Frequently Asked Questions

As your PPE distributor, lead times vary based on quantity, product and method of shipment. Once we’ve received a PO and deposit, average lead time is 3-4 weeks. Once shipped, the best case for airfreight is receipt within 11 days, or within 40 days for careful case receipt. For ocean vessel estimation, the best case is 28 days, or 71 days for careful case receipt. 

We require a 50% deposit and purchase order at the time of order placement. The remaining balance is due once the order is ready to ship . We accept payments via all major credit cards, debit or ACH bank transfer, and wire transfer.

To facilitate your order, we will obtain an all-in cost from our partners. This cost includes the net cost per unit of the product plus all applicable customs, duties, taxes, tariffs, transportation, and handling fees. If required, the cost of any special packaging, labeling, kitting, and warehousing & fulfillment charges, is also included. Please note: The initial quote provided is an estimate. The actual cost of all duties, shipping and logistics will be calculated once your products have reached their final destination.

Several factors will play a role in determining the method of transportation for your order, including the type of PPE ordered, the quantity, the requested in-hands date, and the budget for your order. We consult with a third party logistics team on all orders to coordinate with the factory and find the most cost-effective and expeditious method of transport.

The tracking method depends on how your order is shipped:

• If your order is being transported via dedicated Proforma charter, the tail number of the plane will be provided for tracking.

• If a commercial carrier is being used, tracking and tracing information will be provided based on the method of transport.

• If a freight forwarder is utilized, you will receive estimated ship dates from the factory.

When you order, you will be paired with a PPE Relationship Manager (PRM) who will work with you to find the best option for your PPE, and keep you up-to-date and informed on the tracking details for your order.

We provide documentation throughout every step of our sales and shipping process. Prior to order submission, you will receive documentation of all product specifications, costs, test reports, certifications, and factory registrations from the specific factory manufacturing your order. You will also receive the terms and conditions of sale with an order acknowledgement.

Yes, we can provide samples on most items.

Barring any unforeseen government regulations, utilizing dedicated air charter service gives us more control over the entire shipping process and allows for faster transport, easily traced chain of custody, a dedicated route, and expedited service.

While utilizing dedicated charter service is a more rapid means of transporting goods from overseas, that speed comes with a higher cost compared to ocean transport. Air transport also offers less cargo space than ocean transport. If your in-hands date is flexible, or you are making a very large purchase, ocean transport may be the more cost-effective option. There are also some products that are hazardous and cannot be transported via plane. We consider the options for every order individually and your PPE Relationship Manager (PRM) will work with you every step of the way to create a logistics plan that works best for your needs.

UPS, FedEx and DHL may be utilized based on several factors including production time, factory ready dates, budget and packaging requirements. However, all of the commercial carriers have a daily per customer weight limit. Additionally, some hazardous materials (e.g. hand sanitizer) have transport restrictions and can’t be shipped through commercial carriers. Your PPE Relationship Manager (PRM) will work with you to find the best shipping option based on these limits, along with other factors.

Your assigned PRM will work with you to resolve any issues and provide updates when a problem arises.

The freight forwarder will arrange the movement of the cargo to its final destination point. Additionally, a freight forwarder’s duties include:

• preparing and processing the documents for international freight forwarding 

• reviewing commercial invoices, bills of lading, and other documentation required by the manufacturer and transport companies 

• regarding and reviewing any documents required by the destination country 

• establishing communications with the other participants in the international freight forwarding process

Global Sourcing Offers these products and more:

• 3-Ply Surgical Mask: Levels 1, 2, and 3

• KN95 Masks

• Isolation Gowns: Levels 3/4 and 5/6

• Surgical Gowns: Level 5/6

• Disposable Gowns: Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4

• Goggles

• Protective Shoe Covers

• Surgical Caps

• Sanitizer

• Infrared Thermometers

• Nitrile and Latex Exam Gloves

You will be assigned a PPE Relationship Manager (PRM) for your PPE orders. Your PRM will be your key point of contact throughout every step of the ordering, manufacturing, and shipping process.

Yes. All package change requests must be included when submitting your PO. Package change requests made after the submission of your PO cannot be accommodated.

Yes. Global Sourcing is a well known PPE distributor in North America. We have delivered over 40 million PPE products to customers across the United States.

Yes. We’ve sourced millions of PPE products for our clients. There are currently no quantity limits for PPE orders.

Yes. Once a PO and 50% deposit have been sent to the manufacturer, the product price is “locked-in.” Keep in mind that the final cost for transport, duties, taxes, and other fees will not be calculated until the product has reached its destination.

Our pricing is based on the products we sell, along with the exceptional level of service we provide. We’ve put more than 30 years into developing outstanding relationships with people who have feet on the ground in the countries we source from, as well as in the United States. Given our chain of custody, factory certifications, chartered planes, and more, we will rarely be your least expensive option; however, we will absolutely be your most reliable source for the highest quality PPE products, guaranteed delivery, and five-star service! We’re happy to share alternative shipping options with you if you need to lower your quote.

