Choose the route around demand
| Route | When to discuss it | What to define |
|---|---|---|
| Direct to your facility | You expect to use or receive the full shipment. | Destination appointment, unloading, receipt checks and discrepancy contact. |
| Warehouse before delivery | Goods need storage before the next order or production run. | Facility suitability, ownership, storage duration and stock reporting. |
| Stock with partial releases | One inbound shipment supplies several customer orders. | SKU-level releases, authorized requesters, available quantities and replenishment. |
These are planning options. The product, locations and commercial arrangement determine the accepted service scope.
Four handoffs to document
Supplier → shipment
Link the order and drawing revision, packing list, product origin and shipment references. Establish who supplies missing or revised information.
Import release → receiving
Confirm release information with the responsible parties before transport to the agreed destination. Provide the warehouse with references, expected quantities, labels and handling instructions.
Receiving → inventory
Record what arrived, what was checked and any discrepancy. Separate goods awaiting a decision from stock authorized for use or delivery.
Inventory → customer
Use a release reference, authorized requester, SKU, unit, quantity and destination. Record dispatch against the request and review remaining stock.
Keep ownership separate from physical location
Goods stored in the U.S. do not automatically become the warehouse operator’s property. Define stock ownership, payment terms, insurance responsibilities and treatment of unsold or returned goods in the agreement.
A distribution purchase has different commercial terms from a warehouse service or a consignment proposal.
Prepare one connected brief
Include the product, origin, parties, quantities, arrival timing and destination. Add the expected stock level, storage period, release frequency and receiving or inspection requirements.
Continue with import documents and cost scope, warehouse management or supplier coordination.
Can you coordinate inventory when we already act as IOR?
Yes, a warehouse and coordination scope can be discussed while your company remains importer of record. Identify the existing parties and the specific handoffs that need support.
Does a delivery receipt mean the goods passed quality inspection?
Only if that inspection is part of the agreed receiving scope. Quantity and visible-condition checks are different from technical acceptance testing.