How a produce deal flows through Tradevine
From the first inquiry to final settlement, every action is logged, every milestone is tracked, and every dollar is accounted for.
Inquiry & RFQ
The buyer posts what they need: product, volume, target port, time window. Our brokers translate that into an RFQ (Request For Quote) and route it to suppliers whose catalog and harvest schedule match.
Visible to buyer: RFQ status, response count, anonymous offer summary
Visible to supplier: RFQ specs, anonymous buyer profile, deadline
Negotiate & agree
Both sides counter through a structured thread. Every offer has its incoterm (FOB / CIF / CFR / DDP), payment terms, and inspection clause. One-click translation if you speak different languages.
Identities revealed: only after both sides accept the deal — protects your client list from leakage.
Contract & collect
Pick a payment-term template: full upfront, 30/70 with B/L, LC at sight, CAD, three-stage progress, net-30, etc. Contract auto-generates with the right incoterms and phytosanitary clauses. Buyer pays Tradevine; we hold the funds in escrow.
Why escrow: the supplier doesn't ship until Tradevine confirms the money is held. The buyer doesn't release funds until the milestones hit.
Ship, inspect & settle
Goods ship from origin port; transit times calculated from our 391-port / 194-route database. B/L issued → balance payment unlocks → supplier disbursement scheduled. Independent inspection on arrival; any claim opens a structured dispute thread before funds finalise.
Final settlement: Tradevine retains commission; supplier paid net; buyer's books closed. Audit log preserved forever.
Why brokers trust the anonymisation layer
Your supplier list is your most valuable asset. Tradevine masks supplier and customer identities behind anonymous codes (SUP-7733, BUY-2104) throughout the inquiry, RFQ, and negotiation stages. Identities only reveal after both parties accept the deal — meaning rival brokers can't poach your relationships by watching the platform.
The audit log records exactly when each identity was revealed and to whom. If a contact list ever leaks, the trail is traceable.
What gets anonymised
- ✓ Company names on offers
- ✓ Contact details on RFQs
- ✓ Email signatures in messages
- ✓ Logos and brand marks
- ✓ Phone numbers (until reveal)