Smoother, faster, better: International sourcing goes mobile

New Global Sources app a case study in buyers' evolving needs

April 8, 2020 sees the relaunch of the Global Sources mobile app, in response to feedback from users and the changing needs of B2B sourcing professionals around the world.

The need for speed is what underscores the revamp of the Global Sources app, and the rise of the sourcing app general. In an increasingly connected world, buyers must be able to keep pace with their competitors in terms of finding profitable products, getting quotes, making orders and staying in communication with suppliers.

"Today's buyers are focused on speed. Speed to source and to market. With that said, the sheer volume of information available to them today means they must spend valuable time that they don't have," Gabriel Chan, Head of Buyer Marketing at Global Sources, explains.

Today's industry-leading apps offer rapid discovery of relevant products for mobile users, as well as smoother performance on iOS and Android – everything you get from the usual online experience, but faster. But why not simply wait until you're back at your desk? "Sourcing can happen anywhere. We're staying as flexible as our buyers as and when they do business," says Chan.

A dedicated app means always-on availability and, crucially, communication. A survey of Global Sources users found that 80% emphasized the need for rapid, reliable chat, request for information (RFI), and request for quote (RFQ) features.

As recent history shows, your sourcing needs can change in a moment, and a mobile means you can respond instantly. And when an urgent query arises, buyers need the supplier to be able to get in touch right away.

"Sourcing can happen anywhere. We're staying as flexible as our buyers as and when they do business."

By centralizing the channels of product discovery and buyer–supplier communication, a dedicated app puts all your orders, quotes and communications in one place. There's no more need to keep track of different websites and apps.

To learn more about how the Global Sources mobile app helps you source more efficiently, click here.

At a glance: key advances in Global Sources app v3.0

Adaptive curation
This intelligent feature saves time and gives you the most relevant product searches. The more you use, the more it helps.

Improved chat function
No need to jump back and forth to other apps and websites. Seamlessly collate all your sourcing inquiries in one place and chat instantly with suppliers.

Improved discovery
Daily inspiration related to your sourcing preferences. This feature showcases products with a "wow" factor, giving you something different and unexpected while still relevant to your business.

Rich, shareable content
With video and sharing functions, the revamped app gives more insight into products, and makes it easy to share excitement and generate buzz.