# Second-source planner: dual sourcing from India, week by week

> Plan a second source in India for what you buy today: how the part is made, which Indian clusters make it at scale, and a week-by-week path to first shipment.

Source: https://sourcesquid.co/tools/second-source-planner/

Suppliers tool · free

# Second-source planner. Your backup supplier, planned.

A second source is a qualified backup supplier, often in another country, that can take over part or all of your volume if your main supplier is disrupted. Choose what you buy and this planner shows how it is made, the Indian clusters that make it at scale and a realistic week-by-week plan to your first shipment.

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Second-source planner

## Choose what you buy. See your second source take shape.

How the part is made, where India makes it at scale, and a week-by-week path to your first shipment from the new source.

I buy Investment castings (steel, stainless)Aluminium extrusion profiles, powder coatedMachined & welded assembliesTube bending & TIG-welded framesInjection-moulded plastic parts with texturesFIBC jumbo bagsCargo nets, webbing & strap kitsFilter bags & anti-static pouchesElectronics & PCB assembliesAutomotive seat covers & trimPlastic pallets & returnable packagingBrass & metal home décorKnitwear & T-shirtsHome textiles, towels & rugsLeather goods & footwear

### How it is made

### Where India makes it

[See every cluster in the Atlas](https://sourcesquid.co/india-atlas/)

### Your first shipment

[Ready to start? Get a free second-source brief in 48 hours](https://sourcesquid.co/start/?from=second-source-planner)

**Saved.** Want a copy in your inbox or on WhatsApp as well? Optional.

How it works

## Three steps. One clear answer.

  1. 01

Choose the product family you buy today from the list.

  2. 02

Read the process chain and the Indian clusters that run it at scale.

  3. 03

Use the timeline to plan the brief, audits, samples, pilot lot and first shipment.

Method and sources

Process chains and clusters come from the SourceSquid India Atlas. The timeline is a typical plan from our projects: brief and RFQ in week 1, factory shortlist by week 2, audits by week 3, then samples, a pilot lot with inspection and the first shipment, about **12 weeks** in total. Parts that need new tooling (moulds, dies or patterns) add a tooling phase and take about **16 weeks** ; transferring your existing tool saves about four weeks. Real timings depend on part complexity, approvals on your side and the factory's capacity.

Results are estimates to support your decisions. For binding figures, ask our team or your customs broker.

Second-source planner questions

## Straight answers.

Anything else, ask us directly. A principal replies, not a bot.

[anirudh@sourcesquid.co](mailto:anirudh@sourcesquid.co)

### What is dual sourcing?

Buying the same part from two qualified suppliers, usually with a split such as 70/30. It protects supply against disruption, tariffs or quality issues and gives you a real price benchmark.

### How long does it take to set up a second source in India?

About 12 weeks from brief to first shipment for parts without new tooling, and about 16 weeks when a mould, die or pattern must be made. Transferring an existing tool usually saves around four weeks.

### Can I move my existing tooling from China to India?

Often, yes, if you own the tool and it suits the new factory's machines. Check tool ownership in your contract, the tool's condition and remaining life, and plan a trial run before the move.

### Should the second source get a share of volume from day one?

A small, steady share keeps the second source qualified and responsive. Many buyers start at 10–30% after the pilot lot and adjust once quality and delivery are proven.

Use it with

## Tools that work well together.

[Suppliers**India cluster finder** An industrial cluster is a town or district where many factories make the same kind of product, sharing skilled labour, suppliers and know-how, such as Rajkot for castings or Tiruppur for knitwear.](https://sourcesquid.co/tools/india-cluster-finder/)[Suppliers**Supplier health check** A supplier health check is a structured screen of a new factory's identity, capability and working style before you order samples or tooling.](https://sourcesquid.co/tools/supplier-health-check/)[Suppliers**RFQ builder** A request for quotation (RFQ) is the document a buyer sends to suppliers to get comparable prices for the same specification, quantities and terms.](https://sourcesquid.co/tools/rfq-builder/)[Cost**Landed cost** Landed cost is everything you pay to get a product to your warehouse: the factory price plus freight, insurance, import duty, customs fees and local charges.](https://sourcesquid.co/tools/landed-cost/)

From numbers to factories

## Turn this result into a free teardown.

Send one drawing, photo or quote. A principal returns how it is made, where it is made best and a realistic target price, free, in 48 hours.

[Get my free teardown](https://sourcesquid.co/start/?from=second-source-planner)[Talk to a principal](https://sourcesquid.co/contact/)