10-step Supplier Vetting Framework

Supplier vetting is not a one-and-done activity. It’s a continuous process of setting the right standards, monitoring performance, evolving with your business and staying ahead of supply-chain risk. Use this 10-step framework as your foundation. Build the metrics, integrate the review process, and treat your sourcing partners as strategic assets—not just low-cost vendors.

1. Define Your Requirements & Build the Brief

2. Supplier Short-list & Initial Screening

3. On-Site Audit or Virtual Factory Tour

4. Sample Production & First Article Approval

5. Contract & Payment Terms

6. Pre-Mass Production Inspection & Trial Run

7. Mass Production Oversight & Continuous Quality Control

8. Logistics, Compliance & Traceability

9. Post-Shipment Review & Supplier Score-Card

10. Risk Mitigation & Diversification

Ecommerce Lessons from Bloom Nutrition’s Rise to $200 Million

Ever wonder how a new brand can overtake a giant in a saturated category? On this week’s Ecommerce On Tap, Aaron and Nathan broke down the incredible rise of Bloom Nutrition, the greens powder brand giving AG1 a run for its money.

Here are my top 3 takeaways for entrepreneurs and operators:

• Start With Your Audience, Not Just the Product: Bloom’s founders, Mari Llewellyn and Greg Lavacchia, grew from Mari’s authentic wellness journey, prioritizing community-building first. They created products based on their audience’s needs—first with workout guides, then pre-workout, and finally, their greens powder.

• Growth Hack Your Channel Strategy: Instead of fearing Amazon, Bloom used it as a customer acquisition engine. By pushing influencer traffic and optimizing their Amazon presence, they seized the #1 greens powder spot—while AG1 stuck exclusively to DTC.

• Don’t Rest on Your Laurels: AG1’s delayed expansion into Amazon and retail allowed Bloom to dominate. Bloom’s constant innovation—new formats, flavors, and now partnerships—shows that winning disruptors don’t get comfortable, they keep pushing.

Looking to improve your sourcing or move production with confidence?

Our team helps brands find trusted factories, streamline production, and reduce risks when scaling or relocating manufacturing.

Schedule a Call to explore how we can support your sourcing goals.