How It Works, Sódu

The processRequest to shipment

Six stages. One accountable partner.

Sódu stays involved from the initial product brief until the shipment leaves Egypt.

Request

Tell us what you need

Submit the product, specifications, quantity, destination port, target timing, and any packaging or certification requirements.

Buyer provides

Product or category
Quantity or container volume
Destination
Required specifications
Target date

Sódu provides

Request review
Requirement clarification
Initial feasibility assessment

Source

We identify the right supply option

Sódu reviews suitable manufacturers, compares available products, and coordinates samples, specifications, minimum quantities, and production capacity where required.

Buyer receives

Product options
Factory-backed specifications
Available customizations
MOQ and lead-time information

Confirm

Commercial terms are agreed before commitment

Sódu prepares a clear quotation covering the agreed product, quantity, specifications, applicable logistics, inspection scope, and service fees. The order proceeds only after the buyer approves the commercial terms and receives the relevant order confirmation or pro forma invoice.

Quotation visibility

Product costPackaging or customizationInland logisticsInspectionExport documentationInternational freightSódu service feeAgreed Incoterm

The applicable Incoterm and included services are confirmed for each order.

Produce

We coordinate the factory and monitor progress

Once the order is confirmed and payment requirements are completed, Sódu coordinates production with the selected manufacturer. The buyer receives milestone updates through the Sódu app and their dedicated account manager.

Typical tracked milestones

Order confirmed
Supplier payment released
Raw materials prepared
Production started
Production completed
Order ready for inspection

Lead time depends on the product, manufacturer, customization, and order volume.

Inspect

Quality is checked before shipment

Sódu coordinates the agreed pre-shipment inspection and loading checks based on the product and order requirements.

Inspection may include

Quantity verification
Product and packaging checks
Specification review
Photo and video evidence
Loading supervision
Independent third-party inspection where required

If an issue is found, where possible Sódu coordinates with the manufacturer to correct, replace, rework, or reinspect affected goods before shipment.

Ship

We coordinate the route from factory to port

Sódu can coordinate inland transportation, export documentation, freight booking, container loading, and shipment to the agreed destination port, depending on the order scope and Incoterm.

Typical shipment information

Container number
Vessel details
Port of loading
Destination port
Estimated departure
Estimated arrival
Shipping documents

Destination customs clearance, duties, taxes, port charges, and local delivery are normally handled by the buyer unless specifically included in the order.

Payment coordinationStaged, against milestones

Buyer funds and supplier payments are managed in stages.

The buyer pays Sódu according to the confirmed order terms. Sódu then coordinates supplier payments against agreed production and inspection milestones.

Step 01

Buyer payment

The buyer pays Sódu according to the confirmed order terms.

Step 02

Sódu manages the transaction

Buyer funds are coordinated against the agreed production and inspection milestones.

Step 03

Supplier payments released by milestone

Supplier payments are released as the agreed milestones are met.

Step 04

Final payment tied to order readiness and inspection

The final payment is tied to order readiness and the agreed inspection.

Protected payment coordinationManaged buyer fundsStaged supplier paymentsMilestone-based supplier payments

The exact payment schedule may vary by product, manufacturer, order size, and commercial agreement. The buyer receives the applicable payment terms before confirming the order.

Order visibilityOne central view

Follow the order without chasing multiple suppliers and agents.

The Sódu app provides a central view of sourcing requests, quotations, order milestones, inspection updates, and shipment progress.

SóduLive order

✓Request submitted

✓Quotation issued

✓Order confirmed

●Production in progress

○Inspection scheduled

○Shipment booked

Illustrative interface

Sourcing

Request submitted
Options under review
Quotation issued

Production

Order confirmed
Production in progress
Ready for inspection

Quality

Inspection scheduled
Inspection completed
Corrective action, where applicable

Shipping

Booking confirmed
Container loaded
Vessel departed
Estimated arrival

Your dedicated account manager remains available throughout the process for commercial and operational questions.

Clear responsibilitiesWho handles what

Know who is responsible at every stage.

Buyer

You

Defines product requirements
Approves quotation and specifications
Provides required business and import documents
Makes payments according to agreed terms
Manages destination clearance unless included

Sódu

Your sourcing partner

Sources and coordinates manufacturers
Prepares commercial options
Manages order communication
Coordinates supplier payments
Arranges agreed inspections
Coordinates export and freight services where included
Provides progress visibility

Factory & logistics partners

Production and movement

Manufacture goods to approved specifications
Prepare order and documentation
Support inspection and corrective action
Transport and ship goods according to the agreed scope

Before you submitPrepare your request

The more complete the request, the faster we can assess it.

✓Product name or reference image
✓Technical specifications
✓Preferred brand or acceptable alternatives
✓Required quantity
✓Packaging requirements
✓Destination port
✓Target delivery date
✓Required certifications or import conditions
✓Private-label requirements, if applicable

Most Sódu orders are wholesale and container-scale. Minimum quantities depend on the product, manufacturer, and loading plan. Mixed-container sourcing may be possible when product compatibility, factory locations, timelines, and loading requirements allow it.

Sourcing request

Product

What you need to source

Quantity

Units or container volume

Destination port

Where it ships to

Target date

When you need it

Start a Sourcing Request →

FAQsProcess questions

Questions about the process.

Yes. Submit the product details, specifications, quantity, and destination. Sódu will assess available sourcing options in Egypt.

Timing depends on the product, specification, factory availability, samples, and required customization. Sódu will share an estimated timeline after reviewing the request.

Production begins after the commercial terms, specifications, and applicable payment requirements have been confirmed.

Where samples are available or required, Sódu can coordinate sample review before the main order. Sample, courier, and customization costs may apply.

Sódu coordinates with the manufacturer to resolve identified issues before shipment where possible. The response may include correction, replacement, rework, or additional inspection.

Destination clearance is normally handled by the buyer unless the service is specifically included in the confirmed order.

Yes, when the selected products, factories, production schedules, and loading requirements make consolidation practical.

One managed process,
from sourcing request to shipment.

Six stages. One accountable partner.

Tell us what you need

We identify the right supply option

Commercial terms are agreed before commitment

We coordinate the factory and monitor progress

Quality is checked before shipment

We coordinate the route from factory to port

Buyer funds and supplier payments are managed in stages.

Buyer payment

Sódu manages the transaction

Supplier payments released by milestone

Final payment tied to order readiness and inspection

Follow the order without chasing multiple suppliers and agents.

Sourcing

Production

Quality

Shipping

Know who is responsible at every stage.

You

Your sourcing partner

Production and movement

The more complete the request, the faster we can assess it.

Questions about the process.

Ready to source from Egypt?

Company

Sourcing

Direct contacts