How it works · Transaction process
From a marketplace enquiry to an agreed transaction
Use GPA to discover supply and buyer requirements. When there is a potential match, both parties need to confirm the product, agree commercial terms and document how the purchase will be completed.
Follow a clear path from interest to delivery
01 · Make a connection
Start with a matching requirement
Browse product listings or live buyer requests. Review the details and use the available enquiry or response options for an opportunity that matches your requirements or supply.
02 · Confirm the parties and product
Check who and what is involved
Confirm company details and the authority of the people involved. Establish the exact product specification, quantity, availability, origin or loading location and intended destination.
03 · Agree the commercial terms
Compare the complete offer
Agree the price or pricing formula, currency, unit, delivery basis, named port or place, timing and payment terms. Clarify which costs each party is responsible for before accepting an offer.
04 · Record the agreement
Document responsibilities and conditions
Set out the agreed terms in the transaction documents. Include product specifications, quantity tolerances where applicable, required documents, inspection arrangements, payment conditions and delivery obligations.
05 · Coordinate execution
Follow the agreed inspection and payment steps
Arrange the inspections, document checks, payment steps and logistics specified in the agreement. Their sequence depends on the agreed transaction structure. Resolve discrepancies before proceeding to the affected next step.
06 · Complete and reconcile
Confirm delivery and outstanding obligations
Confirm the delivered quantity and quality against the agreement, reconcile the required records and complete any outstanding obligations. Raise discrepancies using the process agreed between the parties.
Agree these details before proceeding
| Area | What both parties should confirm |
|---|---|
| Counterparties | Legal company names, authorised representatives and relevant company information. |
| Product & quantity | Specification, quality parameters, quantity, unit and any agreed tolerances. |
| Price & payment | Fixed price or named benchmark formula, pricing period, currency, unit, payment method and payment conditions. |
| Delivery & logistics | Delivery basis, named port or place, schedule and each party’s transport and handling responsibilities. |
| Inspection & documents | Who performs inspection, when and where it occurs, required documents and how discrepancies are handled. |
| Completion | Acceptance criteria, remaining obligations and the agreed process for resolving issues. |
Understand the role of the marketplace
GPA listings and buyer requests help participants identify possible trading opportunities. An enquiry, saved listing or posted request does not by itself complete a purchase. The parties still need to confirm the offer and agree the transaction terms.
This page describes a general transaction workflow. It does not provide a payment service or promise escrow, inspection, delivery or transaction guarantees. Confirm the specific arrangements and responsibilities in your agreement.
Company and product verification are separate from the commercial agreement. Review the relevant information and documents for the specific transaction, even where a profile or product carries a verification badge.
Transaction questions
Does clicking a product complete an order?
No. Opening a product or making an enquiry starts your review. A purchase requires the parties to agree and document the applicable terms.
Is there one payment procedure for every transaction?
No single procedure is specified here. Payment arrangements and the order of payment, inspection, documentation and delivery steps must be agreed for the particular transaction.
How should buyers compare offers?
Compare the same product specification, quantity, unit, location and delivery basis. Check the full pricing formula, included costs, payment conditions and timing rather than only the headline price.
Who arranges inspection and logistics?
The parties should agree who appoints the relevant providers, pays the costs and supplies the required records. Record those responsibilities before execution.
What happens if there is a discrepancy?
Record the issue, notify the counterparty and follow the inspection, acceptance or dispute process set out in the agreement. For marketplace access or listing questions, contact GPA.
Start with a clear requirement
Find matching supply or post what your business needs to buy.