Follow up after the Canton Fair.
See who needs more details, a corrected sample or a buyer decision.
Worked example · fictional data, not a client project
One brief. Three different next actions.
The same 24 cm stoneware-vase brief went to three suppliers after a show.
- Supplier AProtective packing not specifiedRequest packing detailsBuying team
- Supplier BReceived sample is 20 cm, not 24 cmRequest a 24 cm sampleBuying team
- Supplier CFinish swatch needs buyer reviewReview the finish swatchBuyer
The tracker turns contacts into named actions, not another email asking for a catalogue.
First tab: Worked example. Second tab: Blank template for your own project.
See who needs the next action.
A booth conversation, a business card and a photograph can refer to different products. Before asking for revised prices, connect them. Use a stable reference for each supplier and product, including the model, size or specification revision discussed.
The fields behind each supplier record
Three contacts. Three different next actions.
The same 24 cm stoneware-vase brief went to three suppliers after a show.
- Supplier AWaiting on supplierStill open
Protective packing not specified
Next action · Buying teamRequest packing details
- Supplier BOn holdStill open
Received sample is 20 cm, not 24 cm
Next action · Buying teamRequest a 24 cm sample
- Supplier CBuyer reviewStill open
Finish swatch needs buyer review
Next action · BuyerReview the finish swatch
A needs packing information. B needs a matching sample. C needs a buyer decision, not another supplier email.
Fictional teaching example. Not a client project, supplier offer or purchasing recommendation.
| Record | Keep together | Leave open until checked |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier identity | Company name, booth or contact, website and contact details | Who makes the product and who would issue the quotation? |
| Product reference | Photo or catalogue page, model, size and your own item reference | Which specification and configuration does the offer cover? |
| Commercial offer | Original quotation, quantity basis, currency and stated delivery terms | Which costs or requirements are still missing? |
| Sample & next step | Sample reference, requested changes, action owner and follow-up date | What must happen before the buyer can decide? |
Save the original supplier message or document beside the record. A rewritten summary should not become the only evidence of what was offered. Keep supplier statements, your observations and independently checked information distinguishable.
Follow up for a decision, not another catalogue.
- 01
Reconfirm the brief
Send the exact item reference, specification, quantity and target market. Ask the supplier to confirm the quoted version and identify deviations.
- 02
Close the important gaps
Request the missing cost, sample, manufacturing or document details that would change your decision. Track who owes the answer and when to follow up.
- 03
Choose the next action
Move to a sample, arrange a focused supplier meeting, request a revised offer or hold. A promising conversation alone is not an approved supplier.
Keep the follow-up in one place.
Your own project
Post-show supplier follow-up tracker
See who needs a supplier reply, a corrected sample or a buyer decision. Then use the blank sheet for your own contacts.
First tab: Worked example. Second tab: Blank template for your own project.
What if the contact is a trading company?
Record its role rather than assuming that a booth or catalogue proves manufacturing ownership. Ask who manufactures the proposed product, who invoices the buyer and what access or evidence can be provided. Compare the route on transparency, fit and commercial responsibility.
Official event information: Canton Fair Buyer Guide. ARBO's follow-up framework is independent of the organiser and is not an official Canton Fair checklist.