public business information behind a shortlisted supplier.

Company research tool
How supplier discovery becomes company research01What is asupplierfinder?02How supplierdiscoverybecomes companyresearch03Companyresearch tool

Three packaging suppliers to qualify

Illustrative example using fictional data. Fictional companies responding to a coffee-packaging brief.

Sample inputs

North Packaging
Its sample website lists recyclable pouches, but no food-contact certification.
River Print
Its sample site publishes a 1,000-unit minimum order.
Harbor Supply
Its sample catalogue lists coffee bags, but does not identify the manufacturer.

What the evidence supports

  1. North: request documentation

    The product category fits; request evidence for the required food-contact standard.

  2. River: clarify order size

    The planned 500-unit order is below the published minimum. Ask about exceptions before shortlisting.

  3. Harbor: confirm the supply chain

    Identify the manufacturer, material specification and traceability before comparing quotes.

Illustrative companies. No supplier is certified or endorsed by this example.

Get better results with connectors

Prepare consistent questions so supplier replies can be compared.

Useful connectors

  • Google Sheets
  • Google Docs
  • Notion

Turn your shortlist into an RFQ brief

Research the identity and public business information behind a shortlisted supplier.

Draft my RFQ briefBrowse workflow examples

Supplier finder FAQs

Are the suppliers verified?

No. The result distinguishes publicly stated capabilities from evidence you must verify directly. It is a research shortlist, not a supplier certification.

Can it find minimum order quantities and prices?

It can record published figures with their conditions and dates. Private quotes and negotiated terms require direct supplier confirmation.

Can I use this for local service providers?

Yes. Specify a service and location. For nearby business listings, the local business finder is another starting point.

Is this tool free to use?

You can explore this page and its illustrative example for free. Research runs in your signed-in Okou account and uses available credits. Data availability and usage limits apply.

Okou also has the company research tool, the local business finder and the similar company finder.

Turn your shortlist into an RFQ brief

Prepare consistent questions so supplier replies can be compared.

Draft my RFQ brief