How to prepare a multi-brand purchasing list
One enquiry, several brands: a structure that keeps a mixed list easy to quote and easy to compare.
Updated
Many buyers source several brands and product types at once — toothpaste from one range, brush heads from another, a few specialist lines to complete an assortment. A single well-organised list is quicker to quote than several separate requests, and easier for you to compare afterwards.
Start from your assortment, not from the catalogue
List what your customers actually buy by product type first — toothpaste, manual and electric brushes, replacement heads, mouthwash, interdental care, denture care — then add the specific brands and variants under each. This makes gaps obvious and stops the list drifting towards lines you do not need.
One line per item
Each line should describe one thing that can be priced: brand, product, variant, size or pack count, and quantity. Our enquiry list works this way — every product option you add becomes its own line with its own quantity, and brands can be mixed freely in one enquiry.
Use a consistent quantity unit
Keep all quantities in individual units unless you tell us otherwise. Mixing units (“10 cartons” on one line, “600” on the next) is a common source of errors. If a quantity depends on price — for example you would take more at a better price — note the range.
Mark priorities
If some lines are essential and others optional, say so in the notes. It lets us focus the quotation on what matters if availability differs between lines.
Group by destination
If goods are going to more than one country, send one enquiry per destination. Product versions, eligibility and delivery terms are confirmed per destination, so separating them keeps each quotation clear.
A simple template
| Type | Brand | Product and variant | Size / pack | Units | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toothpaste | Brand | Product, flavour | 75ml | quantity | Essential |
| Brush heads | Brand | Head type | 4-pack | quantity | Essential |
| Interdental | Brand | Brush width | 6 pcs | quantity | Optional |
You can paste a list in this format into the “products and quantities” box on the request form, or build it item by item with the enquiry list.
Distinguishing variants
Keep each flavour, size, pack count and model on its own line, even within one brand. “Marvis toothpaste, 3 flavours” cannot be quoted; three lines with the flavour and tube size can.
Describing acceptable alternatives
If a close alternative would work — another size, a different pack count or a comparable line — say so on that line, for example “or 85ml if 75ml is unavailable”. Say “no alternatives” where only the exact product will do.
Combining catalogue and unlisted products
Add catalogue products to your enquiry list, then describe anything not listed in the purchasing-list box of the same request. Both parts are reviewed together, so you receive one reply for the whole order. How sourcing requests work.