how pricing works

Container sourcing projects are quoted on a custom basis, based on the scope and complexity of your project.

Pricing depends on:

• Type and number of products
• Number of suppliers or factories involved
• Volume (LCL vs full container)
• Negotiation and quality control requirements
• Documentation and export coordination
• Shipping and logistics management

Each project begins with an initial consultation, after which a detailed quote is provided.

what this service includes

✔ Supplier Identification & Vetting

I help identify legitimate, established suppliers in the Colón Free Zone based on your product categories, target market, and budget.
This includes:

• Matching you with appropriate wholesalers or manufacturers
• Confirming minimum order quantities (MOQs)
• Verifying product availability and pricing structure

✔ Product Sourcing & Price Negotiation

I act as your local liaison to:

• Request quotes and bulk pricing
• Clarify packaging, case packs, and palletization
• Negotiate where possible based on volume

You avoid language barriers, miscommunication, and costly assumptions.

✔ On-the-Ground Coordination

Being physically present in Panama allows me to:

• Coordinate supplier meetings or warehouse visits
• Assist during sourcing days (if you’re visiting)
• Communicate directly with vendors on your behalf

This is especially valuable if you’re sourcing remotely.

✔ Export-Ready Guidance

While I am not a freight forwarder or customs broker, I help ensure your order is container-ready by:

• Confirming documentation requirements with suppliers
• Aligning product specs with export standards
• Coordinating timelines with your chosen shipping company

Product costs, manufacturing costs, shipping, customs, and third-party services are billed separately.

who this service is for:

✔ Business owners sourcing by the pallet or container

✔ Caribbean, U.S., African, and Latin American etc. importers

✔ Distributors, wholesalers & retailers scaling beyond small wholesale orders

✔ Buyers who want a local expert in Panama representing their interests

✔ Import/export companies

This is a professional sourcing and procurement service for container-level imports, not a guided shopping or tour-based service.

Results You Can Expect

When you work with me as your sourcing agent, you can expect:

• Verified suppliers and factories appropriate for your product category
• Clear pricing structures and realistic cost breakdowns
• Reduced risk of fraud, poor quality, or unreliable vendors
• Professional representation of your business interests in Panama
• Organized supplier communication and negotiation support
• Streamlined coordination from sourcing to shipment
• Ongoing updates and transparency throughout the process

My goal is to help you source efficiently, minimize costly mistakes, and move your container shipment forward with clarity and confidence.

What This Service Is Not

To avoid misunderstandings, this service is not:

• A guided shopping tour or one-day browsing service
• A personal shopping experience
• A fixed-fee, flat-rate service
• A guarantee of specific prices or product availability
• A substitute for legal, customs, or tax advice
• A service for small retail shopping or personal purchases

To avoid confusion, please note:

✖ I do not sell products directly
✖ I do not provide supplier contact lists without service
✖ I do not handle shipping, customs clearance, or delivery

This is a professional sourcing and procurement service designed for serious buyers working at container or large-volume level.

Scope & Service Boundaries

To ensure a smooth and professional working relationship, the following boundaries apply:

My role is limited to sourcing, supplier coordination, and export preparation

• Final purchasing decisions remain the responsibility of the client
• I do not act as the seller or manufacturer of the goods
• I do not provide customs brokerage or legal services
• Shipping, customs, duties, taxes, and third-party services are handled and billed separately
• Timelines depend on supplier responsiveness, production schedules, and logistics availability

Each project scope is defined in advance and confirmed in writing before work begins.

Costs & Payment Processing Fee

Base Professional Fee: US $1,500 per container

Plus Success Fee: 3% of order value

Please note that the above costs does not factor in the payment processing fees or international wire transfer fees which usually ranges between 3.2% – 6% depending on the payment method used. (This is the payment processor’s fee. Not an extra charge I keep).

Final cost will be quoted on invoice.

Important Notes

• Container sourcing fees are quoted based on scope, product categories, and time involved
• Fees are separate from the cost of merchandise and shipping
• A paid consultation is required before any sourcing begins
• All payments incur a minimum of 3.5% processing fee (varies depending on the client’s payment method)

Additional Costs to Factor In

In addition to my sourcing and procurement fees, clients should budget separately for the following potential costs:

• Cost of the merchandise or manufactured goods
• Supplier deposits and production payments
• Quality control or third-party inspections (if required)
• Packaging, labeling, and palletizing fees
• Inland transportation from supplier to warehouse or port
• Export documentation and handling fees
• Freight forwarding charges (air, LCL, or full container)
• Port charges and terminal handling fees
• Insurance (cargo and transit insurance)
• Customs duties, taxes, and clearance fees in the destination country
• Banking and international wire transfer fees

These costs are billed directly by suppliers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, or third-party service providers and are not included in my professional sourcing fee.

Minimum Order Requirement

To ensure realistic expectations and meaningful results, a minimum merchandise spend of USD $20,000 is required to use this sourcing service.

