Sourcing & Supplier Management

Midlander Hoist

AC & DC Drive Motor Systems — China Sourcing & Supplier Qualification

Two-Stage Project China Sourcing Supplier Qualification
01 Background

Project Background

Midlander Hoist manufactures aluminium boat hoists in the United States. The company currently purchases AC and DC drive motor systems — motor, controller, and powerhead assemblies — from domestic US vendors.

The objective of this project is to identify and qualify equivalent Chinese-sourced alternatives, enabling Midlander Hoist to reduce costs and capture margin while maintaining product quality and performance.

There are two core product variants:

1
AC Power Variant
Remote activation, PCB controller, and key backup. Electronic control housed in a branded enclosure with adhesive label.
2
DC Power Variant
Remote activation and key backup. Same enclosure and labelling requirements as the AC variant.
02 Volume & Timeline

Volume & Timeline Targets

MilestoneDetail
Initial Test Samples2–5 units
Sample TimelineWithin 60 days of approval
First Production Order100 units
Annual Volume (Ongoing)300–500 units per year
First Production Lead Time100–180 days
Target Unit Price$400–$600 per complete system
03 Stage 1

Research, Sample Teardown & Sourcing Plan

Duration: Approximately 4 weeks from confirmation and receipt of samples.

Stage 1 combines desk-based research with a physical teardown of the existing units to deliver a complete sourcing plan. On confirmation, the client ships physical samples of both units to our facility. Desk research begins immediately while samples are in transit; teardown and inspection begins on arrival.

This combined approach ensures the Sourcing Plan is grounded in confirmed component specifications rather than assumptions.

1
Supply Chain Research
Identify what exists in the Chinese market: off-the-shelf motor/controller systems, OEM assemblers, and component-level suppliers.
2
Physical Teardown & Inspection
Teardown of both AC and DC units to confirm the bill of materials, component specifications, and assembly method.
3
Component Identification
Confirm which parts are generic/commodity and which (if any) are proprietary or exclusive to the current vendor.
4
Feasibility Assessment
Sourcing viability, indicative pricing, and an initial risk review.
5
Assembly vs. Component Sourcing
Assess whether the assembled units can be sourced as complete systems or whether component-level sourcing and local assembly is required.
6
Enclosure & Labelling Review
Confirm specifications for the adhesive label (logo and operating instructions) and enclosure requirements for both variants.
7
Sourcing Plan Document
Recommended pathway, supplier categories, confirmed component breakdown, estimated costs and timelines for Stage 2, and any identified risks or constraints.
Stage 1 Fee
$3,000 USD
Payable in full on project confirmation. Desk research begins on receipt of payment; teardown begins on arrival of samples.
04 Stage 2

Supplier Engagement, Quoting & Build Plan

Duration: Approximately 4–6 weeks from Stage 2 approval.

Stage 2 takes the confirmed findings from Stage 1 and moves into active supplier engagement. The team goes to market with verified specifications and component requirements to source, quote, and recommend the optimal supply route.

1
Supplier Engagement
Sourcing quotes from verified suppliers for each component and/or the complete assembled unit.
2
Supplier Comparison Reports
Structured reports with quotes, lead times, MOQs, and commercial terms.
3
Supplier Verification
Office-based background checks, certifications, and capability assessment.
4
Final Sourcing Package
Supplier shortlist with confirmed pricing, terms, and compliance documentation.
5
Recommendation & Build Plan
Clear recommendation on the best sourcing route — complete system vs. component assembly — with a production timeline for initial test samples and the first 100-unit order.
Stage 2 Fee (Indicative)
$3,000–$4,000 USD
Confirmed at the end of Stage 1 alongside the Sourcing Plan. The final fee depends on the number of components requiring individual sourcing and any development work identified in the teardown. Payable on Stage 2 approval.
05 Exclusions

Exclusions

The fees above cover all sourcing activities, research, teardown analysis, supplier engagement, reporting, and coordination. The following are excluded and approved by the client on a case-by-case basis:

Sample procurement costs from suppliers (test units, prototype components).
Shipping costs for physical samples (inbound to C2W and any return shipments).
Factory visits or on-site supplier audits (typically USD 300–500 per visit, undertaken only with prior client agreement).
Tooling, moulds, or custom component development costs.
Certification or compliance testing (none identified at this stage).
Re-engineering work beyond sourcing. If proprietary elements are identified in the teardown requiring custom development, this will be scoped and quoted separately.
06 Payment Terms

Payment Terms

StageFeePayment Trigger
Stage 1 $3,000 USD Payable in full on project confirmation
Stage 2 Indicative $3,000–$4,000 USD Confirmed at end of Stage 1, payable on Stage 2 approval
07 Safeguards & Clarifications

Safeguards & Clarifications

Scope Changes

If requirements change or additional product variants are added, we will adjust cost and timeline accordingly and agree any changes before proceeding.

Complexity Adjustment

If the teardown reveals proprietary or custom-engineered components requiring development work, we will notify you in advance and scope any additional work separately.

Sourcing Outcome

We will use our full supplier network and best efforts to identify qualified sources. Where compromises are needed, we will present options for your decision.

Timelines

Estimates assume reasonable supplier responsiveness and that samples are shipped promptly on confirmation. Extensions may be required if scope is added.

08 Why C2W

Why C2W & Shield Works

Dedicated Project Management
Full-time dedicated project manager in our China HQ, coordinating between all suppliers and your team throughout.
In-House Resources
In-house engineering, QC, packaging, and audit resources available as required — no outsourcing of key work.
20+ Years of Track Record
Over two decades delivering complex sourcing and manufacturing projects from China for Western clients across multiple industries.
IP-Secure Manufacturing Available
Our ISO-certified Shield Works facility is available for assembly, quality control, and warehousing if the project progresses to production.
09 Next Steps

Next Steps

1
Confirm Proposal & Stage 1 Fee
Client confirms acceptance of this proposal. C2W issues invoice for Stage 1 ($3,000 USD).
2
Ship Physical Samples
Client ships physical samples of both AC and DC drive motor units to our facility, along with clear photos and a written brief covering specifications, requirements, and any constraints.
3
Research & Teardown Begin
Desk research begins on receipt of payment. Teardown and inspection begins on arrival of samples.
4
Stage 1 Sourcing Plan Delivered
Delivered within approximately 4 weeks, including confirmed Stage 2 scope and fee for client approval before any further work begins.

This proposal is non-binding at this stage and intended to give you clarity on cost and structure. If you are happy to proceed, we can start immediately on receipt of payment and samples.

Mark Jacobs — CEO, C2W Group / Shield Works