Your quoted shipping cost will include all estimated duties. This amount may change once the order reaches its destination. Any duties due and owing are your responsibility. To facilitate your transaction, we have arranged for export and import agents to estimate and pay any duties on your behalf. Duties, together with all shipping and logistics costs and expenses, will be balanced once the goods have reached their final destination.

Most products have an MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) of 100,000 units. There are some exceptions to this rule (i.e. gowns, protective shoe covers, and certain styles of goggles.) To get additional details on the specific products you need.

Product pricing is locked in once your PO and deposit have been received by the manufacturer. The initial 50% deposit must be submitted when your order is placed, and the remaining balance is due 5 days before the scheduled ship date. We recommend our customers issue an expedited wire for faster payment submission.

You may cancel your PO any time during the pre-sale process; however, once Global Sourcing submits your PO and deposit to the manufacturer, you are committed to the purchased goods contained in your PO and cannot cancel. If you need help changing or canceling an order, reach out to your PRM.

Once Global Sourcing (PPE Distributor) submits your PO and deposit payment to the manufacturer, the order cannot be changed or canceled. If the amount of product needed increases, we are happy to facilitate your request and issue another PO and deposit to the manufacturer.

Based on the product’s test reports and specifications, we will discuss any defects or deficiencies directly with the manufacturer. Returns or refunds may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Any damage to the product caused in transport, handling, or shipping will be taken up with the carrier for that order.

Yes. Ship-to locations may be changed up to three days before the products leave the manufacturer. Once your shipment leaves the manufacturer, the ship-to locations cannot be changed. All ship-to locations must be submitted to your PRM.

Yes. All carton label requests must be included when submitting your PO. Carton label requests made after the submission of your PO cannot be accommodated.

Requirements for PPE orders vary based on the product, but in general, must meet the following criteria: 

• The total number of units purchased must meet or exceed the disclosed Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ). 

• A 50% deposit must be paid upon receipt of a PO 

• All customers must comply with all current (at the time of order) program policies, acknowledgements, and agreements 

All of the manufacturers we work with are registered with the FDA and have CE certifications to ensure quality and eliminate the possibility of procuring counterfeit products. When required, products have also passed the NIOSH filtration test. We have all the paperwork from the manufacturing plants we work with, including product specifications, certifications, and classifications (i.e. surgical vs civilian use). To ensure you receive exactly what you expect when you order, we also partner with independent third-party testers who visit factories without notice to confirm the products we sell are authentic. If you still have questions about our products or the purchasing process, please contact us.

All of our manufacturers follow the standards set by The FDA to ensure “consistent product quality and guide performance testing to make sure that their products conform to recognized consensus standards. For PPE, these standards may include fluid resistance, leak protection, filtering capacity, or resistance to tears and snags. When these regulations and practices are followed, they provide reasonable assurance that the device is safe and effective.”

With the current situation with COVID-19, The CDC recommends “wearing a cloth face covering as a measure to contain the wearer’s respiratory droplets and help protect their coworkers and members of the general public.” Cloth face coverings are not considered PPE; however, they may help prevent the wearer from spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Additional PPE may be required based on industry/job. Employers are responsible for providing PPE for their employees based on the requirements set by OSHA. If you are an employee unsure of what equipment you should be providing for your team, please contact a PPE distributor today, like Global Sourcing, for assistance.

Politics always play a role in the importing and exporting process; however, we have been procuring and sourcing products overseas for decades. Our expansive logistics team has spent more than 30 years developing strong relationships with people on the ground, both in China and in the United States. Since the COVID pandemic hit American soil, we have procured more than 20 million PPE supplies in a matter of just a few weeks. There are countless behind-the-scenes logistics involved in procuring, sourcing, and transporting PPE equipment from China to the US. The charter company we use to transport cargo has an office in China with planes already registered there, which makes it easier for us to get product out of the country in light of current travel restrictions. Additionally, because we already have strong relationships with the manufacturers and transport companies, we have in place all the checks and balances necessary to make sure your product arrives safely and in a timely manner.

The more important question here is, where can you buy the certified PPE that will actually arrive at your doorstep. In the midst of the Coronavirus, countless companies have shown up overnight claiming to sell Personal Protective Equipment. Unfortunately, many of them lack the relationships with FDA-approved manufacturers necessary to ensure the product their clients receive is actually the product they need. Here at Proforma, we’ve been sourcing and procuring products from China for over 3 decades, and we only work with the best. All of our manufacturers are FDA-certified and have CE certifications to eliminate the risk of receiving counterfeit products. Our established relationships with manufacturers and transport companies mean you won’t just get what you need, you’ll get it when you need it. Please fill out this form to get a personalized quote.

PPE is manufactured around the world. Many overseas and US factories have pivoted in response to the shortage of PPE caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. We are a PPE distributor and we have a vast network of suppliers and manufacturers who are able to quickly produce and distribute certified and licensed PPE that meets all FDA standards.

Most Personal Protective Equipment is designed to be used only one time—and by one person—prior to disposal. Some types of protective wear—such as goggles and some types of masks—may be reused as long as proper decontamination methods are followed. Contaminated PPE should always be removed and disposed of using proper procedures to prevent exposure to infectious agents.