This minimum applies to the total cost of merchandise only and does not include:

• The professional sourcing fee
• Shipping or freight costs
• Customs duties, taxes, or third-party fees

Why a Minimum Spend Is Required

Container-level sourcing is a complex, high-touch process that requires significant time, expertise, and coordination across multiple parties.

A minimum order value is required because:

• Large-volume projects involve extensive supplier research and verification
• Price negotiations and contract coordination require senior-level involvement
• Factory communication, production follow-up, and quality control are time-intensive
• Export documentation and compliance require careful management
• Shipping and logistics coordination increases significantly at container level
• The professional fees and project risk must be proportional to the size of the transaction

Setting a minimum spend ensures that:

• The scope of work is aligned with the scale of the project
• Clients receive the appropriate level of professional attention
• Projects are commercially viable for both parties
• Resources are allocated efficiently and responsibly

This policy allows me to deliver a high-quality, professional sourcing service while maintaining consistent standards across all client projects.

If Your Budget Is Below $20,000

If your current merchandise budget is below USD $20,000, this container sourcing service may not be the best fit at this time.

You may want to explore my Wholesale Sourcing Services, which also focuses on bulk/wholesale shopping at the Colon Free Zone but is designed for smaller budgets.

Why Work With Me?

✔ Based in Panama since 2015
✔ Fluent in English & Spanish
✔ Experienced with Colon Free Zone sourcing
✔ Trusted by international clients
✔ Transparent, structured, and professional process

I bridge the gap between international buyers and Panama’s wholesale ecosystem so you can source smarter, not harder.

Start With a Consultation

Every container project is different. To ensure this service is the right fit for your needs, the first step is a 1-on-1 consultation where we discuss:

• Product categories & volumes
• Target market & destination country
• Timeline and sourcing strategy

Book your consultation here: Lnk.bio/panamawithshevy/book

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This FAQ is designed to clarify expectations and ensure that this service is the right fit before we begin a container-level sourcing project.

What is container-level sourcing?

Container-level sourcing refers to large-volume procurement projects, typically involving LCL or full container shipments, where products are sourced directly from suppliers or factories and prepared for international export. This service is designed for commercial buyers, not small retail purchases.

What is the minimum order value for this service?

This service is intended for large-volume projects with a minimum order value of USD $20,000+.

Projects below this level may be better suited for my Wholesale Sourcing Service.

How are your fees structured?

Container sourcing projects are quoted on a custom basis.

Typical fee structure includes:

• A base professional fee, and
• A success fee calculated as a percentage of the total order value

Final fees are confirmed in writing after the initial consultation and scope definition.

Do you guarantee prices or product availability?

No. Pricing and availability are determined by suppliers and market conditions at the time of sourcing.

While I negotiate and verify suppliers on your behalf, I do not guarantee specific prices, margins, or product availability.

Do I need to travel to Panama for this service?

No. This is a remote-friendly service.

Most container sourcing projects are managed on your behalf without you needing to be physically present in Panama. On-site visits can be arranged if required.

What types of products can you source?

I source a wide range of commercial goods commonly available through the Colón Free Zone and Panamanian suppliers.

Certain regulated or restricted products may require additional licensing or may not be eligible for export depending on destination country regulations.

Do you handle manufacturing or custom production?

Depending on the product category, I may assist with factory-level sourcing and custom production coordination.

All manufacturing terms, lead times, and specifications are confirmed with suppliers before any production begins.

Do you handle shipping and customs clearance?

I coordinate with freight forwarders and shipping agents for export preparation and handover.

However, I do not act as a customs broker or freight forwarder, and all shipping, customs, duties, and clearance fees are handled and billed separately by third parties.

What additional costs should I budget for?

In addition to my professional fees, clients should budget for:

• Product and production costs
• Inspections and quality control (if required)
• Packaging and inland transport
• Export handling and documentation
• Freight, insurance, customs duties, and destination clearance fees

All third-party costs are billed separately.

How long does a typical project take?

Timelines vary depending on product type, supplier responsiveness, production lead times, and shipping method.

Most container projects take several weeks to several months from initial sourcing to shipment.

What happens if the project is delayed or canceled?

Professional fees cover time and work already performed and may be partially or fully non-refundable, depending on the stage of the project.

Specific terms are outlined in the service agreement before work begins.

Is this service suitable for first-time importers?

Yes, provided you meet the minimum order value and are prepared for container-level investment.

First-time importers often benefit from professional guidance to avoid costly mistakes.

How do I get started?

You begin by submitting an inquiry/request form with details about your product, target volume, destination country, and estimated budget.

If your project is a good fit, we schedule a consultation to define scope and next steps.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes. Credit card payments are accepted and include a 3.5% processing fee charged by the payment provider. Clients may request alternative payment methods.

Why should I hire you instead of contacting suppliers myself?

Many suppliers respond faster and more clearly to local, Spanish-speaking contacts. By working with me, you reduce language barriers, avoid miscommunication, gain local market insight, and minimize costly mistakes. Often saving more than the service fee itself.