Reverse sourcing identifies the manufacturer behind an existing product — so you can source it direct, cut out the middleman, and own your supply chain. Epic Sourcing delivers manufacturer identification reports for NZ businesses who want to know who makes what they sell or what their competitor sells. Flat project rate.
We identify the actual manufacturer of a product — not just the brand or distributor. Our Mandarin-speaking team uses trade databases, factory networks, and direct outreach to trace products to their source.
Want to know who makes your competitor’s best-selling product? We find the factory, confirm production capability, and give you a direct path to sourcing the same or similar product at factory price.
Once we identify the factory, we can arrange a sample so you can verify quality before committing to an order. You see exactly what the factory produces before making any decisions.
All reverse sourcing work is confidential. We don’t disclose client briefs to factories or third parties. Your competitive intelligence stays yours.
Reverse sourcing is the process of identifying the manufacturer behind an existing product — so you can go direct to the factory, cut out the middleman, and control your own supply chain.
It answers the question NZ businesses ask us more than any other: "Can you find out who makes this?"
Sometimes it's your own product you want to source cheaper. Sometimes it's a competitor's best-seller you want to replicate. Sometimes it's a product you've been buying through a distributor for years and you're tired of their margins eating into yours.
Whatever the reason, Epic Sourcing's Mandarin-speaking team uses trade databases, factory networks, and direct outreach to trace products to their origin.
The most common scenario: you're buying a product through a NZ importer or distributor. You know it comes from China. You know the factory margin is probably 60–70% of what you're paying. But you don't know who makes it, and you don't speak Mandarin.
Epic Sourcing does.
Once we identify the manufacturer:
Every reverse sourcing engagement delivers a structured report covering:
Factory identification — the name, location, and contact details of the manufacturer we believe makes the product (or a functionally equivalent product at the same quality level)
Verification method — how we identified the factory (trade database match, sample comparison, direct factory contact, or a combination)
Capability overview — what the factory produces, their typical MOQs, export markets, and any certifications relevant to NZ import compliance
Recommended next steps — whether to proceed with a sample order, request a quote, or investigate further
Pricing indication — where possible, an indicative factory price range based on our knowledge of the category
Competitor product research. You've spotted a competitor's product that's selling well. You want to know who makes it so you can source the same or similar product at factory price and bring it to market yourself.
Distributor bypass. You've been buying a product through a NZ distributor for years. You want to go direct to the factory to cut their margin and improve your own.
Private label development. You want to create a branded version of an existing product. Identifying the factory that makes the original gives you a shortcut to a qualified manufacturer.
Supply chain recovery. Your current supplier has let you down. You need to find an alternative manufacturer quickly — ideally one that already makes the product you need.
Price benchmarking. You want to know if what you're paying your current supplier is fair. Identifying the factory they source from gives you the data to negotiate.
Completely. Epic Sourcing does not disclose client briefs to factories, competitors, or third parties. We conduct reverse sourcing research through trade data, sample analysis, and discreet factory outreach that doesn't reveal who our client is or why we're asking.
Your competitive intelligence stays yours.
Send us a product description, a photo, a competitor URL, or a sample — and we'll tell you what we can find out and what it'll cost. Flat project rate. No commission. Just answers.
We’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions to help you get the information you need.
Reverse sourcing identifies the manufacturer behind an existing product so you can source it directly. Instead of buying through a distributor or wholesaler, you go straight to the factory — better pricing, better margins, and full control of your supply chain.
Yes. Epic Sourcing uses trade databases, factory networks, and direct outreach to identify who manufactures a specific product. We deliver a manufacturer identification report with factory details, capability overview, and recommended next steps — all handled confidentially.
Typical reverse sourcing reports take 2–4 weeks depending on product complexity and the number of factories investigated. Epic Sourcing provides a realistic timeline at the scoping stage. Some products are identified faster; highly specialised or obscure products may take longer.
Yes. Identifying manufacturers through trade data, public registrations, and direct outreach is a legal and standard commercial practice. Epic Sourcing does not engage in industrial espionage or breach any confidentiality obligations — ours or anyone else's.
Once you have the manufacturer identification, Epic Sourcing can arrange sample orders, verify quality, negotiate pricing and MOQs, and transition into full sourcing management if you want to proceed. The reverse sourcing report is the first step — what you do next is up to you.
Epic Sourcing charges a flat project rate for reverse sourcing reports, agreed upfront before work begins. Get in touch with a product description, photo, or competitor URL and we'll provide a clear quote scoped to your specific request.
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Send your questions to our friendly team.
We're here to make sourcing simple – and a whole lot less stressful.
Our pricing is built for growing businesses — clear, flexible, and packed with value. Let’s make sourcing simple — and affordable.
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