Catalog note: Album entries can change. Use the live album link and WhatsApp to confirm the current option before ordering.
Online catalogs work well when styles change often. Instead of waiting for a fixed ecommerce listing, buyers can browse the latest category entries and confirm the exact option through WhatsApp. But a good catalog inquiry is not just “I want this” — it is a structured conversation that saves time on both sides. This guide covers the full process, from browsing to shipping.
Step 1: Browse the right catalog first
Start from the catalog category page that matches what you are looking for. Each category — bags, shoes, watches, belts, accessories, clothing — has direct album links that show the most current styles. Browsing the catalog first means your WhatsApp message can reference specific items instead of asking the supplier to guess what you want.
Step 2: Prepare your screenshots
Catalog links update over time as styles rotate in and out. A screenshot gives both sides the same visual reference — even if the catalog page changes later, you and the supplier are still looking at the same image.
Tips for effective screenshots:
- Crop tightly to the item itself, not the full page with navigation and unrelated items.
- Number your screenshots if you are comparing several styles: “1”, “2”, “3”. This keeps the conversation organized.
- Take multiple angles if the catalog shows them — front, side, and detail shots help the supplier confirm exactly which version you want.
Step 3: Write a complete first message
The biggest cause of slow replies is an incomplete first message. A supplier who receives “How much for the bag?” has to ask follow-up questions before they can give a useful answer. A supplier who receives a complete message can check everything in one pass.
Include all of these in your first message:
- Item type and style reference — screenshot or catalog link, with the item clearly identified.
- Size — your measurement, not a guess. For shoes, give cm; for belts, measure an existing belt; for clothing, share your usual size and measurements.
- Color preference — specify the exact shade. “Brown” could mean anything from tan to dark espresso.
- Quantity — how many, and whether they are all the same or mixed sizes/styles.
- Destination country — this determines shipping options and timing.
Step 4: Ask the right availability questions
After sending your first message, ask:
- Is this exact style currently available, or is it a similar alternative?
- What sizes/colors can be prepared right now?
- How long does preparation take before shipping?
- Are there similar alternatives if this style is not available?
- Can I mix different items in one shipment?
Step 5: Compare options before deciding
If you are choosing between several styles, do not send separate messages for each. Instead, send all screenshots in one numbered message with your questions underneath each. This lets the supplier compare availability across all options in a single reply.
For example:
- [screenshot] — Is this available in black, size 38?
- [screenshot] — Does this come in a smaller size?
- [screenshot] — What color options does this have?
Step 6: Handle shipping questions early
Shipping depends on your destination country, the type and quantity of items, and current logistics conditions. Ask about shipping in your first or second message, not after you have already committed:
- What shipping routes are available for my destination?
- What is the estimated delivery time?
- Is tracking information provided after shipment?
- How are items packaged — individual boxes or consolidated?
- Can I combine multiple orders into one shipment?
Step 7: Keep the conversation organized
Use one WhatsApp thread for your entire inquiry. If you start a new thread each time you add an item, the context is lost. If you are ordering from multiple categories (bags, shoes, accessories), keep them in one conversation and use the numbered screenshot system to track each item.
Clothing-specific notes
Clothing sizing is the least standardized category. A “medium” in one factory may be a “small” in another. For clothing inquiries:
- Share your height, weight, and usual size in your region’s system.
- Ask for the actual garment measurements (chest, shoulder, sleeve length, total length) rather than relying on the size label.
- Confirm whether the fabric has stretch — this affects fit significantly.
Why destination matters
Shipping options, costs, and preparation times all depend on your destination country. Some destinations have faster logistics routes; others may require specific documentation. Share your destination early so the supplier can give you realistic shipping estimates instead of generic ones.
Getting faster replies
Suppliers handle many inquiries. The ones who get the fastest, most useful replies are the ones who send complete, specific messages. A message that includes style reference, size, color, quantity, and destination can often be answered in a single reply. A message that says “I want a bag” starts a multi-day back-and-forth that could have been avoided.
Where to start
Browse the catalog to find items you are interested in, then send your complete inquiry through WhatsApp.
Related reading
- Complete shoe sourcing guide — shoe sizing and availability
- Complete watch sourcing guide — case sizes and strap types
- Complete belt sourcing guide — belt sizing and leather grades
- Complete accessories sourcing guide — glasses, hats, scarves, and more
- Bag catalog sourcing guide — bag-specific color and material options