What it does
This is Pietra’s AI Sourcing Agent, which helps you create a new product from idea to getting manufacturer quotes. In simple terms, it’s like a personal sourcing manager. You tell it what you want to make, and it will generate the specifications, find factories, and come back with quotes/prices for production.
How it works
You start by describing your product vision. For example, “I want to produce a luxury scented candle in a ceramic jar” or you upload a reference image of a product you like. The AI Sourcing Agent then goes through these steps:
Clarifies the product brief – It might ask a few follow-up questions or make suggestions to refine details (e.g., desired candle wax type, jar size, fragrance notes). This ensures the concept is clear and turns your idea into a detailed product brief or tech pack – including materials, dimensions, design specs, and any logos/branding.
Matches you with factories – Using Pietra’s vetted factory network, the AI scans for those that make similar products and meet your criteria (like capable of ceramic jars, low minimum order, etc.). It then connects with the most suitable suppliers
Requests quotes and samples – The Assistant reaches out to these matched factories by sending them the product brief. It basically acts as your agent, asking: “Can you manufacture this? What is the cost per unit? What’s the minimum order quantity (MOQ) and lead time?” If needed, it can negotiate or clarify with them (for instance, asking if they can do a smaller run or adjust something to meet your target price).
Gathers responses – As suppliers respond, the AI compiles their quotes and any notes. You’ll receive a summary like: Factory A: $3 per unit, MOQ 500, 4-week production; Factory B: $2.50 per unit, MOQ 1000, 6-week production, etc. It may also highlight any differences (Factory B’s price is lower but requires higher volume). If sample creation is an option, it will note costs and timelines for samples too.
Presents the results for you to decide – Finally, you get a neat list of factory options. It’s then up to you to engage with the one you prefer (often you can message them directly through Pietra or have the AI facilitate next steps like ordering a sample or starting production).
Why it’s useful
Traditionally, sourcing a new product is one of the most challenging parts of running a product-based business. It can involve dozens of emails, language barriers, and a lot of waiting. The AI Sourcing Agent compresses this process dramatically – it’s like having a professional sourcing expert on your team, but without the cost or delays.
You get access to the world’s best factories without needing sourcing expertise yourself. This saves not only time (easily 4+ hours saved in initial outreach and negotiations) but also reduces the chance of mistakes (the AI knows how to communicate requirements clearly). For a small brand, it means you can confidently develop new products and trust that you’re getting competitive quotes, which helps keep your costs low.
Example use case
A jewelry designer wants to create a new line of gold-plated necklaces. Instead of searching Alibaba or hiring an agent, she uses Deploy Sourcing Agent. The AI refines her idea (e.g., type of chain, pendant size, gold plating thickness), then finds a handful of jewelry manufacturers. It contacts them and comes back with quotes. Within a day, she has three offers – one from a factory in Thailand known for jewelry, one domestic option, and one in India – each with pricing and MOQs. She notices one factory even included a note, “We can engrave logos on the pendant.” All this happened while she was working on other things, with the AI doing the heavy lifting. She chooses the best fit and proceeds to get samples, thrilled that she didn’t have to spend weeks on sourcing forums or trade shows.