Quoted in kilos. Sold by the case.

A supplier quotes a price per kilo. Your customer orders cases. Before comparing offers, make sure those two descriptions refer to the same requirement.

For a Kenyan protein distributor, a useful buying brief starts with what the customer can actually receive and sell. The same discipline applies across markets. A price becomes more useful when the product, pack and quantity behind it are clear.

Start with the customer's unit

Record how the customer buys: the required product, pack configuration and case quantity. Then confirm the supplier's description, including the net weight and the commercial case arrangement. Do not treat gross weight, net weight and case count as interchangeable.

Where pack weights or quantities vary, ask how the actual order will be specified and confirmed. Avoid calculating a precise case requirement from an assumption that has not been agreed. The point is a comparable offer, not an impressive-looking spreadsheet.

Compare the same requirement

Two offers can share a product name and still differ in specification, pack, origin, availability or delivery terms. Put those differences beside the quoted price. Ask which are acceptable to the customer and which would require a new decision.

An alternative is useful only after the relevant requirements are checked. The responsible specialists should confirm any product-specific eligibility or documentation questions. Do not assume that a different origin or pack can simply replace the original order.

Include the receiving reality

The buying brief should name the final receiving location and when the product needs to be useful to the business. Clarify any receiving appointment, handling or storage requirements with the responsible parties. A port name alone may leave the final part of the plan unresolved.

The physical shipment discussion belongs with the logistics team. TradeCafe Logistics Solutions can discuss the actual move and confirm the scope it can support. Define the lane and the receiving requirement before assuming how the move will be supported.

Connect quantity to the payment plan

Once the proposed quantity and terms are clear, review the purchase with finance. The customer's ordering pattern, expected payment and your agreed obligations belong in the same discussion. A good price per kilo does not answer the question of when the business needs to fund the order.

Eligible buyers can discuss financing for purchases made through TradeCafe. Establish the applicable terms for the actual transaction rather than assuming that product selection also settles financing.

Bring a brief, not just a product name

A useful first call can cover the product, pack, net quantity, case requirement, destination, timing and open questions. Keep customer assumptions separate from supplier confirmations. If a detail changes, make it clear which version the team should use.

TradeCafe supports the business around purchases made through TradeCafe by connecting sourcing, financing and fulfillment. Start with what your customer needs. Then work through the purchase that can meet it.

Bring your next customer's pack and quantity requirement to your TradeCafe contact. The better buying question is not only what does it cost? It is what exactly are we buying, and how will it work for the business?